The Smithsonian Institution  was only open to corporate events for the longest time, so we are over the moon that just recently they have opened up their beautiful spaces to personal events and weddings! You will love the unique possibilities for a  National Portrait Gallery wedding – incredible potential!

“The Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery are housed in a gloriously renovated National Historic Landmark building. Neoclassicism meets 21st-century exuberance in our museums’ unique event spaces.”

The incredibly unique glass canopy, designed by architectural firm Foster + Partners, tops the enclosed Kogod Courtyard.

It is a stunning contemporary compliment to the Museum’s exterior classical architecture, and serves as an exceptional inspiration for any event design.

Whether you envision an elegant neutral palette, or something colorful, modern and exuberant, this magical Courtyard can be completely transformed in a number of ways to host a truly remarkable fête.

At Strawberry Milk Events, we love how a National Portrait Gallery wedding can make you feel a world away even when you’re right in the heart of the District.  It has a distinctively outdoor feel surrounded by the building facade with all the trees, plants (even shallow water pool features on the floor!) but you never have to worry about the weather 🙂

The grandeur of the room, the exceptional architectural elements, and the fact that very few private events have ever been held here, provide a level of sophistication and exclusivity that will please even the most discerning bride or host.

We see possibilities for every season here, from fresh summer soirees to elegant wintry celebrations.  There are also endless options for blending different cultural elements to honor your most cherished traditions.

Of course the Smithsonian Institution features a host of other venues worth mentioning, each of them remarkable in their own right.

Browse all of the possibilities, from the Smithsonian Castle to the National Air and Space Museum and many others, in this Washingtonian summary.

What you need to know: National Portrait Gallery Weddings

Ceremony/Reception space: This space is perfect for cocktail hours and receptions.  Everything must take place in the Courtyard, so ceremonies are best held offsite.

Capacity: 1200 standing, or 850 for a seated reception using the entire space.  We recommend 275-500 guests, also allowing room for cocktail hour space and a dance floor.

Accommodations: You’re just steps away from Penn Quarter and City Center with a plethora of options such as the new Riggs Hotel and The Conrad Hotel.

Time of Year:  The enclosed Kogod Courtyard is a lovely event space any time of year.

Cost:  Rental fees begin at $50,000.

Tips:

• The museum is open to the public from 11:30am to 7pm. Evening special events begin at 7pm with vendors starting to do most setup at 3pm.  However, vendors may load in their equipment early in the morning prior to opening, for easy access later in the day.  The Courtyard can be closed to the public one hour early for an additional $10,000 fee, to allow an event to begin at 6:00pm.

Photo credits:  Smithsonian Institution National Portrait Gallery photo gallery; Rodney Bailey; Freed Photography, Imijination Photography