From the pre-programmable video screens at the entrance of every function room to the concealed, dimmer-controlled lighting throughout, our function spaces have been designed to make your event a seamless success. All of them also boast wireless Internet access.
But practical efficiency is only part of the story. The rooms are truly beautiful too, everyone tastefully decorated and appointed with artworks reproduced from the Smithsonian collections. Even the public areas are exquisite, from their magnificent cabinets, seating and other furnishings, down to the signature carpet, with a design reminiscent of a sand garden raked into geometric circles.
Depending on the scale of your event, choose from the Grand Ballroom and Oriental Ballroom, the Hillwood, Sackler, Hirshhorn, Freer, Portrait and Corcoran Rooms (named after galleries at the nearby Smithsonian) or the Lobby Level Garden Rooms.
The 8,300-square-foot, pillarless Grand Ballroom is rapidly becoming the meeting planners’ venue of choice in Washington, DC. It’s big enough to drive a car through (delivered, perhaps, on a barge via the nearby waterfront), and can be subdivided into three sections, or used in its entirety for a full scale conference for 900 or dinner for up to 750.
Seven glittering crystal chandeliers suspended from the 22 foot high ceiling give an air of unrestrained opulence, as do the oriental patterned ochre walls, gigantic ebony and gilt mirrors and the carpet, with its design inspired by Japanese water lilies.
Outside there is a permanent registration desk and ample pre-function space, rich in art and exquisite furnishings with a residential feel. Additionally, the adjacent Arena room provides green room space for guest speakers, with its luxurious furnishings, dining table, bathroom and large mirrored closet. For convenience and security, it also has its own private entrance.
Our smaller ballroom, the Oriental, is no less opulent. It features crystal chandeliers and oriental-design chairs, offset by neutral décor that is an empty but versatile palette, ready to be customised to your specifications. Like the Grand Ballroom, it can also be divided into up to three sections.
These smaller rooms are ideal for more compact gatherings or tabled meetings. Hillwood Room provides excellent gathering or green room space prior to an event in either ballroom, as can the nearby Sackler and Hirshhorn Rooms.
All are fully equipped with drop down screens and white boards, and of course have wireless Internet access.
Every one features pieces of Asian art and a recessed, marble topped counter area, perfect for assembling buffets. Ceilings are a full 12 feet high – unusually spacious for smaller conference rooms.
In addition to all the facilities on the Ballroom floor, there also are two garden-facing meeting rooms on the Lobby Level. One is paneled in oak, the other in walnut, and both offer waterside views from the floor-to-ceiling windows. They are ideal for private dining, a power breakfast or an intimate corporate reception.
Grand Ballroom
8,313/772
770
1170
900
N/A
480
120
150
Grand Ballroom A, B or C
2,771/257
220
324
300
70
180
74
84
Oriental Ballroom
5,333/495
440
648
600
N/A
288
105
120
Oriental Ballroom A, B or C
1,777/165
144
200
200
46
96
42
54
Hillwood
1,278/118.7
80
132
135
40
54
39
45
Sackler
677/62.8
40
73
70
28
30
21
24
Hirshhorn
847/78.7
72
87
95
34
48
27
30
Freer
443/41.2
24
42
46
22
24
21
24
Portrait
553/51.4
36
50
58
22
24
21
24
Corcoran
528/49.1
24
39
55
18
18
15
18
Arena
592/55
12
31
60
12
18
N/A
N/A
Gallery
1421/433
100
80
120
36
40
27
30
Garden Room 1
725/67
60
70
75
34
36
27
30
Garden Room 2
788/73
60
84
80
40
36
27
30
Events Lawn
4,000/464.5
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