Special Events Policy

Please refer to the PDF file below for full text of policy and guidelines.

POLICIES FOR SPECIAL EVENTS (QUICK LIST)

All events must conform to the Smithsonian Institution’s and Freer|Sackler’s policies, mission, and goals. The Freer|Sackler does not allow events of a political, religious, promotional, or personal nature (e.g., weddings). In addition, no commercial, ticketed events are permitted.
The Freer|Sackler is considered a co-sponsor with all donors and organizations having special events at the Freer|Sackler.
To secure a date on the museum calendar, the Freer|Sackler requires the co-sponsoring organization to sign a special event agreement and return it with a non-refundable deposit.
The Freer|Sackler Office of Special Events is a partner in all phases of the event process as well as a resource for assistance.
Special events should not interfere with the normal visitation or work of the museum. The regular operating hours of the Freer|Sackler are 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
There are no parking facilities at the Freer|Sackler.
The Freer|Sackler is not responsible for any disruptions that may occur due to mechanical difficulties, facility emergencies, construction, or unanticipated events beyond the museum’s control.
Donations to the museum are not refundable.
The Freer|Sackler has final approval over menu, printed materials, programming, décor, etc., to ensure special events in the museum appropriately reflect the goals and mission of the Freer|Sackler.
Standard events at the Freer|Sackler last three hours.

All vendors for each event must secure final approval from the Freer|Sackler.
All caterers must provide a current insurance certificate on file with the Smithsonian Institution.
No food or drink may be consumed in the Freer|Sackler exhibition spaces.
Red wine and red juices are prohibited.
Any tables, chairs, bars, or other accessories used during an event must be at least 4 feet from any objects or cases.
Sterno is permitted. Propane and butane are prohibited.
Plastic must cover and protect all floors of the designated kitchen staging areas in the museum.
Votive candles are permitted. Taper candles and open flames (such as flambé and stir frying) are prohibited.
Florists and caterers must remove all flowers, trash, equipment, and debris from the museum at all events’ conclusions.
Due to the lack of storage space at the museum, all equipment for a special event must be delivered immediately preceding set-up for the event and removed immediately after the event.
The museum can arrange basic audio-visual support.