The Allen Center

Welcome to The Allen Center  - a state-of-the-art facility with rental spaces available for cultural and community social events. Owned and operated by the Newton Cultural Alliance (NCA), the facility currently hosts offices for four cultural organizations and has rental space for meetings, rehearsals, and performances for NCA members and visiting artists along with a small works art gallery, social space, and ample outdoor event space. With its rich history, picturesque grounds, and newly renovated spaces, the Allen Center is the perfect place to host your cultural or social event. Read more about the history and preservation of the building here.

About the Facility

The Allen Center building is fully ADA accessible. Approved parking is available for 26 cars, including two handicapped spaces, with additional parking available in municipal lots and in a local private lot during the evening and on weekends. The new geothermal HVAC and ventilation system provides advanced air circulation, air conditioning, and heat. The facility also has two catering kitchens available for use by approved caterers and organizations. A member of the NCA staff will be on-site for the duration of all activities.

See the Allen Center spaces available for rent below. Each may be rented separately or they may be rented together up to a capacity of 120. Tours of the Allen Center for prospective renters are available by appointment – please email operations@newtonculture.org to schedule a tour.

You can submit a Rental Inquiry through this Google Form.

Please note: Availability, capacity, and other safety regulations are subject to change per state and local COVID regulations.

Spaces Available

Great Hall

The Great Hall offers 1550 sq ft of multipurpose performance and gathering space. It also includes access to the adjacent Lobby (400 sq ft) and the Gallery on the lower level (950 sq ft).

Amenities included with rental:

  • Capacity: 120 with audience style seating
  • 65" TV monitor on rolling cart with HDMI cable
  • Steinway Model A Piano (Tuning available for additional fee with ample notice)
  • Use of the green room on lower level
  • Large carriage doors that open to the patio
  • Complimentary guest WiFi

Art Gallery

Included in the rental of the Great Hall is our roughly 950 sq. ft of gallery space and adjacent lobby on the building’s lower level. Beginning in the fall of 2021, the gallery will be hosting rotating small works exhibits showcasing local artists, which will provide the ideal backdrop for a pre-show drink, mingling during intermission, or reception. The catering kitchen on this level features a half-door perfect for serving drinks and concessions.

Historic Classroom

The Historic Classroom, adjacent to the Great Hall offers 670 sq ft of adaptable gathering space with original built-in bench seating and access to the Lobby (400 sq ft). Amenities included with rental:

  • Capacity: 50
  • 65" TV monitor on rolling cart with HDMI cable
  • Complimentary guest WiFi

Recital Hall

The Recital Hall offers 500 sq ft of intimate, salon-style performance/gathering space. It also includes access to the adjacent Lobby (400 sq ft). Amenities included with rental:

  • Capacity: 40
  • 65" TV monitor on rolling cart with HDMI cable
  • Steinway model M piano (Tuning available for additional fee with ample notice)
  • Complimentary guest WiFi

Lobby

The bright and inviting lobby is included in the rental of the Great Hall, Historic Classroom, and Recital Hall. The space features high ceilings with exposed beams original to the historic structure and is accessible from both main entry points (Webster St driveway and Cherry St parking lot). It is the perfect place for a “box office” for ticket sales, event check-in and registration, or gathering space before or after a performance.

Patio and Small Garden

This lovely outdoor space is suitable for social events, receptions, and small acoustic performances. The brick patio space is roughly 1,634 sq ft and is adjacent to a small garden/lawn space, with easy access to the Great Hall, lobby, and parking lot. Amenities included with rental:

  • Three round patio tables, with umbrellas (optional)
  • Six patio chairs with cushions
  • Two Adirondack chairs
  • Complimentary guest WiFi

Parlors

The Allen Center also has multiple parlor spaces of roughly 275 sq feet each of meeting space for up to 11 people. These parlors are on the first floor of the historic home section of the building, and provide a comfortable, private environment for Board meetings, individual or small-group music lessons, and more.

Amenities included with rental:

  • Capacity: 11 people per parlor
  • 65" TV monitor on rolling cart with HDMI cable
  • Tables and chairs
  • Complimentary guest WiFi

 

Rental Terms and Fees

Please note that the final terms and conditions of the rental may differ from what is listed here and will be discussed in full with prospective renters prior to finalizing a reservation. A complete listing of policies, fees, restrictions, and rules will accompany the final written agreement sent by NCA staff.

Your reservation for the space is confirmed only with payment of a rental deposit and when a rental agreement has been completed and countersigned by NCA staff. Renters who notify NCA in writing 15 days in advance that they wish to cancel the event, will receive their total rental deposit back. The bill must be paid in full 15 days in advance, or the event will be removed from the rental schedule.

NCA is dedicated to the spirit of equity and inclusion as exemplified by Nathaniel Allen's 19th century progressive, multi-racial, co-ed school. Initiatives that support education, anti-racism, and social justice may receive special price consideration. Additionally, discounts are available for NCA Members and Friends of the Allen House.

 

Rate Structure

Space Cultural Event Rate Social/Fundraiser/Community Event Rate
Great Hall (Lobby and Gallery included) Rehearsals, recordings, meetings (up to 4 hours*): $250

Additional hour or fraction thereof: $60

Performances (up to 4 hours*): $600

 Inquire for rates- see notes below
Historic Classroom (Lobby included) Rehearsals, recordings, meetings (2 hour min): $50/hour Inquire for rates
Recital Hall (Lobby included) $75/hour Inquire for rates
Parlors $50/hour Inquire for rates

* including setup and strike

A few notes about rentals at The Allen Center (TAC):

  • For social/fundraiser/community event rates: these will be dependent on whether food and beverage are to be served, number of guests and the nature of the event overall.
  • All rental periods are calculated with time before and after for TAC staff to set up and strike our equipment. Generally this extends most events by 2 hours.

Additional Fees

  • Security Deposit: Amount dependent on final rental fee
  • Cleaning/Maintenance: $100
  • Piano tuning (if applicable)
  • Audio engineer for use of TAC equipment

Rental Guidelines

By submitting a space rental inquiry you are indicating that you have read, understand, and intend to adhere to the Nathaniel Allen Center Rental Guidelines. If you have questions regarding these guidelines, please include them in your inquiry.

 

Google Form For Rental Inquiries
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