Meetings and Retreats
Widener Visitor Center
The Widener Visitor Center, built in 1888, is in the grey stone building that first served as the gardener’s cottage, carriage house, and stables. Our facility offers several rooms and set-up styles available for meetings and other daytime rentals. For food service you may choose from any of our approved caterers, who represent a variety of cuisine styles and price ranges. Our events season runs from April 1 through the end of October and dates may be booked up to six months in advance.
The building is outfitted with Central Air. Quality audio-visual equipment can be provided for your use in select locations. While Wi-Fi is available in the Center, please refer to this connection guide.
Meetings
Small meetings for up to 12 may be booked in our McLean Room conference space or up to 20 in our Classroom for durations of as little as two hours or up to 8 hours depending on availability. Tables and chairs are provided for a variety of set up configurations.
Larger meetings for up to 50 may be booked in our indoor Upper Gallery space with A/V capabilities and optional access to the McLean Room for catering set up. Spaces may be booked for timeframes of two to eight hours based on availability. Tables and chairs are provided and may be set up in a variety of layouts including boardroom, classroom, lecture, and dining styles.
Outdoor meetings for a range of sizes may be booked in the reception tent which offers flexible layout options and power outlets to set up your own a/v if desired. Meetings may be for up to 50, 50-100 or 101-150 attendees. Tables and chairs are provided and may be set up in a variety of layouts including boardroom, classroom, lecture, and dining styles. For all meetings, linens and catering may be provided through one of our catering teams.
Retreats
Planning a full day off-site with your team? Morris offers retreats for small groups under ten to larger groups of up to 50 utilizing a combination of the meeting spaces listed above. Custom rates are available per your event requirements. Contact the Rentals Team for estimates and availability.
Guided tours may be scheduled in tandem with your rental through the Education Department. Contact tours@morrisarboretum.org for tour information and booking.
Room Descriptions
McLean Room
The McLean Room is our small conference room which may host up to twelve in a boardroom style set up. The room is carpeted and includes a large whiteboard which may double as a projection screen. Space for catering is minimal and may accommodate one to two 6’ tables for set up of a coffee station or boxed lunches. A set of double doors connects the McLean Room to the Upper Gallery, and it is often rented in addition to the Upper Gallery for food and refreshments. The character of the historic building is evident in the stable windows and exposed woods beams. There’s an amazing Morris family tree on display in the room as well.
Size: 17’ x 18’
Capacity: 12
Classroom
The Classroom is located on the lower level of the Widener Visitor Center and works well for classroom style set-ups for up to 20 people. Space is available for 12 linear feet of catering tables at one end of the room. The space is equipped with a large TV monitor for presentations. The Mercer tile floor, stucco walls, exposed wood beams and French doors create a cozy, rustic ambience.
Size: 23’ x 19’
Capacity: 20
Upper Gallery
The Upper Gallery is located on the main floor of the Widener Visitor Center and is a great location for multiple meeting/retreat layouts, including audience-style, classroom, banquet or boardroom. The floors are carpeted, lights are dimmable, and the walls are lined with nature-inspired exhibits. This space includes a projector, screen and podium with microphone and the original barn door slides to create a separation from the Morris gift shop.
Size: 40’x 23’
Capacity: 50 seated at tables; 80 audience style
Widener Tent
For daytime events during the months of April through October, the Widener Tent is a great outdoor option. From this hillside vantage point behind the Widener Visitor Center, many of the Morris’s trees and other plantings serve as the backdrop. This area is adjacent to the amenities and screened for privacy. The Widener Tent is not air conditioned but cooled by ceiling fans. Windowed sidewalls are available to close the tent to protect your event from rain.
Size: 70’x 30’
Capacity: 50 – 150
Daytime Event Rates
Size: 17’ x 18’
Capacity: 12
Rate: $150/hour
Daytime hourly rate between 10 AM and 4 PM; subject to availability (2-hour minimum).
Daytime parties can only be booked up to 6 months prior to event date (subject to availability).
Size: 23’ x 19’
Capacity: 22
Rate: $250/hour
Daytime hourly rate between 10 AM and 4 PM; subject to availability (2-hour minimum).
Daytime parties can only be booked up to 6 months prior to event date (subject to availability).
Size: 40’x 23’
Capacity: 80 audience style; 50 round tables
Rate: $600/hour
Daytime hourly rate between 10 AM and 4 PM; subject to availability (2-hour minimum).
Daytime parties can only be booked up to 6 months prior to event date (subject to availability).
Size: 70’ x 30’
Capacity: 0–50
Rate: $600/hour
Capacity: 51–100
Rate: $1,100/hour
Capacity: 101–150
Rate: $1,500/hour
Daytime hourly rate between 10 AM and 4 PM; subject to availability (2-hour minimum).
Daytime parties can only be booked up to 6 months prior to event date (subject to availability).
