Host an Event at the Arts and Industries Building

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 reopened 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.

Smithsonian Office of Special Events and Protocol
Phone: 202-633-2020
Fax: 202-633-2023
Email: smithsonianevents@si.edu

Mailing Address
1100 Independence Avenue, SW
Suite 3160, MRC 713
PO Box 37012
Washington, DC 20013-7012

Office Location
1100 Jefferson Drive, SW
Suite 3160, MRC 713
Washington, DC 20560

Arts and Industries Building Street Address 
900 Jefferson Drive, SW Washington, DC 20560

Thank you for your interest in the Arts and Industries Building! Corporations and organizations that support the Smithsonian with a contribution may celebrate their gift by co-sponsoring a special event in this landmark building. Special events that are not permitted include events of a personal nature (e.g., weddings, birthdays, bar mitzvahs), fund-raising events for non-Smithsonian organizations, and events of a partisan, political or religious nature. Admission fees, cash bars, ticket sales, raffles and the promotion or display of commercial products is prohibited. The Smithsonian reserves the right to decline events that are not in keeping with its mission.

Upon request, the Office of Special Events and Protocol will provide a list of vendors whose insurance certificates are currently on file and who are familiar with the procedures and guidelines of working in the Arts and Industries Building. The Smithsonian has final approval in the selection of all vendors.

Download Smithsonian Special Events Policy »

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