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A stage-facing shot of the Ondaatje Lecture Theatre from the upper balcony level.

Lectures

Our evening lectures package includes exclusive use of our charming Ondaatje Lecture Theatre with state-of-the-art audio visual equipment, alongside the nearby Map Room to host your VIPs for a stunning reception.

Event spaces

  • Our renowned Theatre is fully equipped with award-winning AV systems to deliver your lecture, talk or film screening. The Theatre has a a maximum capacity of 700 seats split across the ground floor and balcony, but equally works well for smaller groups. We can offer flexible set-ups on stage from a stand alone lectern, to formal table to relaxed armchairs for interview style.
  • Included in the package is the nearby Map Room which can accommodate up to 150 standing for a special VIP reception. Alternatively, it can be used as space for a pay bar facility on a first-come first-served basis, (once the bar area reaches 150, new guests will be directed into the Theatre).
  • For a larger VIP reception or pay bar space, the Main Hall and Education Centre can be added on to your package, which combined with the Map Room can accommodate a total of 450 standing (150 per room).
  • Events frequently organise a mix of VIP reception space and pay bar space so please do get in touch and we can find the best option for you.

We offer our evening hire slot to host lecture events, as well as a half day afternoon should you wish to extend your timings or organise rehearsals.

A bar set-up in the Map Room with champagne glasses for a formal reception.
漏 Matt Chung Photo
  • A bar set-up in the Map Room with champagne glasses for a formal reception.
  • A formal reception set-up in the Map Room with warm evening lighting.
  • A side-shot of the Ondaatje Lecture Theatre with dark lighting.
  • A stage-facing shot of the Ondaatje Lecture Theatre with blue lighting.
  • A side-shot of the Ondaatje Lecture Theatre from the front rows of seats.
  • Poseur tables with floral arrangements and candles set-up for a drinks reception in a grand main hall.
  • A close-up shot of wine glasses set-up on a formal bar.
  • Poseur tables set-up for a formal reception in the Education Centre.
  • The exhibition road street sign on the brick wall of the Royal Geographical Society.
  • View from the balcony in the Ondaatje Theatre at the Royal Geographical Society. A presentation slide is projected on the screen and says 'Welcome to the Roayl Geographical Society'.
  • The Ondaatje Theatre at the Society with a screen that says welcome to the Royal Geographical Society.

Audio and visual

  • The Theatre includes our standard AV set-up of Panasonic laser projector, lectern with microphone, sound system, laptop and presentation clicker.
  • We can also provide a number of table microphones, lapel and handheld microphones, depending on the number of technicians booked for your event.
  • Our adjustable RGB lighting system can be tailored to your event and our balcony lights can be switched off for smaller groups.
  • With four in-house 4k video recording cameras, our Theatre is also well-equipped for live streaming should you wish to add on one of our hybrid event packages.

Catering

Catering for your event can be organised with the Society鈥檚 exclusive partners Lodge Catering. With decades of experience and knowledge, the team provide a complete service from enquiry through to your event day.

Accessibility

There are two spaces in the Ondaatje Lecture Theatre allocated for wheelchair users and a ramp can be provided for speakers to access the stage. There are a set of steps on the ground floor of the venue, but a stair lift can be made available. If you have any accessibility requirements for your event, please get in touch with the Venue Hire team or visit our accessibility information page.

Looking to make your event special?

The Society is home to one of the world鈥檚 finest geographical Collections with over two million items, including maps, photographs, books, documents, paintings, and artefacts, spanning 500 years of geography, travel and exploration. Why not make your event even more special and give your guests the opportunity to discover some of our fascinating items with a private view package?

Get in touch with our team

A close-up of glassware and tableware on a formal banquet table in a grand main hall.

Catering

Lodge offer a variety of flexible menu options to choose from.

A shot of the garden of the Royal Geographical Society with Lowther Lodge in the background.

Virtual tours

Take a virtual walk inside our venue.

A formal reception set-up in the Map Room with warm evening lighting.

Venue hire FAQs

Have a query about venue hire? Read some of our most frequently asked questions.

People walking along Exhibition Road outside of the Society's entrance.

Contact venue hire

Contact the venue hire team on 020 7591 3090 or email venuehire@rgs.org, or fill in our contact form if you're interested in hiring our venue.