Book Your Event at Dyer

Our scenic grounds and versatile indoor-outdoor spaces are ideal for meetings, celebrations, fundraisers, and other memorable gatherings.

Outdoor event space at Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory with a large tent, round tables, hanging star decorations, and forest backdrop, set for a formal gathering.

Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory is an exceptional venue nestled atop one of Nashville's highest hills. Dyer's nine acres of verdant grounds feature a unique facility that easily accommodates personal and corporate functions such as retreats, concerts, dinner parties, award banquets, and fundraisers. A beautiful domed library and access to spacious front and backyard plazas offer stunning views. The grounds can accommodate tents for large outdoor gatherings and staging areas for concerts. All proceeds from rentals support Dyer’s mission of offering educational and cultural offerings to the community.

Dyer Observatory is available to rent from March through mid-December. All rentals include tables and chairs for 150 guests.

Featured Venue Spaces

Observatory Library

The observatory library stylishly hosts retreats, workshops, receptions, and lectures, and is equipped with audio/visual functionality. Adjacent to the library, guests have access to numerous unique exhibitions about astronomy on the observatory's main floor. The library can be configured for a lecture, dinner, or cocktail party—with setup included in your rental. The catering area, just out of sight of guests, provides ample room and drive-up access for your event’s catering staff.

Interior view of Dyer Observatory library during an event, elegant catering setup in foreground, with a view a large model of the Hubble telescope overhead
View of Dyer Observatory library with large model of Hubble telescope overhead

Covered Patio

The spacious, covered brick patio sits next to the library, providing a flexible space to expand for larger gatherings and a scenic view.

Table with flower centerpiece during a Dyer Observatory event under the tented patio
Outdoor event space at Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory with a large tent, round tables, hanging star decorations, and forest backdrop, set for a formal gathering.
Outdoor evening event under a tent with string lights, projected galaxy patterns, and a stage featuring a live performance.
Elegant outdoor event setup under a tent with string lights, round tables, potted centerpieces, and wooded backdrop.
Evening Opera on the Mountain performance under a tent with colorful lighting and a seated audience at Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory.
Evening Opera on the Mountain performance under a tent with colorful lighting at Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory.

Venue Capacity

  • Dinner seating: 80 persons with eight 60″ round tables
  • Theater-style seating: 100 persons
  • Standing: 120 persons with high-top cocktail tables
View Library Layout

Additional Amenities

Dyer Observatory is home to the historic 24” Seyfert Telescope, which has pointed to the sky since 1953. A guided tour of the Seyfert Telescope (with viewing, weather permitting) and time with a staff educator will leave an impression on your guests. Inquire about adding a viewing to your rental.

A child and an adult at Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory viewing through the large Seyfert telescope
Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory Director Billy Teets operating the Seyfert telescope

Request a Rental

For more information, please contact our Special Event Coordinator, Helen Morisette.

All site visits require an appointment.

Traditionally the observatory is closed December-February due to maintenance and the high probability of cancellations due to inclement weather. Dyer Observatory’s hilltop is a few degrees cooler than below, and even a slight shower that presents no problem in Brentwood, may make our road treacherous.

If you’d like to schedule an event at Dyer knowing that you might need an alternative location if the weather turns inclement, we’d be happy to make arrangements.