Host a Memorable Birthday Party!

The National Building Museum offers two different types of exciting birthday parties for children turning ages 2 to 11. All parties include use of the Museum's party space including tables and chairs for the celebration, party favors for child guests, and a Museum t-shirt for the birthday child. A Museum Teacher is present at all parties, to lead the activity at Craft Activity parties, and to read a story and help supervise children at the Building Zone Play parties.

Craft Activity Party

Craft Activity parties lasts 1.5 to 2 hours (depending on the age of the children and the party activity selected) and include a building orientation, a hands-on craft activity (each child takes home their project), and a birthday celebration. Parties can be held for children turning 3-11 years old on Saturdays at 10:30 am or at 2:00 pm or on Sundays at 2:00 pm.

For more information about Craft Activity Parties click here.

New! Building Zone Play Party

Building Zone Play parties last 1.5 hours and include one hour of private play time in the Museum's Building Zone and a birthday celebration. Parties can be held for children turning 2-6 years old on Saturdays at 4:00 pm or on Sundays at 9:30 am.

For more information about Building Zone Play Parties click here.

List of Available Dates

Before booking a party, please check our calendar of available dates and times. We are currently accepting reservations through June 2010.

Book a Party

To schedule a birthday party program, please complete the registration form below, preferably at least two months in advance. After you fill out the registration form, the availability of your selected date and time will reviewed by Museum staff. If the date and time you selected are available, you will receive an email with payment instructions. Upon payment, your party will be confirmed.

To request a Craft Activity party click here.

To request a Building Zone Play party click here.

Cancellation

To be eligible for a refund, minus a $25 administrative fee, or to reschedule a birthday party program, the Museum must receive a written request no later than three weeks prior to the confirmed program or tour date. If a program is canceled due to inclement weather, the Museum will reschedule the program or provide a full refund.

Birthday Party Guidelines

Set up time is limited to 30 minutes. Clean up time is limited to 15 minutes.
The party hosts are responsible for all food, drink, tablecloths, and paper plates, plasticware, and napkins. and Please plan accordingly and keep decorations and food preparation simple.
Please use a safety lighter instead of matches to light the birthday candles.
Music players are allowed. Please inform Museum staff if you are planning to bring one.
No noisemakers are allowed in the Museum.
No balloons or piñatas are allowed in the Museum.
In order to expedite the security check, the Museum advises that participants bring gifts in bags rather than wrapped so guards can see the contents.
Party guests' parents are welcome to stay and participate in the birthday party with their children (no adult fee).
Gratuity is not required. If you enjoyed the program, please consider making a donation to the Museum.

Access

The Museum is conveniently located adjacent to the Judiciary Square Metro Station on the Red Line. A parking space for the birthday family will be provided in the Museum’s lot located on 4th Street between G and F Streets. Metered street parking (free on weekends) is available for other participants.

Frequently Asked Questions about hosting a birthday party at the National Building Museum.

Additional Questions? Contact us by phone at 202-272-2448, ext. 3404 or by email at skravetz@nbm.org