Special Events in DC
Outdoor Ampitheater | First Floor | Third Floor | Fourth Floor | Fifth Floor | Policies | Contact
The Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) celebrates the culture, art, and history of Native peoples. With event spaces as diverse as its holdings and stunning views of both the U.S. Capitol and the National Mall, the NMAI is one of the city’s premiere event venues.
To learn more, download the National Museum of the American Indian Special Events Brochure.
Outdoor Ampitheater
Standing Capacity: 100
Floorplan
Guests’ event experience begins in the Welcome Plaza and with the museum’s landscape. In addition to its unique collection, the NMAI is architecturally distinct from any other museum in Washington. Made of Kasota stone, the NMAI’s curvilinear building suggests natural rock sculpted over time by wind and water. With a cascading water feature and native plant life, the NMAI’s landscape is a wonderful complement to guests’ experiences. Thanks to the outdoor amphitheater, it’s also a perfect outdoor event option.
First Floor
Potomac Atrium
Standing Capacity: 600 | Seating Capacity: 300
Floorplan
Guests enter the museum into the Potomac Atrium, which, at 100 feet in diameter and four stories high, is 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 and seated dinners.
Mary Louise and Elmer Rasmuson Theater
Seating Capacity: 314
Floorplan
With 314 seats, a generous stage, and in-house projection equipment, the Rasmuson is a flexible space that can be used for films, presentations, lectures, and seminars.
Third Floor
Standing Capacity: 150
Floorplan
The Third Floor Overlook is an ideal setting for a cocktail reception and allows guests the opportunity to explore the galleries.
Fourth Floor
Standing Capacity: 200
Floorplan
The Fourth Floor Overlook provides an additional cocktail reception space with access to the galleries and collections.
Patrons Lounge
Standing Capacity: 100 | Seating Capacity: 80
Floorplan
The Patrons Lounge is an elegant space for a dinner, luncheon, reception, or conference, and has unparalleled views of the U.S. Capitol and the National Mall.
4018/4019:
Standing Capacity: 130 | Seating Capacity: 80
4025:
Standing Capacity: 45 | Seating Capacity: 20
Floorplan
The Fourth Floor Conference Rooms can be configured to accommodate various types of meetings.
Fifth Floor
Senator Daniel K. Inouye Memorial Director’s Terrace
Standing Capacity: 150 | Seating Capacity: 80
Floorplan
Affording guests spectacular views of the U.S. Capitol and the Washington Monument, the Senator Daniel K. Inouye Memorial Director’s Terrace is an outdoor space suitable for receptions and seated dinners.
