Host an Event in Washington, DC
With event spaces as diverse as its holdings, and stunning views of both the US Capitol and the National Mall, the NMAI in Washington, DC, is one of the city's premier event venues. The museum can host events ranging from a private dinner for 10 to a full-building rental for 3,500 guests.
To request information or book an event, please submit a Host an Event Interest Form or contact the Office of Special Events at 202-633-6982 or nmai-specialevents@si.edu.
National Museum of the American Indian
Office of Special Events
PO Box 23473
Washington, DC 20026
Event Spaces
Welcome Plaza
Guests' entry experience begins with a cascading water feature and Native plant life leading to the Welcome Plaza. Welcome your guests with hors d'oeuvres and performances as they arrive for your event. The National Native American Veterans Memorial, open to visitors 24 hours a day, is accessible from the Welcome Plaza.
Outdoor Amphitheater
Accessible from the Potomac Atrium, the Outdoor Amphitheater allows guests to enjoy the landscape during your event. Open the space for a pre-dinner reception or wind down the evening with a dessert reception beside the water feature.
Outdoor Amphitheater | Reception capacity 80 | Seated capacity 100
First Floor
Potomac Atrium
Guests enter the museum into the Potomac Atrium, the museum's main event space. Named for an Algonquian phrase meaning "where the goods are brought in," the Potomac celebrates contemporary Native culture and offers a place for receptions, awards ceremonies, programs, and seated dinners. The sweeping white walls are ideal for decorative lighting, and the space features a built-in wooden dance floor.
Mary Louise and Elmer Rasmuson Theater
With a generous stage and an intimate atmosphere, the Rasmuson Theater is a flexible space that can be used for presentations, lectures, and performances. Rental of the Rasmuson Theater includes access to the greenroom suite and two dressing rooms.
Third Floor
Third Floor Overlook
The Third Floor Overlook is an ideal setting for evening receptions, including a cocktail reception prior to a seated dinner in the Potomac Atrium. Guests have the opportunity to explore the exhibitions on this level.
Fourth Floor
Fourth Floor Overlook
A reception on the Fourth Floor Overlook offers guests access to private lounge spaces, views of the National Mall, and access to the exhibitions on this level.
Fourth Floor Overlook | Reception capacity 250 | Seated capacity 60
Patrons Lounge
The Patrons Lounge is an elegant space for a dinner, luncheon, reception, or other gathering, with unparalleled views of the US Capitol and the National Mall.
Fourth Floor Meeting Rooms
The Fourth Floor Meeting Rooms are available for daytime meetings, luncheons, and presentations. The main meeting space includes use of in-house meeting AV. For an evening event, the meeting rooms can also serve as a private lounge, an office for day-of coordinators, and a staging space for event materials.
Fifth Floor
Senator Daniel K. Inouye Memorial Terrace
Affording guests spectacular views of the US Capitol and the Washington Monument, the Senator Daniel K. Inouye Memorial Terrace is an outdoor space suitable for lunches, receptions, and seated dinners.
Policies and Guidelines
The Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, DC, can host the following types of private events:
- Private receptions for corporations, non-profits, and foundations
- Fundraising events for organizations with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status
- Personal social events for adults, such as wedding receptions, memorials, anniversary celebrations, and birthday parties for those over the age of 13
- Personal youth events, such as proms, dances, and birthday parties for those over the age of 13
- Business gatherings in non-public spaces
For additional information, please refer to the Policies and Vendor Guidelines.
