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Weddings

Attributes highlighted by couples

Quality catering
Unique aesthetic style
Guests comfort
Amenities

About this vendor

Michelle Rinard
Michelle Rinard
Events Director

71 years in business

We speak English

2 team members

Located in Chicago, Illinois, the International Museum of Surgical Science is a historic lakefront mansion and museum venue that hosts weddings and other remarkable occasions. This luxurious building offers a sumptuous backdrop for milestone events. You can hold your wedding celebrations in a truly opulent atmosphere for this key chapter of your love story.

Facilities and Capacity

Your festivities can avail of all four floors of this landmark venue. Up to 100 guests can join you for your ceremony and seated reception while up to 200 guests can enjoy a cocktail reception. An intimate ceremony can be hosted in the stunning Hall of Immortals, the evocative Hall of Murals, or the exquisite second-floor Library. The splendor of this mansion is visible in the Italian marble fireplaces and floors, gorgeous walnut walls, and brass fixtures. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer majestic views of Lake Michigan, while the walls on all four floors are adorned with historic pieces. This building features an elevator and two indoor ramps along with a wheelchair-accessible entrance for the convenience of all of your guests.

Services Offered

Wedding service with the International Museum of Surgical Science includes two staff members on hand during your festivities. They will coordinate with your vendors, greet your guests, offer informal guidance about the Museum, and provide parking validation for nearby public parking lots. Venue staff can advise you about approved vendors and approve plans for decor and votive candles. Event rentals available include a podium, wireless microphone, projector, and screen. For an additional fee, tables and cushioned banquet chairs are available on-site for up to 80 guests.

History

This refined and storied building harks back to the early twentieth century and the majesty of Chicago’s historic Gold Coast neighborhood. In 1917, Eleanor Robinson Countiss orchestrated the construction of this building as a home for herself and her family. The Eleanor Robinson Countiss House was designed by architect Howard Van Doren Shaw and based on the 18th-century French chateau Le Petit Trianon. In the early 1950s, the House entered the ownership of Doctor Max Thorek and the International College of Surgeons. 1954 saw the building reopen as the International Museum of Surgical Science, then designated a historic building in 1988.

Pricing information

$2,000 starting price $2,000 starting price
$5,000 average price
Reception
$2,000 starting price
Ceremony
$2,000 starting price

Availability

No availability details yet

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FAQ

Do you have a site fee for wedding receptions at your venue?

Yes

What is the starting site fee for wedding receptions during peak season?

$2,000

What is the starting site fee for wedding receptions during off-peak season?

$2,000

Do you have a site fee for wedding ceremonies at your venue?

Yes

What is the starting site fee for wedding ceremonies during peak season?

$2,000

What is the starting site fee for wedding ceremonies during off-peak season?

$2,000

Which of the following are included in starting site fee?

Bridal Suite

How many event spaces or rooms does your venue offer?

20

Describe your venue:

Historic Building
Mansion
Museum

What kind of settings are available?

Indoor
Covered Outdoor
Uncovered Outdoor

Which of the following wedding events does your venue service?

Ceremony
Reception
Bridal Shower
Engagement Party
Elopements
Rehearsal Dinner

What event services do you offer?

Event Rentals
Get Ready Rooms
Wifi

What event items are available?

Audio Equipment
Chairs
Furniture
Lighting
Tables

What transportation and access is available?

Wheelchair Access

Still have questions?

Reach out about anything you didn't see answered here—no question is too small!

Wedding couple

Reviews of International Museum of Surgical Science

Weddingwire
5.0/5 4 reviews
Google
4.5/5 1384 reviews
S
Simge Sent on 10/24/2024
5 out of 5 rating

Amazing intimate wedding ceremony experience

Michelle and Lisa did great job from the beginning in terms of planning and organizing. They patiently answered all my questions and made sure everything was perfect for me. During the wedding day Lisa was on site and she was very helpful. The venue itself is amazing as well. The hall of immortals is a magical room to get marry, especially if you are a doctor/scientist and a bit nerd :) our photos from the day look awesome. You do not need that much decoration too because the venue itself is like it is predecorated. Everything is so elegant. Your guests can visit the museum during the event too, which our guests really enjoyed. If you are looking for a small wedding ceremony with family and some friends and want to go budget friendly without compromising the elegance, this is the place. I am so happy that i got married here and will recommend all my friends planning to get married :)
Leo
Leo B. Sent on 06/10/2023
5 out of 5 rating

Phenomenal venue!

The International Museum of Surgical Science (IMSS) was such a great wedding venue! Phenomenal value (much lower than e.g., a hotel conference room) and location just off lakeshore drive. Our ceremony in the Hall of Immortals was so beautiful.

You get the WHOLE MUSEUM to rent out! We had about 60 guests and fit very comfortably throughout.
R
Regina Sent on 03/26/2018
5 out of 5 rating
We had our reception at the International Museum of Surgical Science on October 13th 2017. The entire process of planning our wedding was made super easy in the months leading up to our wedding. I worked with Justina and Michelle, who were a great help in getting information and setting up a time for me to do a walk through of the museum. Justina gave me the tour of the venue, providing information on past weddings and events that helped me to envision what our reception would be like. Anytime I had questions after our initial consultation, she gave me thorough answers. A little bit before our wedding, Justina no longer worked at the museum and Michelle took over her position. Michelle reached out to me personally to introduce herself. Justina communicated all of my information to Michelle prior to her departure, so I never felt like we were starting over again with our planning. The day of the wedding, everything went off without a hitch. We got rave reviews from our guests about the museum – they loved the décor and architecture. Everyone had so much fun looking at all the exhibits. Overall, we had a wonderful experience and we would definitely recommend the International Museum of Surgical Science for any event!
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Awards

4
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Team

Michelle Rinard
Michelle Rinard
Events Director
Lisa
Lisa
Atkinson

Professional Network & Endorsements

Skyline Orchestra Skyline Orchestra Wedding Bands

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