About Kemerer Museum

The Kemerer Museum of Decorative Arts occupies three interconnected mid-1800s homes in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and is Pennsylvania's only decorative arts museum, one of just fifteen such institutions nationwide. Founded in 1954 through the bequest of Annie S. Kemerer, the museum houses her personal collection of Pennsylvania German textiles, Bohemian glass, and a 200-piece wedding china set, displayed alongside period rooms and rotating exhibits of furniture, paintings, and silver across two floors. Its grounds include gardens designed by Scott Rothenberger's PLACE, featuring stainless steel sculptures by Bethlehem native Skip Kralik. For private events, the museum offers art, textiles, and history as a backdrop for small, intimate gatherings such as weddings, anniversary celebrations, rehearsal dinners, and baby showers, as well as corporate celebrations. Guests can move between the two-floor art exhibit and an outdoor patio area, and the museum can also serve as a cocktail hour site following a small ceremony at the nearby Moravian Museum's Saal.

Amenities

A/V Equipment
Coat Check
Handicap Accessible
Kosher Kitchen
Media Room
Pet Friendly
Pool
Street Parking
Valet Parking
WiFi
Windows
Dance Floor
Breakout Rooms

Outside suppliers allowed

FAQs 13

What are the rental client's responsibilities?: Renters must arrange tenting for all outdoor events and contract a caterer, bar, and server staffing from Historic Bethlehem's Required Vendors list. Renters also procure supplies such as tables, chairs, place settings, glassware, and linens from Required Vendors if not rented through the venue, and any other vendors (florists, photographers, musicians) not on the Preferred Vendors list must provide a certificate of insurance.
How much is the deposit, when is it due, and is it refundable? What is the payment plan for the entire bill?: Available dates are not guaranteed until payment is received. Deposits are typically 50% of the full price and are required at booking, with the remaining balance and a refundable security deposit due 90 days before the event. Rental payments, aside from the refundable security deposit, are non-refundable.
Do you have required Caterers/Vendors?: Historic Bethlehem offers a list of Required and Preferred Vendors to aid renters. All catering, tenting, and rentals must be selected from the Required Vendors list.
What about DJs, Florists, Photographers, Planners, etc.?: The Preferred Vendors list contains reputable companies familiar with Historic Bethlehem's sites. If a needed service isn't on that list, the renter may use an outside vendor with prior approval from the Manager of Visitor Experience, provided a certificate of liability insurance naming Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites as additional insured is submitted at least four weeks before the event. Event planners are highly encouraged.
For large events, what is the timeline for set-up and tear-down?: Renters are provided 2-4 hours of set-up time depending on the venue, typically scheduled between 9am and 5pm, covering vendor delivery, decorating, and rehearsals. Staff do not set up or break down events; renters are responsible for teardown and removing all belongings. Weddings and receptions run up to 5 hours, ending by 10pm, with 1 hour for cleanup afterward.

Map

427 N New St, Bethlehem, PA 18018, USA

Kemerer Museum

About Kemerer Museum

About Kemerer Museum

Event Spaces 3

Cocktail Garden

Chapel Garden

Museum and Garden

Pricing Packages

Amenities

FAQs 13

Map

Follow Us

Event Spaces 3

Cocktail Garden

Chapel Garden

Museum and Garden

Pricing Packages

Amenities

FAQs 13

Map

Follow Us