Event Hosting

The Ewing Cultural Center includes three entities located at 48 Sunset Road in Bloomington, Illinois. These entities are the Ewing Manor, the Theatre at Ewing, and the Genevieve Green Gardens. All three properties are privately owned by the Illinois State University Foundation.

Hazle Buck Ewing left Ewing Manor to the ISU Foundation through an estate gift at the time of her death in 1969. The facility is a host to many different types of events throughout the year. The Theatre at Ewing was built in 2000 as a permanent home to the Illinois Shakespeare Festival. The Genevieve Green Gardens were completed in 2007. The gardens were created from a generous estate gift from Bruce Green to the ISU Foundation to build a garden to honor his beloved wife, Genevieve.

Bookings for events/meetings can be made with a minimum of two weeks’ notice. It is recommended that you contact the Ewing staff as early as possible. Reservations will be taken if the facility is available.

The number of guests depends on type of event and location of the event in the Manor.

Ewing Cultural Center is committed to providing a safe and enjoyable venue for educational, public, cultural, entertainment, and social events. Individuals who choose to consume alcohol are responsible for their behavior and for following Illinois State University procedures and policies.

Alcohol may be served according to state and local, Bloomington, IL, regulations. A licensed and insured vendor must pour all alcohol. The vendor must provide a copy of their liquor license, insurance and BASSET certificates of those pouring.

Guests may not provide or bring alcohol to the Ewing property.

A list of both caterers and vendors is available upon request, however, you may use any providers of your choice. Caterers and vendors not on the list are required to meet with the Ewing staff in advance of signing contracts to make sure they understand the unique facilities and to provide their certificates of insurance, food permit and, if applicable, alcohol requirements. Ewing staff has the right to refuse an unapproved vendor if they do not meet the standards required to serve on the property.

Fees are based on length of event; four hours is the minimum rental rate. Rental fees may be obtained by calling the Ewing Cultural Center (309) 438-6333.

Your fee provides you access to the Manor's main floor & lower level, and the Genevieve Green Gardens on the day of your event. For indoor events Ewing provides tables, chairs, tablecloths, conference phone, projector and projection screen. Outdoor events must contract with a tent vendor for tables, chairs, linens and all items required for your event.

Parking for everyone is at St. John's Lutheran Church just across the street from the pedestrian entrance of Ewing Manor at the corner of Emerson Street and Towanda Avenue (it is unsafe for your guests to cross Emerson Street at any other location). You should inform your guests the Church's street address for electronic directional assistance-- 1617 Emerson Street, Bloomington, IL 61701.

Persons with disabilities have access to handicapped parking at St John's Lutheran Church. If they wish, they may be dropped off in the driveway of Ewing Cultural Center located at 48 Sunset Road. The drive is located on the east side of Sunset Road. Once the party is dropped off, the car can be parked across the street until pick-up is needed. If handicap access is needed by the driver, they may park in the courtyard or driveway if those areas are not being used for the event. If those areas are being used, arrangements can be made with the Ewing Cultural Center staff.

The outdoor restrooms are accessible. There are steps involved to enter the Manor as well as to reach the indoor restrooms. As with many properties of this age, there are many uneven surfaces and steps. Please inquire if any specific accommodations are needed.

Yes, all Ewing properties are smoke-free, including the Genevieve Green Gardens and the Courtyard. This includes smokeless tobacco and electronic cigarettes.

You are welcome to visit the Genevieve Green Gardens at your convenience; the grounds are open to the public daily. After you have reviewed the information on our website and are familiar with our policies, please call (309) 438-6333 or email Ewing@IllinoisState.edu to schedule an appointment. Our business hours are from 8:30 am - 4:30 pm Monday - Friday.