Multipurpose Lower Hutt Corporate Venue

The Dowse Art Museum has venues to cater for events large and small, with flexible meeting rooms and break-out spaces, on-site catering and more.

The Dowse Art Museum is made up of multi-purpose event spaces placed around an enclosed outdoor courtyard. The spaces can be configured in a multitude of ways to cater for anything from a staff workshop for 20, a formal lecture for 80, or a 120-seat dining/reception area.

Our friendly team is happy to discuss any special requirements you may need. We are liquor-licensed and AV equipment is available, including free WiFi.

James Coe 1 is the largest of our spaces with a high ceiling, great acoustics and access to the Courtyard.
Approximately 116m²
Standing: 120
Theatre style: 110
Workshop style: 80

James Coe 2 is a smaller room that can be fully enclosed or used as a break-out space to complement James Coe 1. It has beautiful natural light, with large glass sliding doors to access the central Courtyard. The floors are varnished wood.
Approximately 72m²
Standing: 70
Theatre style: 60
Workshop style: 30

The James Coe Centre consists of James Coe 1 and 2 together. A moveable wall links these two spaces together.
Standing: 200
Theatre style: 150
Workshop style: 100

The Foyer is a large reception area, perfect as an addition to James Coe 2 for evening events. It has access to the Courtyard and is bright and spacious. Due to our opening hours, the foyer can only be used after 5PM, but this makes it great for cocktail-style events.
Approximately 106m²
Standing: 100
Theatre style: 70

The James Coe Centre and Foyer can be used together as one big space, perfect for large cocktail-style events, receptions and dinners.
—STANDING: 300
—FISHBONE STYLE: 150

The Meeting Room is an intimate, well-lit space. With walls suitable for projection and space for whiteboards and flipcharts, it’s perfect for smaller meetings with minimal catering.
Approximately 25m²
—BOARDROOM STYLE: 12

Contact us today to discuss your meeting.