Bohemia Village Voice

The magnificent Durbar Hall - on hire for weddings.

Be different – get married – in an Indian palace – without leaving Bohemia. The ‘palace’ is the Durbar Hall at Hastings Museum which is now a licensed venue for civic marriage ceremonies. Originally built as the centre piece of an Indian palace for the Indian & Colonial Exhibition of 1886, the building is on two floors with a lantern roof.
The Museum is currently closed for refurbishment and will, hopefully, reopen in May 2007.  Although the hire fee has yet to be confirmed, it will probably be in the region of £225-250.  The hirer is required to complete a booking form, which  can be obtained by contacting the museum.
The Durbar Hall is used for ceremonies and seats approximately 60 people. It is carved in Hindu & Muslim style in teak & deodar cedar. Weddings are held on the ground floor where there is seating for up to 70 people. Access to the Durbar Hall is via the main entrance to the Hastings Museum & through the Long Gallery where historic paintings of the town are on display. Opportunities for photography are superb & the grounds outside the Museum can also be used. There is parking for approximately 30 cars outside the building & further space in nearby Cambridge & Falaise roads. Music is provided by the hirers.  The museum is unable to offer toast or reception facilities. All bookings are handled by Jennifer Handley who meets with the hirers to discuss the availability of dates, their requirements and arrange a final meeting to discuss their plans for the ‘big day’.
“ If you require any additional information, please contact Jen Handley, Museum Administrative Officer, Hastings Museum and Art Gallery, John’s Place, Bohemia Road, Hastings, TN34 1ET. Tel: +44 (0)1424 451152. Fax: +44 (0)1424 451133. Website: www.hmag.org.uk Direct line to Jen: 01424 781166.