Hatfield Marine Science Center

Caren Ford Phillips Auditorium (GVMS AUD): Located in the Gladys Valley Marine Studies Building, this auditorium offers theater-style seating with mounted seats, plus bench seating and spaces for wheelchairs. The auditorium includes open floor space that can accommodate additional seating with chairs and tables. The space is available for film screenings, lectures and performance events. Food and non-alcoholic drink are allowed if it is prearranged with the Meeting Room Coordinator. Hatfield staff must be hired to be on duty during the event for any non-Hatfield event.

Availability: You can book this space up to three months in advance.

Equipment: There is a room computer (PC) with internet access at a podium that projects onto a large projection screen in the front of the room. The room is equipped with a camera and microphone for web conferencing. A HDMI connection is available for a laptop (adapters not included). Free wireless available, including access to wireless presentation feature.

Capacity: Approximately 250 people. There are 200 built-in seats, plus bench seating for 44 people and six spaces for wheelchairs. Additional chairs can be added to the open floor space. The group renting the auditorium is responsible for making sure the maximum capacity is not exceeded. People are not allowed to stand in the aisles, at the back of the room, or at the entrance doors.

Hennings Auditorium (HMSC HAUD):  The Hennings Auditorium is inside our Visitor Center, which is open to the public most days of the year. The public is allowed free access to any event taking place in the auditorium during Visitor Center hours. Theater-style with a small stage, the auditorium can be used for film screenings, lectures and performance events. Food and drink are not allowed. If you rent the auditorium outside of Visitor Center hours, Hatfield staff must be hired to be on duty during the event. 

Availability:  You can book the auditorium up to six months in advance. The Visitor Center is open to the public from Labor Day to Memorial Day from 10 am to 4 pm Thursday to Monday and Memorial Day to Labor Day from 10 am to 5 pm daily. This space is only available for private events when the Visitor Center is closed to the public.

Equipment: Full projector booth, large wall screen for presentations operated by a laptop with internet, web camera and microphone for interactive web conferencing, a podium with microphone, and auditorium lighting and audio systems. 

Capacity: Maximum capacity is 136 (134 seats plus two spaces for wheelchairs). The group renting the auditorium is responsible for making sure the maximum capacity is not exceeded. People are not allowed to stand in the aisles, at the back of the room, or at the entrance doors.

Hatfield Visitor Center (HMSC VC):  Part aquarium, part learning laboratory, part museum, the Hatfield Visitor Center is dedicated to showcasing scientific exploration. The Center creates a unique environment for special dinners and events. You may serve food and drink if it is prearranged with the Meeting Room Coordinator. Fees apply for Hatfield staff on duty (required), and for IT and facilities support. Requests for alcohol service must be submitted to the Director’s office at least one month in advance, as special approval processes are required by OSU.

Availability:  You can book the Visitor Center up to six months in advance. The Visitor Center is open to the public from Labor Day to Memorial Day from 10 am to 4 pm Thursday to Monday and Memorial Day to Labor Day from 10 am to 5 pm daily. This space is only available for private events when the Visitor Center is closed to the public.

Capacity: Approximately 80 people seated at banquet and round tables.

Gazebo (HMSC GAZE): The gazebo is located outside the housing units. It is a covered patio space with six picnic tables.

Availability: You can book this space up to three months in advance. This area is heavily used by housing residents and has limited availability for other uses. Available only for OSU/Hatfield groups and co-located partners.

Capacity: 36 at picnic tables. Additional tables can be added outside the gazebo on the grass.

Gladys Valley Marine Studies Building Alcove: The alcove is the space outside the Gladys Valley Marine Studies Building between the auditorium and the southwest entrance to the building, across from the library.

Availability: You can book this space up to three months in advance, but it cannot be reserved for exclusive use during business hours. This space is a common area of the GVMSB and has limited availability for other uses. Available only for OSU/Hatfield groups and co-located partners.

Equipment: Some bench seating, fire pit*

Capacity: TBD

* Note: Designated Campfire Location reservations must be scheduled and sanctioned by HMSC Operations. To inquire about the Designated Campfire Location use and pertinent policy information email hmsc_scheduling@oregonstate.edu.

Staff Lounge (HMSC LNGE): The lounge is located in the main building behind the Visitor Center. Food and drink can be served here if it is prearranged with the Meeting Room Coordinator. This space cannot be reserved for exclusive use during business hours. 

Availability:  You can book this space up to six months in advance, but it cannot be reserved for exclusive use during business hours. 

Equipment: Fireplace, two microwaves, one range with oven, dishwasher, coffeemaker, sink, and patio with four picnic tables.


Capacity: 30 at round tables. Two more round tables can be added to increase seating to 42. Additional seating for 24 outside on the patio.