Host an Event at the Smithsonian Castle| Smithsonian Institution

The Smithsonian Castle is a building rich in history and grandeur, making it one of Washington, D.C.’s premiere event venues. Located on the National Mall, this elegant landmark is an ideal setting for a variety of social, corporate or non-profit events. The Castle includes three distinctive indoor spaces and an adjoining garden for outdoor evening events.

The following types of rental events are authorized at the Smithsonian Castle and Enid A. Haupt Garden:

Fundraising galas for organizations with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status (including religious organizations);
Personal social events for adults such as wedding receptions, memorials, anniversary celebrations and birthday parties.

We are unable to accommodate youth events, such as proms, dances, bar/bat mitzvahs, debuts, cotillions, quinceañeras, or birthday parties. For more information on renting the Smithsonian Castle for your next event, please contact the Office of Special Events at SmithsonianEvents@si.edu or 202.633.2020.

To reserve space for an event in the Castle, please complete an application and submit it to SmithsonianEvents@si.edu. A contract will be provided for signature once the application has been approved. The event is not guaranteed until this application is approved, all parties sign an event contract, and initial payment has been received.

Before signing the completed application, please review the Castle Special Events Policy. By signing the application the renter has agreed to comply with the policy.

Event Spaces

The Castle

The Castle includes three distinctive indoor spaces and an adjoining garden for outdoor evening events.

The Commons

Hardly common at all, this majestic space features a soaring vaulted ceiling, neo-gothic details and exhibition cases of artifacts from many of the Smithsonian’s museums and research centers.

Available for evening use.

Seated Capacity: 120
Standing Capacity: 150

Schermer Hall

Schermer Hall

This intimate, cloister-like setting is ideal for small dinners or pre-dinner cocktails.

Available for daytime or evening use.

Seated Capacity: 40
Standing Capacity: 75

Great Hall

The Great Hall of the Castle is a grand two-story space highlighted by tall windows and towering arched columns topped with ornate capitals.

Available for evening use.
Please contact us for capacities

Enid A. Haupt Garden

Host an event in this elegant formal garden, which features seasonal plantings along its paths and in a central parterre. The garden is located just outside the south door of the Castle.

Available for evening use.

Seated Capacity: 130
Standing Capacity: 150

Upon request, the Office of Special Events and Protocol will provide a list of approved vendors who are familiar with the procedures and guidelines of working in the Castle. The Smithsonian has final approval in the selection of all vendors.

Contact Us

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

Smithsonian Castle Location
1000 Jefferson Drive, SW
Washington, DC 20560