International Museum of Surgical Science

Raw space venue

The venue will provide just the space. You’ll bring in your own caterer and vendors.

Full wedding (ceremony and reception) pricing

Starting at $1,200

Guest capacity

Up to 100 seated guests

About this venue

The International Museum of Surgical Science is a distinctive venue for events, offering guests an elegant setting, fascinating exhibits, and breathtaking views of Lake Michigan just minutes from downtown Chicago. Few other venues in Chicago offer such an opulent setting in this beautifully preserved early 20th-century mansion. With turn-of-the-century architecture in an idyllic setting, the International Museum of Surgical Science offers an elegant and totally unique space for your special day. The Museum has many unique features, including but not limited to Italian marble floors and fireplaces, decorative cut stone and floor-to-ceiling windows with sprawling views of the Lake. The beautiful walnut walls, decorated with historic murals and statues, compliment event decor for an engaging and intimate special event. This historic mansion truly embodies the Gold Coast splendor of the early 20th century and will provide for an unforgettable occasion.

Seated guest capacity

  • 5-100

Venue type

  • Historic Estates, Mansions
  • Museums, Galleries

Venue setting

  • Indoor
1524 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60610

Our event spaces

Hall of Immortals

A breathtakingly elegant space.

This sun-filled room overlooks the sparkling blue waters of Lake Michigan. Statues of important medical figures line the walls, imparting a sense of history, elegance, and gravitas.

Guest capacity

Up to 50 Seated

Up to 100 Standing

Ideal for

Wedding ceremony, Wedding reception, Rehearsal dinner, Wedding shower, Welcome party, Farewell brunch, Couples luncheon, Baraat, Cocktail hour, Engagement party, After party, Elopement, Other

Guests often feel this space is

“Surprised and delighted”

Included in this room:

-A/V system with wireless microphone -Tile floor good for dancing

Hall of Murals

A celebration of medical history through painting.

The walls are lined with enormous paintings depicting important moments in medical history. This room adjoins the kitchen and is perfect for a seated dinner.

Guest capacity

Up to 50 Seated

Up to 100 Standing

Ideal for

Wedding ceremony, Wedding reception, Rehearsal dinner, Wedding shower, Welcome party, Farewell brunch, Couples luncheon, Baraat, Cocktail hour, Engagement party, After party, Elopement, Other

Guests often feel this space is

“Surprised and delighted”

Historic Library

A warm, walnut-paneled room lined with books.

Our historic library is cozy and inviting, with walls paneled in dark wood, glowing wall sconces, and shelves lined with historic manuscripts.

Guest capacity

Up to 30 Seated

Up to 80 Standing

Ideal for

Wedding ceremony, Wedding reception, Rehearsal dinner, Wedding shower, Welcome party, Farewell brunch, Couples luncheon, Baraat, Cocktail hour, Engagement party, After party, Elopement, Other

Guests often feel this space is

“Warm and cozy”

Included in this room:

-A/V system with wireless microphone -Moveable buffet table

Hall of Immortals

A breathtakingly elegant space.

This sun-filled room overlooks the sparkling blue waters of Lake Michigan. Statues of important medical figures line the walls, imparting a sense of history, elegance, and gravitas.

Guest capacity

Up to 50 Seated

Up to 100 Standing

Ideal for

Wedding ceremony, Wedding reception, Rehearsal dinner, Wedding shower, Welcome party, Farewell brunch, Couples luncheon, Baraat, Cocktail hour, Engagement party, After party, Elopement, Other

Guests often feel this space is

“Surprised and delighted”

Included in this room:

-A/V system with wireless microphone -Tile floor good for dancing

Hall of Murals

A celebration of medical history through painting.

The walls are lined with enormous paintings depicting important moments in medical history. This room adjoins the kitchen and is perfect for a seated dinner.

Guest capacity

Up to 50 Seated

Up to 100 Standing

Ideal for

Wedding ceremony, Wedding reception, Rehearsal dinner, Wedding shower, Welcome party, Farewell brunch, Couples luncheon, Baraat, Cocktail hour, Engagement party, After party, Elopement, Other

Guests often feel this space is

“Surprised and delighted”

Historic Library

A warm, walnut-paneled room lined with books.

Our historic library is cozy and inviting, with walls paneled in dark wood, glowing wall sconces, and shelves lined with historic manuscripts.

Guest capacity

Up to 30 Seated

Up to 80 Standing

Ideal for

Wedding ceremony, Wedding reception, Rehearsal dinner, Wedding shower, Welcome party, Farewell brunch, Couples luncheon, Baraat, Cocktail hour, Engagement party, After party, Elopement, Other

Guests often feel this space is

“Warm and cozy”

Included in this room:

-A/V system with wireless microphone -Moveable buffet table

Available services that can be provided by International Museum of Surgical Science

Services & amenities

  • Dance floor
  • Dressing room / Bridal Suite
  • Event rentals
  • Lighting/Sound
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Wifi

Transportation & access

  • Self parking - paid
  • Valet - paid
  • Wheelchair accessible

Rentals

  • Standard Chairs

Reviews

Write a review
Rating: 5.0

5.0 out of 5

2 reviews

  • IL

    Isabella L.

    Rating: 5
    •Zola
    •Incentivized review
    •Jun 21, 2026

    A hidden gem

    The IMSS is a true hidden gem. Host your wedding there before other people catch on to the secret!

  • JJ

    Jazmin J.

    Rating: 5
    •Zola
    •Jun 1, 2026

    Amazing Staff!- Wedding Coordinator Review

    This venue is gorgeous. Perfect for small-medium size weddings. Couple was able to use 2 floors as event space and guests were allowed to view the museum through the night! The staff was amazing, attentive, and experienced. As a wedding coordinator, I couldn’t asked for a better team. Made my job super easy.

Preferred vendors of International Museum of Surgical Science

Caterer
Food For Thought Catering
Rating: 5.0 (4 reviews)
Lincolnwood, IL
Caterer
Occasions Chicago Catering
Chicago, IL
Caterer
Blue Plate Catering
Chicago, IL
Caterer
Paramount Events
May, June, July, August, September, October, and November
January, February, March, April, and December
Yes, as long as it is served by the caterer.
We have onsite parking for the couple and their vendors, but not guests.
Yes, we have an accessible entrance at the side of the building as well as an elevator and single-use restrooms.
Our starting rental fee includes setup, cleanup, two venue coordinators, and onsite parking for organizers and vendors.
The rental fee is $700 per hour, and the event can be between 1 and 5 hours (between 3 and 7 hours including setup and cleanup)
Our building is located 15 miles away from O'Hare Airport. You can reach our venue by public transportation via the subway or train, or by private car or taxi. Visit our website for directions: https://imss.org/plan-your-visit/#nav
No, venue insurance is provided through your catering company.
A nonrefundable deposit payment of half the total amount is required in order to book your date. The final payment is due two weeks before the event. If you cancel, we would only be able to refund the final payment.

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