Top Washington Adult Birthday Museums

• Spaces for 90-250 Guests
• 3 Museums
• 2 Outdoor Spaces
• 3 Total Spaces

Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens in Washington, D.C. offers a breathtaking setting where history, art, and botanical beauty come together across 25 acres of landscaped grounds. Once the home of philanthropist and collector Marjorie Merriweather Post, the estate features a Georgian-style mansion filled with notable Russian and French decorative arts, along with beautifully designed garden rooms that bloom throughout the seasons. Manicured pathways, fountains, and lush terraces create a peaceful atmosphere for corporate and non-profit events. With elegant indoor spaces and stunning gardens, Hillwood provides a memorable backdrop for sophisticated events in the nation’s capital. Please note that private events, such as weddings, are not permitted.

• Spaces for 1-1,200 Guests
• 7 Museums
• 1 Ballroom
• 7 Total Spaces

The International Spy Museum boasts amazing views of Washington DC paired with the expertise of an experienced events team. Featuring the largest collection of international espionage artifacts on public display worldwide, The International Spy Museum is a truly unique and special venue to host your next event. When it comes to creating a memorable event, you need more than just a great space. The International Spy Museum's 7th floor Ballroom provides breathtaking, unparalleled panoramic views from the US Capitol to the Washington Monument and the Potomac River. The contemporary space sets the stage for a wide range of events and includes state-of-the-art technology. The landscaped rooftop terrace on the 8th floor of the International Spy Museum can accommodate events for as many as 150 for a seated meal and 200 for a reception. The terrace can be combined with the 7th floor space to host a grand event for up to 700 guests. For a true SPY experience, host up to 190 guests in the International Spy Museum's Lobby, where you can mix and mingle amongst large-scale artifacts. The Veil, located on the third floor of the Museum, is the perfect spot for a cocktail reception for up to 100 guests or an intimate dinner for up to 40 guests. The Veil is one of the most unique locations in the Museum, where stunning architecture and views create an unforgettable experience.

• Spaces for 50-200 Guests
• 5 Museums
• 5 Landmarks
• 4 Event Spaces

Experience Historic Elegance – a DC Gem Just Moments from the White House DAR Headquarters, a historic landmark in the heart of our nation’s capital, offers an array of stunning event spaces capable of accommodating gatherings both social and professional. We have several unique spaces that can be used in a variety of options to best fit your event. From networking receptions to outdoor wedding celebrations to intimate milestone affairs, DAR offers you and your guests an unforgettable destination – not to mention a spectacular view of the Washington Monument. Events at DAR not only offer beauty amidst history, but the opportunity for creating truly customized events thanks to our venues’ versatility. With your vision, this historic destination can be elevated to the modern age. Our venue is more than just a picturesque backdrop – it’s a flexible canvas awaiting your personal touch. At DAR, we cater to a wide range of events and that same historic “wow factor” that makes our venue perfect for weddings while also seamlessly translating into the corporate world. We’re here to consult with you, ensuring that you maximize the potential of each space, and create an unforgettable event for your guests. Contact our team today to schedule a site visit and see why DAR will leave a lasting impression on your next event. Join us in preserving the past while making history of your own!

• Spaces for 8-350 Guests
• 4 Museums
• 4 Landmarks
• 4 Total Spaces

Imagine spending a balmy evening chatting over cocktails in the courtyard of one of the most elegant and historic houses in the nation’s capital. Then, as dinner is announced, the stately French doors of the Decatur Carriage House open, and you are seated under the magnificent, vaulted ceilings at tables filled with candlelight before indulging in the first course of a finely catered meal. Recognized as one of the top event and wedding venues by the Washingtonian since 1999, Decatur House offers the ideal balance of historical significance and classic Washington style. Whether entertaining in the courtyard surrounded by lavish green gardens, the Carriage House with stunning vaulted ceilings, or the elegant historic parlors, Decatur House provides an unrivaled setting for your special event. For more than 180 years, the most important names in politics, business and society have gathered to celebrate and mingle in the shadow of the White House. At Decatur House, we welcome you to continue the tradition of fine Washington entertaining with your special event, holiday party, conference or wedding reception.

• Spaces for 80-300 Guests
• 1 Museum
• 1 Landmark

Host your next event at Washington, DC’s hands-on hub for play and learning! Whether you’ve been dreaming of a unique retreat, intimate cocktail hour, or playful fundraiser, bring your vision to life with a venue that will provide wonder and delight for your guests. The possibilities are endless with our nearly 30,000 square feet of interactive experiences and modern features. Discounts available for mission-aligned non profits and educational institutions, please inquire at events@nationalchildrensmuseum.org for more information.

• Spaces for 40-800 Guests
• 4 Museums
• 2 Bars
• 4 Total Spaces

Graced with grand windows, intricate ironwork, and lofty ceilings, the landmark Franklin School, home of Planet Word, is a uniquely stunning space for your most important personal and corporate events. From the moment your guests enter the letter-paved lobby, they’ll know they’re in a one-of-a-kind place, surrounded by words and language in the city founded on the written word. Get ready for your guests to be inspired by the power, fun, and beauty of words while you explore our many unique voiceactivated galleries and exhibits. Planet Word is proud to make our spaces available to all who share our mission to renew and inspire a love of words and language. The Mansard Room and Rooftop Terrace: Beautiful exposed beams, wood floors, and frescoed walls make this an unforgettable venue for meetings and celebrations of all sorts. Under a soaring mansard roof, this space can be configured for elegant dinners, performances, meeting, or receptions. A special exhibit commemorates inventor Alexander Graham Bell’s first successful transmission of a “photophone” message from the rooftop of the Franklin School. It can host programming any time of day and includes the use of our Rooftop Terrace. The Bloomberg Philanthropies Great Hall: The Bloomberg Philanthropies Great Hall is the architectural centerpiece of the Franklin School and Planet Word’s showcase venue both day and night. The 5,000-LED globe that anchors the Spoken World exhibit becomes a stunning chandelier as it rises at the touch of a button up to the towering 22-foot-high ceiling. With fourteen-foot windows overlooking Franklin Square, trompe l’oeil frescoes, and a historic proscenium, the elegant, versatile it is unlike any other event space in Washington. The Friedman Family Auditorium: This 150-seat, beautifully appointed auditorium serves as a venue for our public programming — film screenings, author book talks, educator convenings, + more. The space includes a dedicated AV booth and a greenroom.

• Spaces for 160-300 Guests
• 1 Museum
• 1 Landmark
• 1 space at this venue

ARTECHOUSE DC is an innovative landmark and permanent home for exploring the future of creativity. Elevate your event by bringing the immersive experience to new levels with either our turn key gorgeous content or create your own fully bespoke experience. Our space showcases art experiences created by emerging artists experimenting in 21st century creative tools. The venue boasts 24’ ceilings, seamless wall to wall projection surfaces, Extended Reality bar, and hyper real sound system. The venue can accommodate up to 300 cocktail style, 200 theater style, and 160 seated.

• Spaces for 80-3,800 Guests
• 4 Museums
• 4 Landmarks

Thank you so much for your interest in the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History! We are a museum event space located on the National Mall in the heart of Washington, D.C.. The museum is in close proximity to multiple area hotels, local landmarks and attractions, and within walking distance to our fellow Smithsonian Museums as well as many of the District's National Monuments. The National Museum of American History is equidistant to Smithsonian and Federal Triangle Metro Stations servicing the Orange, Blue, and Silver line.The museum is approximately 3 miles from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), and 33 miles from Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), and has extremely easy access to all local interstates and highways. For your big day, you and your guests have an opportunity unavailable anywhere else; to host an event adjacent to highly acclaimed exhibitions which tell the extraordinary stories of the American people. With multiple different exhibitions throughout the museum, we have something for every single one of your guests! Some of our most popular exhibitions include the Star-Spangled Banner; The American Presidency, First Ladies, The Price of Freedom, America On the Move, American Enterprise, and feature objects ranging from Thomas Jefferson's lap desk, Kermit the Frog, George Washington's uniform, and Dorothy's ruby slippers from the Wizard of Oz. Please visit the link to learn more about the exhibitions we currently have on view, https://americanhistory.si.edu/exhibitions/onview. We are able to offer 8 different event spaces throughout the museum, and with exclusive use you are able to utilize as little or as much of the museum as you would like! The museum can accommodate an intimate affair for 10 guests, luxurious seated dinners for up to 350 guests, and magnificent receptions for up to 3,800 guests. The first floor of the museum offers two private spaces, the Presidential Reception Suite and the SC Johnson Conference Center, as well as our Wallace H. Coulter Performance Plaza which has a built in stage and lighting available for you to use during the event. Our Performance Plaza is the perfect location to bring your guests for a live band or DJ and really get the party started! The second floor is home to Flag Hall, the central hub of the museum which boasts vaulted ceilings and a beautiful abstract flag that shimmers when lighted for events. The second floor is also home to Wallace H. Coulter Unity Square and an Outdoor Terrace which overlooks our neighbors, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and the Washington Monument. The Third Floor Mezzanine overlooks Flag Hall and is the perfect location for your guests to get away from the party but still feel involved. Just a few steps away from the Third Floor Mezzanine is our 3 West Wing which has beautifully painted murals wrapped around the entire wing and provide a fun and creative location for photo-ops! In season, the private 5th Floor Rooftop Terrace has breathtaking panoramic views of the National Mall from the Capitol Building, Smithsonian Castle, Washington Monument, and beyond! Make your event a historic occasion, and be one of the first to make your wedding story apart of American History! A team of professional events specialists is available to ensure an enjoyable and meaningful experience for both host and guests. Please contact us for more information!

• Spaces for 80-1,800 Guests
• 2 Museums
• 2 Landmarks

In partnership with Native peoples and their allies, the National Museum of the American Indian fosters a richer shared human experience through a more informed understanding of Native peoples. The Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., is a leading international museum and premier cultural destinations. This architecturally impressive facility is also ideal for entertaining and special events. With event spaces as diverse as its holdings, and stunning views of both the U.S. Capitol and the National Mall, the museum is one of the city's premier event venues. The museum is available for event rentals for corporate and non-profit organizations, personal and social events, fundraising events for 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations, and daytime meetings. The museum can host events ranging from a private dinner for 10 to a full-building rental for 3,000 guests.

• Spaces for 250-600 Guests
• 1 Museum
• 1 Landmark

The Smithsonian’s National Postal Museum is devoted to the engaging history of the nation’s mail service. The Smithsonian’s National Postal Museum showcases the largest collection of stamps and philatelic material in the world. Located adjacent to Union Station, the museum offers ease of arrival and departure for guests via cab service, metro, or bus line. The Smithsonian’s National Postal Museum is just steps away from Capitol Hill, the National Mall, and many downtown hotels, the National Postal Museum is the ideal location in Washington, D.C. to entertain. Be it wedding receptions or large corporate events, The Smithsonian’s National Postal Museum is a unique venue that is sure to leave a lasting impression on all of your guests.

• Spaces for 60-41,000 Guests
• 9 Museums
• 9 Landmarks
• 10 Outdoor Spaces

As a year-round event venue, Nationals Park offers unique private event experiences, both during the season while the team is on the road and throughout the offseason! From business meetings and holiday parties, to fun team outings and client appreciation, the ballpark offers a wide variety of event spaces and enhancements. With over 20 indoor and outdoor spaces in the ballpark, your guests will have the experience of a lifetime!

• Spaces for 50-2,000 Guests
• 9 Museums
• 9 Landmarks
• 12 Total Spaces

The Smithsonian’s National Zoo offers extraordinary opportunities to host an event in a fun and educational environment while surrounded by wildlife from around the world. Gather your herd and head to the Zoo for your wedding reception, birthday or other milestone party. The Smithsonian's National Zoo is also the perfect location for your office outing, whether it be a company picnic or networking reception. *Unfortunately, fundraising, ticketed events, product sales and political functions are not permitted. Facilities cannot be rented for events that are open to the public.

• Spaces for 80-120 Guests
• 1 Museum
• 1 Landmark

Wedding ceremonies, receptions, parties, and seminars can be held in the Athenaeum in a dramatic and unique setting that can be tailored to your individual needs. Upstairs galleries may accommodate up to 125 guests standing or 80 guests seated at tables. For a ceremony, the delightful courtyard offers a lovely outdoor location for up to 50 people to stand or sit. The Athenaeum structure and courtyard are included in all of our rentals. ​As always, we will be pleased to discuss your specific needs. Rental requests are handled on a case-by-case basis. Viewings of the Athenaeum can be arranged in advance or during gallery hours. The gallery is open from noon to four on Thursday through Sunday. On holidays, the Athenaeum is closed. Membership of the Northern Virginia Fine Arts Association at the Supporter level ($100) or higher is required to rent out the Athenaeum. The Rules and Regulations for Renting the Athenaeum, the Release of Liability for Renting the Athenaeum, and an event information form must all be read and signed by the renter. The return of a completed contract, a 50% payment, and a $750 refundable security deposit completes a reservation.

• Spaces for 30-250 Guests
• 1 Museum
• 1 Ballroom
• 2 Total Spaces

We are Bowie, Maryland’s most opulent event space for intimate social and private events. We provide a luxurious event space for weddings, baby showers, bridal showers, corporate events, memorial services, photo shoots, product launches, holiday parties and more. Elevate your events to unparalleled grandeur. Experience the epitome of luxury with our exclusive event bookings. From exquisite weddings to lavish birthday parties and glamorous corporate gatherings, we turn dreams into opulent reality. Reserve your date now and let us create an affair to remember, tailored just for you. This 4,500 square foot venue is eloquently designed to host intimate gatherings for up 250 people. Our beautiful draping, lighting and elegant white lounge furniture create the perfect atmosphere for a fun and unforgettable event. Visit our website for more detailed information!

• Spaces for 125-150 Guests
• 3 Museums
• 3 Landmarks

Say “I do” on the historic grounds of Gunston Hall. With 550 acres of beautiful landscape and a breathtaking vista of the Potomac, you and your guests will have an experience to remember. Weddings at Gunston Hall are truly a special occasion and can include the use of the newly opened Riverside Garden, grounds, the Ann Mason Room (located inside our visitor center) and its adjoining private courtyard. The Ann Mason Room and grounds can accommodate up to 125 seated guests or 150 standing for your ceremony or reception. Wedding packages may include tours of the historic mansion, private wedding party changing quarters, and a dedicated staff member throughout your wedding planning process. To schedule a tour of the facility and grounds and to begin planning your next event, contact our event team at: Nicole Ryan, Leader of Business Enterprise nicole.ryan@gunstonhall.org (703) 550-9220 Britt Fiocca, Sales & Rental Associate britt.fiocca@gunstonhall.org (703) 550-9220

• Spaces for 40-75 Guests
• 2 Museums
• 1 Ballroom
• 2 Total Spaces

Riversdale House Museum is a National Historic Landmark set on a former 19th-century plantation in Riverdale Park, Maryland. The stucco-covered brick mansion was built between 1801 and 1807, blending European and Federal architectural styles, and has been home to the Stier and Calvert families across more than two centuries of diverse history. The museum offers rental of its historic interiors for weddings, receptions, luncheons, and business meetings. The property's largest space, the Ballroom, is an unfurnished room lit by an elegant chandelier and suited for receptions and celebrations of up to 75 guests. The adjoining East Wing and period-furnished Dining and Sitting Rooms provide more intimate settings for smaller gatherings, each appointed with antique art and furniture. A catering kitchen serves all rental areas, and the property's grounds are available as well.

• Spaces for 30-850 Guests
• 9 Museums
• 1 Bar
• 9 Total Spaces

The Samuel Riggs IV Alumni Center sits on the northwest corner of the University of Maryland campus in College Park, steps from the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center and Maryland Stadium. Designed by Hugh Newell Jacobsen '51 — an architect recognized among the world's top 100 by Architectural Digest — the building is defined by its stained-glass ocular window, travertine marble floors, clerestory windows, and a grand staircase bathed in natural light. Outside, the manicured Dessie M. Moxley Gardens surround a crystalline fountain, providing an elegant backdrop for ceremonies and receptions. The center offers 12 configurable event spaces across more than 60,000 square feet, accommodating up to 1,000 guests for receptions and 500 for seated banquets. The signature Dorothy D. & Nicholas Orem Alumni Hall handles large-scale galas, weddings, and conferences, while the Philip R. Rever Alumni Hall of Fame — an etched marble rotunda — suits cocktail hours and elegant receptions. A sports bar with fireplace and hardwood floors, a private bridal suite, and a dedicated meeting room round out the options for smaller gatherings. The Riggs Center hosts more than 400 events annually, from mitzvahs and quinceañeras to fundraisers and university functions. In-house event coordinators work with clients on custom floor plans, and state-of-the-art technology — including in-room projectors, screens, and displays — is standard across all spaces.

• Spaces for 110-2,000 Guests
• 1 Museum
• 1 Landmark

The National Building Museum, established in 1980 by an act of Congress, has had a transformative impact on the public's awareness of the impact of architecture, engineering, landscape architecture, construction, planning, and design. In our exhibitions, educational programs, and special events, we welcome visitors of all ages to immerse themselves in tales about the built world and how it has the ability to affect the lives of individuals, communities, and our collective future. The Museum is housed in the historic Pension Building, which boasts one of the most awe-inspiring places in the nation's capital: a towering, wide Great Hall with eight gigantic Corinthian columns, which is one of the nation's most important historical landmarks. terra cotta frieze covers the whole building's facade, stretching 1,200 feet in length. It has been the site of some of Washington, D.C.'s most magnificent events since 1885, when the National Building Museum first opened its doors. Take a look at five spectacular, historic rooms that can be reserved for your seated meal, reception, performance, or business conference. Contact the Special Events Department if you would like additional information about event rental options.

• Spaces for 420-700 Guests
• 1 Museum
• 1 Landmark

The United States Institute of Peace, one of Washington's newest venues, offers panoramic views of the National Mall and the surrounding landscape. Offering magnificent views of the surrounding landscape and a domed roof that is a landmark in the city, the United States Institute of Peace is an ideal location for your next business, non-profit, or government event. Our five-story headquarters offers a one-of-a-kind setting for receptions, seated meals, film screenings, business meetings, and conferences, among other things. Among the convenient features are on-site food, state-of-the-art technology, and valet parking for evening event requests, among other options. Choose from a variety of available event spaces. The event is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Special events are held from 6 p.m. to 12 a.m. Sunday events are only available by request. Federal holidays are observed by the closure of the building. The United States Institute of Peace has received the Energy (LEED) Gold certification from the United States Green Building Council, demonstrating that it is a leader in adopting sustainable and cost-effective design. We regret that the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) is unable to accommodate events that are primarily political or fundraising in character. All social events, with the exception of weddings, are prohibited. Events may not charge entry fees, collect donations, or solicit contributions; award door prizes, hold auctions, or host raffles; be sponsored by organizations that practice discrimination; advertise or promote a product or service; or be sponsored by organizations that practice discrimination.

• Spaces for 150-155 Guests
• 1 Museum
• 1 Landmark
• 1 space at this venue

Housed in a former Arlington County school building, the Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington (MoCA Arlington) has occupied its location since 1976. The building was constructed in 1910 to a design by architect Charles M. Robinson and served as a school before being adapted for cultural use; it is designated both an Arlington County Landmark and a listing on the National Register of Historic Places. A 2005 renovation restored the building's original Louis Comfort Tiffany Studio stained-glass windows, which remain a signature feature of the space today. Spanning 17,000 square feet, the museum houses nine exhibition galleries, twelve artist studios, and three classrooms. Its event spaces include the Tiffany Gallery, set beneath the restored stained-glass windows, along with several of the museum's rotating contemporary art galleries, together accommodating up to 150 guests for ceremonies, cocktail hours, and receptions. Rentals include round and cocktail tables, chairs, a large projection screen, and high-speed Wi-Fi, along with on-site and street parking, and hosts are free to choose their own caterer and bring their own bar.