Host an Event at NMAAHC

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Overview 

  • We are presently unable to accommodate events of a personal nature i.e. weddings, birthday parties, retirement parties, etc.
  • All events must conform to the Smithsonian Institution and NMAAHC event rental policies.
  • To secure a date on the museum calendar, please review the SD 401 Policy and SD 401A, complete the Application for Use form for review and approval, sign a memoranda of agreement and return it with a non-refundable rental deposit.
  • Special events should not interfere with the normal visitation or work of the museum.
  • There are no parking facilities at the NMAAHC.
  • The NMAAHC is not responsible for any disruptions that may occur due to mechanical difficulties, facility emergencies, construction, or unanticipated events beyond the museum’s control.

Please refer to the pdf files below for full text of policy and guidelines.

Virtual Site Visit

Jump to: Heritage Hall; Concourse Atrium; Oprah Winfrey Theater; L2; L3; L4; Solomon Brown Suite and Bank of America Terrace

Application for Use of the Smithsonian Institution National Museum of African American History and Culture

All organizations wishing to host a function at the Museum must submit an application to the NMAAHC Office of Special Events for approval. The organization hosting the event or an event manager acting on behalf of the organization may submit an application. This application does not guarantee use of space.

Application for Use

 

 

Picture of the outside of Heritage Hall. Tables and chairs are setup in front of the entrance.
Alternate shot of Heritage Hall entrance. A serving cart with drinks is setup to the far side of the room. Tables are seated in a semicircle. Three security guards are visible in the background to the far left.
Long table with placements in front on Sweet Home Cafe.
Outside shot of Heritage Hall. Tables are setup for dinner. Strobe lights give the room a purplish blue tint.
Setup of glass tables and chairs on the lower level of NMAAHC. Room is illuminated by blue and purple lights.
four lounge chairs setup around a glass coffee table in the lower atrium of NMAAC
Tables setup in the main lobby of NMAAHC. Wall behind main desk reads "National Museum of African American History and Culture"
Three servers in foreground setting up table. Numerous empty wine glasses on table stretching into distance.
Main Atrium of Museum. There is a circle of light shining over a fountain and the wall immediately behind reads National Museum of African American History and Culture

Heritage Hall

Entry Level

seating area set up inside Heritage Halllarge formal seating arrangement inside Heritage Hallsmall formal seating arrangement inside Heritage Hall

 

 

Highlights 

  • Main level of the museum
  • Scenic view of National Monument
  • Convenient access to Museum Shop and all museum galleries
  • Floor-to-ceiling window walls
  • Reception Capacity: 1500 guests
  • Seated Dinner Capacity: 400 guests

Concourse Atrium

small seating in the concourse atriumlarge seating in the concourse atrium

 

 

Highlights

  • In close proximity to the Oprah Winfrey Theater, Sweet Home Café and History Galleries
  • Unique Monumental Staircase Design feature anchors the space
  • Contemplative Court: a water- and light-filled memorial area that offers visitors a quiet space for reflection
  • Seated Dinner Capacity: 300 guests
  • Reception Capacity: 350 guests

Oprah Winfrey Theater

Concourse Level

Oprah Winfrey Theater stage area with large group on stageOprah Winfrey Theater stage area with one speaker at the podium and an on-screen presentationOprah Winfrey Theater seating area

 

 

Highlights

  • Capacity: 350 guests
  • State-of-the-art cinematic screen and sound
  • Features aesthetics of museum exterior Corona Panels

Corona Level Gallery Balconies

(L2, L3 and L4)

Corona Level Gallery Balconies with tablesCorona Level Gallery Balconies with bar set up

 

 

Highlights

  • Unique opportunity to experience the galleries after-hours
  • Views of the National Mall
  • Available for bars and passed hors d'oeuvres only, limited seating
  • L3 Reception Capacity: 80 guests
  • L4 Reception Capacity: 125 guests
  • L3+L4 Reception Capacity: 300 guests

Solomon Brown Suite & Terrace

Solomon Brown Suite and Terrace with small, high table topsSolomon Brown Suite and Terrace with round tables with seating for six at each table

 

 

Highlights

  • Unparalleled view of the National Monument
  • Intimate indoor/outdoor event space
  • Suite Reception Capacity: 75 guests     
  • Suite Seated Dinner Capacity: 60 guests
  • Terrace Reception Capacity: 200 guests 
  • Terrace Seated Dinner Capacity: 60 guests

Contact The Special Events Team

Call 202-633-4969 | Email Us

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