Flexibility in a Venue: Muse Event Center

Completed in early September 2013, Muse Event Center is a space to fit everyone’s needs. An incredibly large venue (it can host events of 1,300 guests if needed), Muse has an open floor plan that can keep everyone together and multiple levels that can offer an added dimension to the ceremony. Add in the much-desired location of the North Loop and it seems too good to be true.

But the property has a bit of a checkered past. In recent history, the space housed the Trocaderos nightclub (from 2005 to 2009) and was riddled with noise complaints. After the club closed, the space sat empty for years receiving attention from potential buys without anything panning out. That is, until the creative minds behind Muse grabbed it. Last year, Twin Cities-based restaurateur Kam Talebi confirmed that he and his partners at Kaskaid Hospitality had reached an agreement to purchase the property. Kaskaid, the $60 million parent company to Crave, Figlio, Urban Eatery, and Union restaurants, converted the 23,000-square-foot space into the Muse Event Center.

“The vision for the redesign was to create a blank canvas that would allow each and every client to be able to transform the space into their own unique event,” says Zach Sussman, the Marketing Director. “The design is simple yet elegant allowing for clients to put their own spin on the place.”

Muse offers distinct areas for guests to enjoy. The open floor plan on the first two levels allows couples to utilize the spaces together for a larger group, or the rooms can be separated for a ceremony in one space and reception in the other. The third floor offers a private club room that is perfect for a smaller group to gather. There is also a bridal suite that offers a beautiful space to get ready for the big day.

“We don’t really differentiate between same-sex couples and everyone else—the venue is perfect for every wedding!” says Sussman. “The elegant dressing rooms with multiple bathrooms and showers, storage lockers, and vanities are definitely a hit with wedding parties. The third floor lounge is also a fun unique feature that allows guests to enjoy different event spaces and experiences within the same venue.”

According to Sussman, flexibility is something Muse offers that no other venue in town can match. The space can be utilized by groups of all sizes and can be made to feel intimate for a small group of 30 to 50 guests, or the entire space can be utilized for a giant wedding of 1000+ guests. Sectional staging allows for a variety of performances including aerialists, bands, theater productions, or the ceremony itself. Still not intrigued? Sound, lighting, and other technology enhancements are also top tier, and an in-house tech team can (and will!) handle all of the details for a hassle-free experience for the wedding party.

In a space that is available for receptions, ceremonies, rehearsal dinners, and anything else the wedding party can think of, the options seem endless. But what about all the small details that often muddle the planning process? “When you rent the space, the tables, chivari chairs, linens, and dressing room– all are included in the cost, along with the personalized service of our catering sales team and culinary experts,” Sussman says.

However, there are no quick answers in terms of pricing. “Our pricing structure is unique to each event, as we’ve found there is no ‘one size fits all’ formula for events, especially weddings,” Sussman says. “We work with every single guest to stay within their budget while exceeding their expectations.” This pricing model and flexibility is one of the most common accolades Muse has received from wedding couples, and another thing not found anywhere else in town. Sussman adds, “In a traditional industry dominated by a very few players, we’ve seen a lot of success in giving people what they want at a price they can afford.”