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Open every day 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

National Museum of African Art - Smithsonian Institution

Host Your Event

The renowned Smithsonian National Museum of African Art is the premier venue in the nation showcasing the diverse, rich, and artistic dynamism of Africa. With an unparalleled collection of 12,000 works of art—including the Walt Disney-Tishman African Art Collection—the National Museum of African Art provides the perfect setting for that professional meeting, executive retreat, conference, evening reception, or dinner!

Entire Museum

Situated on the National Mall in Washington, DC—paces from the Washington Monument and Smithsonian Castle—the National Museum of African Art sits among some of the nation’s most iconic landmarks. Guests will feast their eyes on stunning works of traditional and contemporary art from across African and the diaspora in a warm and inviting atmosphere. From alcoves filled with handcrafted gold pieces to sinuous wood and stone sculptures, the National Museum of African Art will offer your guests a luxurious and cosmopolitan experience they will not soon forget!

Our expert events management team is available to assist you with all your event logistics, including suggesting caterers, arranging audio-visual services, or accommodating your media needs. Each of the museum’s three floors is accessible by elevator and stairs. The museum is adjacent to the blue, orange, and silver lines at Smithsonian Metro station; street parking is available off Independence Avenue.

For more information about hosting an event at the museum, contact Doneisha English at englishd2@si.edu or 202.633.2796.

rental space web brochure

Evening Event Spaces

These spaces are available for evening events only. They can be used independently or in conjunction with the museum’s other spaces. The mezzanine has an adjacent space that can be staged for catering.

Pavilion

Pavilion

  • Up to 120 individuals for a seated dinner
  • Up to 200 individuals for a standing reception

Mezzanine

First floor

  • Up to 80 individuals for a seated dinner
  • Up to 100 individuals for a standing reception

When used in conjunction with the pavilion during an event, this space can be utilized as a separate VIP or reception space with a distinctive overlook affording a beautiful view of our permanent collection.

Pavilion, mezzanine, and remaining museum spaces can be combined to accommodate a standing reception for up to 750 people.

Day or Evening Meeting Spaces

These spaces are available for both day and evening meetings and events. All have Wi-Fi and full audio-visual hook-ups. Adjacent rooms can be staged for catering.

Lecture Hall

Lecture Hall

  • Up to 90 individuals with lecture-style seating
  • Up to 80 individuals for a seated dinner

Executive Conference Room

Executive Conference

  • Up to 16 individuals with boardroom-style seating

Education Conference Room

Education Conference

  • Up to 16 individuals with boardroom-style seating

    Contact us!

    Please complete the National Museum of African Art Event Overview form so that our events management team may best address your specific needs. Please email the completed form to Doneisha English at englishd2@si.edu.

    Organization (required)

    Contact (required)

    Address (required)

    Telephone (required)

    Your Email (required)

    Is your organization a

    Non-profitCorporationEmbassy

    Event Details

    Date:
    Please enter the date in this format (YYYY-MM-DD or 2013-04-08). Failing to do so will generate an error.
    Time:
    Number of attendees:

    Set up needs

    Meeting roomsAudio-visualFood and beverage

    Event Specifications

    Please provide description in the box below of the event that outlines the following information:

    Purpose and desired outcome of the event
    Audience
    Fundraising and Media
    --will you be fundraising at the event?
    --will there by media coverage of the event?
    Agenda and speakers (including topics to be discussed/covered)

    Please enter the letters and/or numbers in the box below: captcha

    Information about available meeting space at the National Museum of African Art may be obtained by calling 202.633.2796 or emailing Doneisha English.