Special Events Facilities

The Truman Presidential Museum & Library offers some of the area’s most prominent and prestigious venues for meetings and special events. The renovated facilities offer entertainment versatility that is unique, with a variety of spaces to meet your event needs. In addition, guests are enriched and inspired as they visit the museum and learn more about the remarkable life of America’s 33rd president. The museum’s Benefactors Special Exhibition Gallery hosts regularly changing exhibits that will offer a new experience to your guests with each visit.

From our lush and beautifully manicured grounds to our elegant and dignified interior, the Truman Presidential Museum & Library has a variety of facility options to accommodate groups of 10 to 1,000. With easy access, security, free parking and our professional events staff to assist you, the planning for your event has never been easier. We look forward to welcoming you for your next event. For additional information, available services and preferred providers, please contact
the Library’s Special Events Department at (816) 268-8375.

Museum Main Lobby The expansive main lobby of the museum is an exceptional setting for dinners, special addresses and receptions. The 495 square foot mural entitled “Independence and the Opening of the West” by renowned artist Thomas Hart Benton serves as a colorful and impressive backdrop.	Room Size: 1,473 square foot Capacity: Sit-down dinner: 80 Standing reception: 150 General Availability: 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Rental Rate: $1500
Atrium Through a wall of glass, the atrium offers a view of the museum’s beautifully landscaped courtyard.Weather permitting, the courtyard patio is available for your guests’ pleasure.	Room Size: 1,612 square foot Capacity: Sit-down dinner: 80 Standing reception: 150 General Availability: 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Rental Rates: $100 per hour. Evenings: $600 5:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
WhistleStop Room This dignified setting directly adjacent to the Atrium can be used as a stand alone space for receptions or dinner parties or in conjunction with the Atrium for an expanded space. The WhistleStop Room can also be set theater or classroom style for speakers or educational programs.	Room Size: 1,230 square foot Capacity: Sit-down dinner: 80 Standing reception: 150 Classroom: 50 Theater: 90 General Availability: 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Rental Rates: $ 65 per hour Evenings: $600 5:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
Independence Room The Independence Room serves as a more intimate space for board meetings, lunches or seminars. This room can be used in conjunction with the Atrium space for larger functions.	Room Size: 632 square foot Capacity: Sit-down dinner: 36 Theater seating: 50 Boardroom: 24 General Availability: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Rental Rates: $35 per hour Evenings: $300 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
White House Decision Center These new and unique areas consist of eight “West Wing” meeting rooms and a Press Room. Each room is equipped with a conference table and comfortable seating for eight. The “West Wing” walls can be removed to create four rooms, each of which accommodate twenty. The White House Decision Center is conducive to corporate planning meetings, board meetings and seminars. The Press Room is suitable for meetings, cocktail receptions and sit-down dinners.	Room Size: Press Room: 953 square foot Four “West Wing” Rooms: 408 square foot Capacity: “West Wing” Rooms: 20 Press Room: Sit-down dinner: 45 Cocktail Reception: 70 Theater: 70 Class room: 45 General Availability: 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Rental Rates: $500 Four "West Wing" Rooms: 408 square foot $150 each $300 minimum for facility usage
Theater The theater can accommodate business and entertainment oriented events. The theater has comfortable seating and offers a wide range of audiovisual capabilities.	Capacity: Theater seating: 52 Restrictions: No food or beverage General Availability: 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Rental Rate : $350
Auditorium The 305 square foot stage of the auditorium has the versatility to accommodate musical performances, prestigious award ceremonies, educational presentations or addresses from the chairman of the board. For additional entertainment at your special event, arrangements can be made for a special screening of videos and films from the Truman Presidential Museum & Library collection.	Capacity: Theater seating: 239 Restrictions: No food or beverage General Availability: 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Rental Rates: $ 750
Museum and Grounds For larger functions, the Truman Presidential Museum & Library grounds are available. The well groomed lawn is a perfect venue for the annual company picnic.	Room Size: As listed Capacity: 1-500 General Availability: 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Rental Rates: $5,000 1-500 $500 each additional 100 guests By special arrangement
Special Programs The Library offers a variety of special programs for your consideration. These programs are educational as well as entertaining. For a nominal fee our professional staff will speak on a variety of "Truman" related topics. This is a great way to personalize your visit and enhance your special events. Thomas Hart Benton, Harry S. Truman and Independence and the Opening of the West; Planes, Trains and Automobiles, Truman Places, and Truman and the Rich & Famous are a few of the options. These programs are presented by the Library's archivists and offer a special insight into the life and times of Harry S. Truman. For information contact the Special Events Department at (816) 268-8375.
"Thomas Hart Benton, Harry Truman and the Opening of the West" Archivist Raymond H. Geselbracht explores the relationship between Harry Truman and artist Thomas Hart Benton. Also examined are the research and compositional methods that Benton used to create the museum's mural "Independence and the Opening of the West" The program is illustrated with many photographs of Benton and Truman and the drawings that Benton made during the creation of the mural.
"Planes, Trains & Automobiles" Most commonly known as the walking man, President Truman utilized a variety of modes of transportation. Archivist David Clark presents a riveting presentation of Harry S. Truman's transportation that will appeal to audiences of all age.
The Love Story of Harry and Bess Truman He first saw her in Sunday school at the age of six. "She had golden curls and…beautiful blue eyes, "he recalled. The graduated from high school together in 1901, but went their separate ways until becoming reacquainted nine years later in 1910. The Harry Truman began his first and longest campaign…to win the heart of Bess Wallace. This is the story of their love and devotion to each other, as told through the letters they exchanged over their nine year courtship and fifty-three years of marriage.
Truman and the Rich & Famous Truman Library archivist David Clark draws on the Library's audiovisual and manuscript holdings to showcase President Truman's association with famous entertainers, politicians and athletes including Jack Benny, Groucho and Harpo Marx, Bob Hope, Lyndon Johnson, John F. Kennedy, Richard Nixon, Babe Ruth and Mickey Mantle.	The White House Decision Center Take on the role of the President Truman or one of his advisors as you face an actual crisis from President Truman's Presidency. The White House Decision Center is suitable for adult groups up to six to sixty-four. The program is available evenings and weekends based on availability. More than 1,000 adults from private business, government agencies, Elderhostel's, Universities, civic groups and the Military have enjoyed this innovative, challenging exponential program. The WHDC serves as a great team building exercise at a modest cost.
Catering We do not have in house catering facilities, but we do have a preferred catering list with a variety of price ranges to choose from. Outside caterers are allowed once they have met the Library’s approval process. At your request, we will be pleased to provide you with a listing of our preferred catering providers.
Special Events Department 500 West U.S. Highway 24 • Independence, MO 64050-1798 (816) 268-8375 • Toll free 1-800-833-1225