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The
Athenaeum

A BESPOKE EVENT RENTAL SPACE IN HISTORIC SAVANNAH

26 East Gaston Street

Experience
the
Charm
and
Elegance

The Athenaeum, known to many in Savannah as the Mills B. Lane mansion, is available for event rental. Located beside Forsyth Park, this historic property is home to Ralston College’s educational programs and weekly College events.

The Athenaeum offers a distinctive setting for corporate gatherings, private functions, community events, dinners, and receptions. Its historic architecture, generous interiors, and garden provide a range of spaces for events of different sizes and formats.

We welcome inquiries about hosting your next event at the Athenaeum.

 The Athenaeum, Ralston College Campus, Savannah

about
the
venue

Built in 1909, the Athenaeum is a distinguished Georgian Revival residence. The 14,500-square-foot mansion retains many of its original architectural details, including prominent Ionic columns, gracious proportions, and finely appointed interiors.

The first floor offers a range of event spaces, including a spacious ballroom for dinners, conferences, and receptions; an elegant formal dining room; a music parlor with baby grand piano; and an adjoining sitting room. Generous porches open onto a private courtyard, providing additional space for outdoor gatherings.

Venue
Features

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Interior
Spaces

The principal event space is a large ballroom suitable for seated dinners, lectures, conferences, and receptions.

An adjoining formal dining room seats up to 14 guests and may also be used as a smaller meeting or reception space. Additional rooms include a music parlor with a baby grand piano and a separate sitting room. Two restrooms are located on the main floor.

The property has a non-commercial kitchen that may be available to support event service, with refrigerators, freezers, and warming ovens. An adjoining butler's pantry includes a wet bar and dishwasher. Caterers should confirm specific requirements and available facilities in advance.

Courtyard
&
Outdoor
Space

The property occupies approximately one-third of an acre and includes generous porches overlooking a private courtyard with a water feature. The courtyard may be used for receptions, dinners, and other outdoor gatherings, subject to event requirements and weather.

Tables and chairs may also be available for an additional rental fee. Please inquire about inventory, pricing, and conditions of use.

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Rental
Details

Capacity

The Athenaeum can accommodate approximately:

  • 50 guests for seated events
  • 150 guests for standing receptions

Final capacity may vary depending on the event format and setup.

Security is required for events and must be coordinated in advance with the renter or event planner.

Parking

The Athenaeum does not have a private parking lot. Street parking is available in the surrounding neighborhood. Event organizers should consider transportation and parking arrangements appropriate to the size of their event.

Photo Gallery

26 East Gaston Street

Pricing & Reservations

Rental rates vary according to the nature of the event, number of guests, spaces required, and duration of use. 

A 50% deposit is required to confirm a reservation, together with a $1500 damage deposit. The remaining rental balance is due on the date of the event.

Cancellations made at least 30 days before the event are eligible for a full refund of the rental deposit.

Later cancellations may result in the partial or full forfeiture of the deposit. Additional terms and conditions may apply depending on the nature of the event.

Inquiries & Tours

For availability, additional information, including pricing, or to arrange a tour of the property, please contact: events@ralston.ac

 Scruton, Roger

“Beauty is vanishing from our world because we live as though it did not matter.”

Sir Roger Scruton