The two-year, $85 million renovation of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History unveiled a new design, new exhibits, and creative ways for planners to host an event in the museum’s 300,000 square feet of space. Take, for example, a culinary-themed event. Guests can walk through the exhibit: “Bon Appétit! Julia Child’s Kitchen at the Smithsonian,” which showcases the original kitchen where Child cooked while filming her television show. A military-themed reception could be held after viewing “The Price of Freedom: Americans at War.”
The most popular area to stage a dinner or reception is in the newly remodeled Star-Spangled Banner Gallery, which features a 30- by 34-foot architectural representation of a waving flag—made of 960 reflective tiles that can be lit in different colors—cantilevered from the rear wall of the five-story skylit atrium. The gallery seats as many as 350 and can hold 500 for receptions. Other popular spaces used for events are the two lobby areas, one off Constitution Avenue (seating 300) and the other facing the National Mall, leading into the Star-Spangled Banner Gallery.
A glass staircase connects the first and second floors and, like the waving flag, can be lit in a variety of colors. The atrium also features embedded ceiling lights, glass panels, and marble walls. The Presidential Reception suite, located on the first floor, has been a long-standing reception hall used by past presidents. With upholstered walls, grand gold chandeliers, hardwood floors, and a fireplace, the suite can seat 65 and hold 100 for cocktails.
Many of the museum's spaces can be combined to fit larger parties, and guests are free to view all exhibits. The National Museum of American History only hosts one event at a time after its 5:30 pm closing time (though early breakfast receptions are available before 10 a.m.), and only donors are allowed to request event space. No food or drink is allowed in the exhibits.
