Rent Thurber Center

THURBER CENTER AMENITIES

All Thurber Center rentals include:

• Wi-Fi

• Tables and chairs

• Podium

• Screen and projector

• TV (Algonquin Room and New Yorker Room rentals only)

• Sound system

• Full kitchen with refrigerator/freezer, microwave, oven, sink, and coffee maker

• Dishware and utensils

• Covered front porch

• Outdoor sculpture garden between Thurber Center and Thurber House

• Wheelchair ramp for handicap access to the first floor

• Restrooms

• Free parking

FAQ

• Do you have any catering restrictions? Rental groups may use any caterer they wish! All of our rooms are food/drink-friendly, and all rentals include use of our full kitchen. Renters who want to serve alcohol must comply with the liquor policy outlined below.

• Do you offer any rental discounts? Nonprofit groups receive a 25% discount with proof of nonprofit status.

• Can I hold an event in your space that charges an admission fee? Yes, absolutely. The exception is that you may not sell alcohol or charge an alcohol cover to your guests.

• Do you have a minimum rental length? There is no minimum rental length on weekdays (Monday through Friday). There is a two-hour minimum rental length on weekends (Saturday/Sunday).

• What is your liquor policy? Renters are permitted to serve alcohol free of charge to adults of legal drinking age, provided that the event is a private, invitation-only function that is not open to the general public. No alcohol may be sold and no alcohol cover may be charged, under any circumstances. No alcohol may be served to minors below the legal drinking age, and no alcohol may be served if the function is open to the general public (even if the liquor is free of charge), under any circumstances. Renter accepts all responsibility for complying with liquor laws, and must purchase alcohol from a licensed carryout permit holder.

PARKING

• On Jefferson Avenue: Easy street parking is available all along the Jefferson Avenue oval. Parking is free, with a three-hour limit, between 8:00 am–6:00 pm. Parking is free, with no time limit, after 6:00 pm and all day on Sundays. Note: only the spots along the one-way oval are free; the spots along the two-way ends of Jefferson Avenue (near Broad Street and Long Street) are not free.

• Off 11th Street (behind Thurber House): Free visitor parking is available in the small lot directly behind Thurber House, accessible off 11th Street and located here. There is no time limit as long as you are visiting Thurber House/Thurber Center. All other parking lots do not belong to Thurber House and you may be towed.

TOURS & RENTALS OF THURBER HOUSE

The historic Thurber House is located next door to Thurber Center. Built in 1873 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Thurber House is the former home of James Thurber, one of the foremost American humorists of the 20th century, known for his quirky and relatable characters and themes. Thurber House has been restored to the way it looked when the Thurber family lived in the home from 1913–1917, complete with wallpaper, antique furnishings, and preservation of the woodwork.The home is filled with Thurber artifacts, memorabilia, antique furnishings, and informational panels and photographs about the family and James Thurber’s life and career.

Guided and self-guided group tours of Thurber House are available. Tours can last anywhere from 20–60 minutes, depending on your group’s schedule. All large group visits require advance reservation. Click here to learn more about visiting the Thurber House museum.

Interested in renting the historic Thurber House for a photoshoot, small gathering, or ghost investigation? Please contact us at thurberhouse@thurberhouse.org or 614-464-1032 for more details, options, and rates.

THURBER CENTER FLOOR PLAN

PHOTOS OF THURBER CENTER and Exterior Spaces