Host an Event

Since 1885, the National Building Museum has been the stage for Washington, D.C.’s most elegant events. Explore five magnificent, historic spaces available for your seated dinner, reception, concert, or meeting.

Request an Event

The National Building Museum does not partner with private organizations who rent the facility to host their events, nor do we discriminate based on lawful private event content. As a museum within a federally owned historic building, we do not endorse the views of unaffiliated organizations and allow groups from across the political spectrum to rent our facilities.

Beautiful Spaces for your Next Event

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The Great Hall

Available 7 days a week

Space for up to 2,000 guests

Three adjoining courts that can be used individually or together

Capacity for large-scale stagings (film, video, music, lighting)

Onsite prep kitchen with adjacent loading dock

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Pension Suite (1)

Pension Commissioner’s Suite (Second Floor)

Space for 110 seated, 200 standing

Two historically preserved rooms

Catering staging area

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Auditorium

Auditorium (Ground Floor)

Up to 150 guests theatre-style or 100 at round tables

Equipped with full audiovisual capabilities

Podium, stage, and screen

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Beverly Willis Library (Fourth Floor)

Available exclusively to Corinthian and Capital Society Members

Open during business hours

Meeting space for up to 20

Boardroom-style table, TV monitor, conference phone

Corinthian Lounge

Corinthian Lounge (Third Floor)

Available exclusively to Corinthian and Capital Society Members

Open during business hours

Meeting space for six

Two laptop work stations with internet, refrigerator

EarthCam Live Image of the Great Hall

Celebrate Your Child’s Birthday at the Museum

Provide an unforgettable birthday at the Museum for your children and their friends! Birthday parties at the Museum are 1.5 hours long and for children ages 3-8 (depending on theme). There is one morning (10am-11:30am) and one afternoon (1:30 pm-3pm) slot available on select Saturdays and select Sundays. Parties are a National Building Museum membership benefit and are available only to Family-level members or higher. 

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