The National Archives Museum

Host an Event at the National Archives

Designed by architect John Russell Pope, the National Archives Building is located on Pennsylvania Avenue, halfway between the White House and the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC. Since its opening in 1935, this magnificent neoclassical revival building has drawn visitors from around the globe to explore the most important records of our democracy.

The National Archives Museum’s event spaces — the Rotunda Galleries, Archivist’s Reception Room, Visitor Orientation Plaza, William G. McGowan Theater, and Presidential Conference Center — are ideally suited for events ranging from elegant receptions and gala dinners to board meetings, lectures, film screenings, and corporate events.

During your private event, your group may view exhibitions at the National Archives Museum, enjoy customized tours of the “Public Vaults” and “Records of Rights” exhibits, or discover special exhibitions in the Lawrence F. O’Brien Gallery. You also may explore the magnificent Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom — the permanent home of the original Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, and Bill of Rights.

Please contact Michael Lavalle, Director of Special Events, at (202) 357-5404 for more information and to schedule a walkthrough of our beautiful event spaces.

Event Spaces

Rotunda Galleries: With 75-foot vaulted ceilings, marble floors, and bronze accents, the Rotunda Galleries can accommodate 100 to 200 people for a seated dinner or up to 250 people at a standing cocktail reception. The Galleries are just steps away from the centerpiece of the National Archives Museum, the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom.

Archivist’s Reception Room: This elegant and stately reception room features a large marble foyer entry and is suitable for standing receptions for up to 125 or seated dinners for up to 80 guests. The Archivist’s Reception Room is furnished with elegant settees, antiques, and two grand chandeliers. Three large windows provide a picturesque view of historic Pennsylvania Avenue, the United States Navy Memorial, and the National Portrait Gallery.

Visitor Orientation Plaza: Welcoming guests into the National Archives Museum, the Visitor Orientation Plaza is located directly outside the brand-new David M. Rubenstein Gallery, home to the permanent “Records of Rights” exhibit. A modern space that incorporates the grandeur of the historic building, the Orientation Plaza is ideally suited for cocktail receptions for up to 125 guests. The Visitor Orientation Plaza also provides guests with convenient access to the myArchives Store, which offers an array of quality gifts and publications.

William G. McGowan Theater: This 290-seat, state-of-the-art theater is outfitted with pan, tilt, and zoom cameras, studio recording capability, dressing and rehearsal rooms, and set storage. This impressive space is capable of hosting a wide range of programs, including panel discussions, film screenings, and theatrical performances. The McGowan Theater is fully accessible, with an assistive listening system for the hearing-impaired, as well as wheelchair-accessible seating. The theater lobby is perfect for pre- and post-program receptions.

Presidential Conference Center: Named after four of our Founding Fathers — Washington, Adams, Jefferson, and Madison — the rooms of the Presidential Conference Center are elegantly adorned with facsimiles of records from the National Archives’ holdings that relate to each of their presidencies. Ideally suited for lectures, meetings, presentations, and conferences, each room is equipped with built-in projectors and screens, is internet accessible, and can be set up for teleconferencing.