When you think of D.C., one of the first things that likely comes to mind – aside from the iconic monuments – are its rich plethora of museums. This is where the Smithsonian Institution calls its home, after all – over a dozen world-class buildings steeped in culture and history, open to the public to explore daily.
What you may not have known is that up until recently, these museums were off-limits in regards to hosting large social events such as weddings. The Smithsonian changed this policy this past spring, with a three year “trial run” at many of their buildings — thus opening the door to a whole new list of venue options for engaged couples (both literally and figuratively). In fact, a recent wedding at the Renwick Gallery – it’s first since the policy change – was featured in the Washington Post last month and looked as epic and lust-worthy as you can imagine.
Now there are of course some restrictions that apply to many, if not all, of the Smithsonian buildings when it comes to hosting events (which you can read more about at the end of this post). But in the meantime, check out some of the museums that have opened their doors to weddings and other social events in the past year, and just imagine the possibilities!
For further information on each of these locations in regards to pricing, availability, and booking, you can reach out to the Claire Duran team at hello@claireduran.com. You can also go directly to the Smithsonian Event site.
Image via Smithsonian
The National Museum of Natural History is open to the public from 10:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Therefore, evening events may begin at 6:30 p.m. for events of fewer than 300 guests with minimal set-up. For events with extensive set-up and/or larger than 300 guests, evening events may begin no earlier than 7:00 p.m. Additional charges apply for events ending after 10:30 p.m. Events must end by 11:30 p.m.
Image via Washington.org
The Smithsonian Castle is open to the public from 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. If just the Commons and Schermer Hall will be used, events may begin no earlier than 6:00 p.m. Evening events using the Great Hall with 75 guests or less may begin at 6:30 p.m. Events using the Great Hall with more than 75 guests may begin at 7:00 p.m. All events must end by 11:00 pm. All pricing includes an 8 hour package rate which includes the set-up and breakdown time.
Image via Smithsonian
All pricing includes a 14 hour package rate which includes the set-up and break-down time. Any break-down which requires additional time will be billed accordingly. Events must end by 11:00 pm.
Note: The Smithsonian Arts and Industries Building is currently closed for social events due to a year long special exhibit. It will reopen in the Spring of 2021.
Image via the New Yorker
The National Museum of African American History and Culture is open to the public from 10:00 am-5:30 p.m. Therefore, evening events may begin at 6:30 p.m.
Events should be designed for up to a four-hour time period.
Requests for morning or daytime events and or adjustments to the timing specified above will be handled on a case-by-case basis.
Extended use is an event lasting more than four hours, an unusually long or complex set-up or breakdown, or use of extra galleries or exhibits beyond what safety regulations indicate for an event of this size, or actual attendance or time beyond what was agreed.
Note: this museum currently only hosts corporate events, so weddings are excluded.
Image via Pedro Szekely
The NASM is open to the public from 10:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Therefore, most private events begin at 7:00 pm. Receptions and dinners are designed for a three to four hour time period. For events approved for a four-hour timeframe, all guests must depart the Museum by the end of the fourth hour. If additional time is requested for an event (more than four hours), or if the complexity of the setup and breakdown for an event requires additional Museum support, an estimate of additional charges will be provided before the event. These charges will be invoiced after the event.
Image via Smithsonian
The NASM is open to the public from 10:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Therefore, most private events begin at 7:00 pm. Receptions and dinners are designed for a three to four hour time period. For events approved for a four-hour timeframe, all guests must depart the Museum by the end of the fourth hour. If additional time is requested for an event (more than four hours), or if the complexity of the setup and breakdown for an event requires additional Museum support, an estimate of additional charges will be provided before the event. These charges will be invoiced after the event.
Image via Rodney Bailey
The museum is open to the public from 11:30am to 7:00pm. Evening special events can begin at 7:00pm when the museum closes to the public. The Courtyard, Great Hall and Luce Center can be closed early for an additional fee.
Image via Smithsonian
The NPM is open to the public from 10:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Therefore, events may begin at 6:00 p.m. Events must end at 11:00 p.m.
Image via Mitsitam Cafe
The NMAI-Mall Museum is open to the public from 10:00 am – 5:30 p.m. every day except December 25. Daytime events may begin at 8:00 a.m. and must conclude by 5:30 p.m. The duration of each event is based on an 8-hour event package which includes load in, event duration, and load out. Evening events may begin at 6:00 p.m. and must end by 11:30 p.m. The duration of each event is based on a 10–hour event package which includes load in, event duration, and load out.
Image via Ewing Cole
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