Originally constructed in 1908 as a Masonic Temple, the building has been home to the National Museum of Women in the Arts (NMWA) since 1987. Located in the heart of downtown Washington, D.C., NMWA is one of the most spectacular event venues in the city. With elegant and functional spaces, this historic venue is the perfect place to host weddings, corporate & nonprofit affairs, and a variety of other social soirees. Our professional event staff will share their expertise and suggest knowledgeable vendors, guaranteeing a successful and memorable occasion.

The National Museum of Women in the Arts is conveniently located 0.2 miles from Metro Center and 0.2 miles from McPherson Square Metro Stations. We are wheelchair accessible.

Photo credit: Rodney Bailey, eventphotojournalism.com

Photo credit: Connor Studios, connorstudios.com

About the Space

Great Hall and Mezzanine

The Great Hall, which features a second-level Mezzanine, is an elegant space ideal for dinner, dancing, or a cocktail reception. Guests are greeted in a marble reception area that leads into a ballroom adorned with three crystal chandeliers and works of art from the museum’s collection. On two sides, white marble staircases sweep upward to the spacious and ornate Mezzanine.

Great Hall and Mezzanine Floor Plan

Interior view of the great hall at the museum.

Elisabeth A. Kasser Board Room

The elegant Elisabeth A. Kasser Board Room, located on the Mezzanine, is a perfect space for private meetings or intimate functions.

Third Floor Gallery

The Third Floor Gallery, home to highlights from the museum’s notable art collection, provides a unique backdrop to any occasion. Host a private cocktail reception while surrounded by artwork from the 16th century to today.

Third Floor Gallery Floor Plan

Interior view of the third floor galleries.

Performance Hall

Located on the fifth floor, the Performance Hall is an ideal space for a lecture, symposium, or program. The Performance Hall can accommodate up to 200 guests.

Events Inquiry Contact Form

Send Us a Message

Intro Text

*Asterisk indicates a required field.

Please note: the museum will be closed for renovations from August 9, 2021 through the Fall of 2023.

Full Name *

Email *

Phone Number *

Date of Event *

Please provide an approximate date of the event (MM/DD/YYYY).

Event Type *

Approximate number of guests *

About Your Event

Please tell us anything else about your event, so we can better respond to your request.

Accessibility needs & special accomodations

Do your guests have accessibility needs or require any special accommodations?

How did you hear about us?

Privacy Notice *

By submitting this form, you acknowledge that the museum will collect and store your information securely in order to contact you. For more information about your rights, or to contact the museum regarding your information, please see our Privacy Policy.

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Contact Us

Lori Brubaker Smith

Director of Special Events and Industry Relations
lbsmith@nmwa.org
202-783-7366

Kirstin Canner

Special Events Manager
kcanner@nmwa.org
202-783-7367

@NMWASpecialEvents

The New NMWA Reopens this October!

Host an Event

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