Building Rental

Carnegie Interior  

Selecting and Reserving Space

Space in the Administration Building of the Carnegie Institution is available for rent throughout the year, including weekends and evenings. The space can be viewed during regular business hours, 9:00 am until 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday.

Viewing is by appointment only.

Rates (per 8-hour block)

  • $4,200: Reception area, Rotunda, and auditorium/conference room with access to the kitchen for food service (food service in the Reception, Rotunda, & conference areas)
  • $4,000: Reception area and the Rotunda with access to the kitchen for food service
  • $2,500: Reception area with access to the kitchen for food
  • $2,000: Rotunda with access to the kitchen for food service
  • $1,000: Auditorium – no food service allowed
  • $800: 16th Street entrance and portico
  • $600: Conference Room only - no kitchen access

A 25% discount is available to non-profit organizations (Monday-Thursday) which submit a copy of their determination letter stating they are tax exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

The reservation is contingent upon (1) the completion of a contract, (2) a deposit in the amount of 30% of the rental fee, (3) a general liability insurance certificate, and (4) proof of caterer liability insurance. No function can be held without prior receipt of these forms and the deposit.

The deposit and signed contract are required to reserve a date. Carnegie Institution will hold a tentative event date for two calendar weeks. If the deposit and signed contract are not received at the conclusion of the two weeks, Carnegie Institution will release the date.

If a renter cancels a reservation 90 days prior to the event, Carnegie Institution will refund 75% of the deposit. A 25% refund will be given for any reservation cancelled 30 days or less before the event. All contracts are subject to a $200 cancellation fee.
To reserve our space, please contact Mr. Arnold Pryor, Facilities Coordinator, to assure availability.

Requirements

  • The general liability insurance with a minimum of $1,000,000 bodily injury coverage must be sent to Carnegie Institution at least 30 days prior to the event. Renters typically contact their homeowners insurance companies for this insurance. The insurance company can mail the insurance certificate directly to Carnegie Institution.
  • Carnegie Institution provides only space for events and a basic initial set-up. Any equipment transportation, assembling, decoration, and setup for the event are the responsibility of the renter. Decoration is permitted, but only if it does not involve nails, tacks, adhesive tape or any other form of attachment that might damage or disfigure surfaces. Hanging, draping or loosely-tied decorations are permitted.
  • Arrangements for all deliveries, including caterers, dance floors, and other specialties, are the responsibility of the renter. Renters must notify Carnegie of all delivery arrangements and times.
  • Independently arrange for catering services. No food or beverages will be permitted in the auditorium. The caterers are responsible for ensuring that all trash is removed from the premises and placed in our outside trash receptacle at the end of the event.
  • Arrange to have someone stationed at the front door to ensure only invited guests are admitted. As an additional security measure, Carnegie Institution will provide a security guard at the P Street entrance for evening events.
  • If there is to be dancing in the Reception Room, obtain and have installed a dance floor.
  • No smoking is allowed in the building.
  • Invitations, programs or any other advertising or description of the event should not indicate that Carnegie Institution is a sponsor or is in any way affiliated with the event, except in location.

Amenities

Usually, we can provide access to the building during regular office hours on weekdays immediately before and after an event as required for preparation and removal. For weekend events, the Friday before and the Monday after are available. Only rarely will such flanking days be unavailable, if they conflict with another scheduled event. We can sometimes provide chairs and tables for functions. Please contact building management with your requirements and to check for availability.

There are several hotels in the area (opens a new window) with a wide range of cost and appointments.

Contact Information

Sharon Bassin, Assistant to the President - 202-939-1114, sbassin@ciw.edu
Arnold Pryor, Facilities Manager - 202-939-1102
Carnegie Institution Main Number - 202-387-6400
Carnegie Institution Fax Number - 202-387-8092