Host an Event at the Smithsonian Castle

Exceptional events in an iconic setting

castle_exterior_with_tulips_1_-_asw_4-2016.jpgThe 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 seated dinners, receptions, breakfasts, and luncheons. The Castle includes three distinctive indoor spaces and an adjoining garden for outdoor evening events. Corporations and organizations supporting the Smithsonian with a contribution may celebrate their gift by co-sponsoring a special event in this stately building.

Event Spaces

castle floorplan

The Castle

 

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

commons hall with tables

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 daytime or evening use.

Seated Capacity: 120
Standing Capacity: 160

hall with tables

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

Note: capacities vary depending on changing exhibitions.

great hall with tables

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

Smithsonian Building with tulips.

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: 300
Standing Capacity: 400

Special Events Policy

Smithsonian Castle Schermer Hall

Thank you for your interest in the Smithsonian Castle! 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 Castle. The Smithsonian has final approval in the selection of all vendors.

Download Smithsonian Special Events Policy »

Download Adobe Reader for PDF files at get.adobe.com/reader.

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