The Big Rock Theater, adjacent to the entrance lobby, is the Aquarium’s auditorium and primary performance venue. It has a seating capacity of 150. Equipped with a large-screen AV system, it is ideal for small-scale performances, formal presentations, meetings and lectures. Rental of the Big Rock Theater includes access to the Aquarium’s main entrance lobby and restrooms only. The Big Rock Theater is seasonally available for daytime rentals. Please inquire with the Special Events Coordinator for more details.

Required Security Deposit (*Refundable): $100

Fee: $220 per hour
• Note that rental time covers set-up, event and clean-up time.
photo credit: Scott Taylor Photography

Soundside Hall is the Aquarium’s multi-purpose area – lecture hall, banquet/luncheon room, retreat facility and small-party site – recommended for 125 or fewer guests. Located off the Piedmont Gallery and overlooking beautiful Bogue Sound, this spacious room measures approximately 37’ x 50’ and features a high cathedral ceiling, a working fireplace, an adjoining wooden deck, AV systems and a full-featured catering kitchen. Please have two greeters; one stationed at the main entrance, the other at the entrance to Soundside Hall.
• Note that rental time covers set-up, event and clean-up time

The Big Rock Theater, adjacent to the entrance lobby, is the Aquarium’s auditorium and primary performance venue. It has a seating capacity of 150. Equipped with a large-screen AV system, it is ideal for small-scale performances, formal presentations, meetings and lectures. Rental of the Big Rock Theater includes access to the Aquarium’s main entrance lobby and restrooms only. Other galleries and exhibits are closed to this venue. Refreshments can be served in the lobby entrance area. The Big Rock Theater is seasonally available for daytime rentals. Please inquire with the Special Events Coordinator for more details.

Required Security Deposit (*Refundable): $100

Fee: $220 per hour
• Note that rental time covers set-up, event and clean-up time.
photo credit: Scott Taylor Photography

Rental of Freshwater Galleries plus Soundside Hall includes access to the Aquarium’s main entrance lobby, Mountain and Piedmont Galleries, Soundside Hall, Soundside Hall deck and the catering kitchen. Other galleries and exhibits are closed to this venue. Soundside Hall is a perfect ceremony site, lecture hall, banquet room and retreat facility, recommended for 125 or fewer guests. Located just off the Piedmont Gallery and overlooking beautiful Bogue Sound, this spacious room measures approximately 37’ x 50’ and features a high cathedral ceiling, a working fireplace, an adjoining wooden deck and AV systems. Rental also includes assistance from the Special Events Coordinator, Housekeeping and Aquarium Security.
Recommended for parties of 125 or fewer.
Note that rental time includes set-up, event and clean-up time.
The Aquarium is a public venue until 5:30 p.m. Event set-up in public galleries can begin at 5:30 p.m.

photo credit: Lee's Photography

Rental of the Saltwater Galleries includes access to the Aquarium’s main entrance lobby, Big Rock Theater (as needed), the Salt Marsh Boardwalk and three exhibit galleries -- the Coastal Plain, Tidal Waters and Ocean Galleries. The Ocean Gallery includes the 306,000-gallon Living Shipwreck as well as the Sportfishing Gallery and the Changing Exhibits Gallery. Recommended for parties of 175 or fewer, this option includes use of the catering kitchen and assistance from the Special Events Coordinator, Housekeeping and Aquarium Security.
Minimum five-hour rental, 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
• Note that total time rented includes set-up, event and clean-up.
• The Aquarium is a public venue until 5:30 p.m. Event set-up in public galleries can begin at 5:30 p.m.

photo credit: Ellen LeRoy Photography

Entire Aquarium rental consists of all public spaces in the Aquarium, including five galleries of exhibits totaling over 30,000 square feet, the Big Rock Theater (as needed), Soundside Hall (as needed), the Salt Marsh Boardwalk and other public spaces. Recommended for parties of 125 or more, this option includes use of the catering kitchen and assistance from the Special Events Coordinator, Housekeeping and Aquarium Security.
Minimum five-hour rental, 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
• Note that rental time covers set-up, event and clean-up time.
The Aquarium is a public venue until 5:30 p.m. Event set-up in public galleries can begin at 5:30 p.m.

photo credit: Scott Taylor Photography

Tentative Hold