About the 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.
Types of Rentals
These large event spaces 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, pending availability. The building can be rented for up to two days including load-in and load-out.
The following types of rental events are authorized at the Smithsonian Arts and Industries Building:
- Fundraising galas for organizations with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status
- Private business meetings
- 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
- Weddings are limited to six per calendar year and not more than one per month
- Trade shows and conferences
Reserve Space
For more information on renting the Arts and Industries Building 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 Arts and Industries Building, 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 Arts and Industries Special Events Policy. By signing the application, the renter has agreed to comply with the policy.
Upon request, the Office of Special Events and Protocol will provide a list of vendors 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.
