Space Rentals
Space Rentals at the Pauli Murray Center
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Please explore this page to ensure our space is the right fit for your event.
Submit the Space Rental Request form, found a the bottom of this page.
A member of our team will be in touch within 7 business days to confirm your reservation if space is available.
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As a small historic space, the Pauli Murray Center is just the right size for small meetings, presentations, and cocktail hours/mixers. We also have an abundance of outdoor space! While we’re always happy do discuss your groups needs, generally our space is best suited for these types of groups:
Group Meeting or Work Session: tables, chairs, and a projector - limited to groups of 12 or fewer people
Presentation: chairs set up in rows with a projector (no tables) - limited to groups of 25 or fewer
Indoor Cocktail Hour / Mixer: tables/chairs spaced out throughout 3 separate rooms - limited to groups of 50 or fewer
Outdoor Event: tables, chairs, and tents can be rented for an additional charge - limited to groups of 100 or fewer
Pauli Murray’s childhood home can be a meaningful space to host workshops, team meetings, retreats and other events. Space rentals are available to organizations whose mission and values align with those of the Pauli Murray Center.
The Love and Joy Room
The Love and Joy Room
Featuring an exhibit focused on Pauli Murray’s family, relationships, and community, the Love Room is our main gathering space for lectures, presentations, and group meetings. If you have AV needs such as a slideshow presentation, we recommend this space as your groups main meeting area.
Love Room Seating Capacity
Presentation-style seating (4 rows) - 25 seats
Group discussion (circle format) - 20 seats
Planning Meeting (seated at tables) - 10 seats
A/V Capabilities
Projector with audio capabilities
Wifi
Photo credit: Greyson Norcross
The Activist Room
The Activist Room
Ideal for small planning meetings and low-tech work sessions, the Activist Room uplifts Pauli’s drive to move social justice work forward. This room also showcases our main Pauli artifact - Murray’s own typewriter.
Seating Capacity
Presentation-style seating (2-3 rows) - 15 seats
Group discussion (circle format) - 18 seats
Planning Meeting (seated at tables) - 10 seats
A/V Capabilities
Limited projector and audio capabilities (you could show a movie or play background music, but cannot operate a Powerpoint presentation).
Free wifi
Photo credit: Greyson Norcross
The Identity Room
The Identity Room
The Identity Room is the hospitality hub of our space. Surrounded by exhibits exploring Murray’s intersectional identity, the space features a small kitchenette, including mini-fridge and Keurig coffee maker.
Identity Room Seating Capacity
Planning Meeting (seated at tables) - 14 seats
Presentation-style seating (2 rows) - 10 seats
Group discussion (circle format) - 8 seats
A/V Capabilities
Projector and audio capabilities are available with our mobile projector only (an additional setup fee of $150 will apply).
Photo credit: Greyson Norcross
Outdoor Space
The front lawn of the Pauli Murray Center can be transformed into festival or event space based on the needs of your group. Connect with our team to explore what is possible!
Outdoor Capacity
Outdoor event on the lawn, without tables/chairs/tents - 100 people
Outdoor event under a 20x20 tent*
Theater seating* - 65 people
Standing at cocktail tables* - 50
Seated at banquet tables* - 25
*Additional charges will apply for outdoor tent, table, and chair rentals, ranging from $1,000 - $2,000. All rentals must be coordinated by Pauli Murray Center staff. Reach out to us for a custom quote based on your needs.
Include a Guided or Semi-guided Tour to your Visit
Guided tour - a trained member of our staff will guide your group through the exhibit using stories, sharing history, and inviting your group to reflect and ask questions. A guided tour lasts between 60 - 75 minutes.
Semi-guided tour - for a briefer walk-through, we can offer a semi-guided tour experience. Our guide will provide a brief history of the Pauli Murray Center and Pauli Murray, allow folks time to explore the exhibit, and answer questions. A semi-guided tour lasts about 30 minutes.
Refreshments and Catering
Water and black coffee (keurig) are available for all indoor space rentals. A small microwave and mini fridge are also available for your use, upon request. The Pauli Murray Center does not require that you use a specific caterer, but we would encourage you to consider investing in a local business that aligns with your organizations mission and values. Some recommendations are included below!
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Sandwiches, salads, breakfast options, and more. Delivery available.
While the Co-op does not offer catering, they do have a lunch counter, including lots of seating.
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Find more ideas on Discover Durham’s black owned businesses page
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Cocoa Cinnamon (pickup/takeout orders only - no catering)
Find more ideas on Discover Durham’s women owned businesses page
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Lutra Bakery and Cafe (advanced ordering required)
Please note: Hot plates, catering candles, and open flames are not permitted inside this historic home. Hot plates and food warmers are permitted outside for outdoor events only.
Pauli Murray Center staff will handle set up and tear down of any tables and chairs you have requested for indoor events. We will also remove trash and clean the space when finished. For outdoor events, please place all trash in the receptacles behind the Welcome Center building.
Ready to Make your Request?
Questions? Reach out to us at communications@paulimurraycenter.org to inquire about renting our space.
We look forward to welcoming you soon!