The National Museum of Crime & Punishment opened its doors in D.C.’s Penn Quarter last month, offering a stylized look at the history of, well, crime and punishment, with highlights including a bullet-riddled car from the film Bonnie & Clyde, an actual jail cell for visitors to enter, and an interactive shooting gallery. For private events, the entire three-story, 28,000-square-foot space is available for full buyouts, with space for a reception of 500.
The museum takes advantage of its proximity to and views of the National Mall with a 5,000-square-foot rooftop terrace, which can be tented and can accommodate 250 standing or 180 seated. The ground-floor TV studio, which tapes America’s Most Wanted, hosted by John Walsh—who serves as a partner and consultant for the institution—can hold as many as 75 for a seated event.In the case of full buyouts, says the museum’s events manager, Maria Canellis, “you don’t really need ambiance.” After all, with its low lighting, spooky mood music, and interactive exhibits, the museum comes equipped with its own unique atmosphere.
The museum takes advantage of its proximity to and views of the National Mall with a 5,000-square-foot rooftop terrace, which can be tented and can accommodate 250 standing or 180 seated. The ground-floor TV studio, which tapes America’s Most Wanted, hosted by John Walsh—who serves as a partner and consultant for the institution—can hold as many as 75 for a seated event.In the case of full buyouts, says the museum’s events manager, Maria Canellis, “you don’t really need ambiance.” After all, with its low lighting, spooky mood music, and interactive exhibits, the museum comes equipped with its own unique atmosphere.

The America's Most Wanted studio at the National Museum of Crime & Punishment
Photo: Zaid Hamid

The America's Most Wanted studio at the National Museum of Crime & Punishment can hold as many as 75 for a seated event.
Photo: Zaid Hamid

The museum's lobby, which can accomodate 150 guests, holds bank robber John Dillinger's getaway car—bullet holes and all.
Photo: Zaid Hamid

The 28,000-square-foot space offers three levels of exhibitions, including the Notorious History of American Crime Gallery, which leads into a room devoted serial killers.
Photo: Zaid Hamid

The 5,000-square-foot rooftop terrace, with views of the Capitol and Washington Monument, has room for as many as 250 for a reception.
Photo: BizBash