Host an Event at the Arts and Industries Building

Open for Special Events

Located on the National Mall, the Arts and Industries Building is the second-oldest Smithsonian building and was the first built solely for the display of the national collections. It was completed in 1881, just in time to host a presidential inaugural ball. After structural renovations, this national historic landmark will reopen in early 2016 as an exclusive special events venue. The grand Victorian style façade invites guests into an expansive, light-filled interior, featuring four spacious halls and a soaring central rotunda. These large event spaces, available separately or together, serve as majestic settings for seated dinners, receptions and other daytime and evening special events. Evening events can also be enhanced by incorporating the adjoining Enid A. Haupt Garden. Corporations and organizations supporting the Smithsonian with a contribution may celebrate their gift by co-sponsoring a special event in this landmark building.