Rent Thurber Center

ABOUT THURBER CENTER

Located in a rare quiet pocket in the heart of downtown Columbus, Thurber Center is a modern two-story multipurpose facility adjacent to Thurber House, James Thurber’s historic home on Jefferson Avenue.

Thurber Center can accommodate conferences, meetings, classes, workshops, training sessions, receptions, parties, retreats, auditions, rehearsals, and more. A full kitchen and audiovisual equipment are available, as well as lawn and garden space, and tours of adjacent Thurber House.

Jefferson Avenue's scenic elliptical park and dozens of mature trees make it easy to forget that you are literally seconds from access to Route I-71. We offer ample free parking options for all of your guests.

To inquire about renting Thurber Center, please contact thurberhouse@thurberhouse.org or 614-464-1032.

CLICK HERE FOR RENTAL RATES

Thurber Center — 91 Jefferson Avenue, Columbus, OH 43215

THURBER CENTER AMENITIES

Thurber Center rentals include access to:

Wi-Fi
Tables and chairs
Podium
Screen and projector
TV
Sound system
Full kitchen with refrigerator, microwave, oven, and sink
Dishware and utensils
Covered front porch
Outdoor sculpture garden between Thurber Center and Thurber House
Lawn space
Wheelchair ramp for handicap access to the first floor
Restrooms

FAQ

Do you have any catering restrictions? Rental groups may use any caterer they wish. All of our rooms are food/drink-friendly, and all rentals include use of our full kitchen. Renters wishing to serve alcohol must comply with the liquor policy outlined below.
Do you offer any rental discounts? Nonprofit groups receive a 25% discount with proof of nonprofit status.
Can I hold an event in your space that charges an admission fee? Yes, absolutely. The exception is that you may not sell alcohol or charge an alcohol cover to your guests.
Do you have a minimum rental length? There is no minimum rental length on weekdays (Monday through Friday). There is a two-hour minimum rental length on weekends (Saturday/Sunday).
What is your liquor policy? Renters are permitted to serve alcohol free of charge to adults of legal drinking age, provided that the event is a private, invitation-only function that is not open to the general public. No alcohol may be sold and no alcohol cover may be charged, under any circumstances. No alcohol may be served to minors below the legal drinking age, and no alcohol may be served if the function is open to the general public (even if the liquor is free of charge), under any circumstances. Renter accepts all responsibility for complying with liquor laws, and must purchase alcohol from a licensed carryout permit holder.

PARKING

On Jefferson Avenue: Easy street parking is available all along the Jefferson Avenue oval. Parking is free, with a three-hour limit, between 8:00 am–6:00 pm. Parking is free, with no time limit, after 6:00 pm and all day on Sundays. Note: only the spots along the one-way oval are free; the spots along the two-way ends of Jefferson Avenue (near Broad Street and Long Street) are not free.
Off 11th Street (behind Thurber House): Free visitor parking is available in the small lot directly behind Thurber House, accessible off 11th Street and located here. There is no time limit as long as you are visiting Thurber House. All other parking lots do not belong to Thurber House and you may be towed.

TOURS OF THURBER HOUSE

The historic Thurber House is located next door to Thurber Center. Built in 1873 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Thurber House is the former home of James Thurber, one of the foremost American humorists of the 20th century, known for his quirky, whimsical, and relatable characters and themes. Thurber House has been restored to the way it looked when the Thurber family lived in the home from 1913–1917, complete with wallpaper, antique furnishings, and preservation of the woodwork.The home is filled with Thurber artifacts, memorabilia, antique furnishings, and informational panels and photographs about the family and James Thurber’s life and career.

Guided and self-guided group tours of Thurber House are available. Tours can last anywhere from 30–60 minutes, depending on your group’s schedule. All large group visits require advance reservation. Click here to learn more about visiting the Thurber House Museum.