The Washington State History Museum offers a variety of spaces that can be used individually or combined to suit a
wide variety of events, from small business meetings and lunches to receptions for over 300 guests. The Museum even
has its own auditorium with over 200 seats, ideal for conferences, award ceremonies, or even a movie! Following are
brief descriptions of our unique spaces.
For additional information, availability or a tour, please contact
Mark Sylvester, Head of Museum Support Services
Phone: (253) 798-5891
Email: msylvester@wshs.wa.gov
Online: Online Rental Contact Form
The Grand Lobby is located on the Pacific Avenue level of the building and features
soaring ceilings.
Located at the Museum's main entrance, the Grand Lobby is the building's most open and accessible room.
In the daylight, its bright airiness highlights the huge arches and beautiful balconies above, while nighttime
lights from the Plaza and nearby Union Station add elegance to any occasion.
The Mezzanine is perfect for any occasion.
Located on the fourth floor of the Museum, one floor above the Grand Lobby, the Ben B. Cheney Mezzanine provides a
versatile space that is out of the main flow of visitor traffic while offering beautiful views of the Grand Lobby,
Union Station, and the NW Museum Store. With its rosewood paneling and bird's-eye view of the Great Hall of Washington
History, the Mezzanine is perfect for almost any event, including receptions, seminars, luncheons, and plated or
buffet dinners. Movable panels can make the area more secluded for private events or divide it for smaller
workshops within a larger seminar. The Mezzanine also combines with the fifth floor Odlin Lobby and/or the Grand Lobby,
adding even more versatility and elegance to a larger event.
The Board Room offers a beautiful view of the Thea Foss Waterway.
This impressive room with its giant arched window and sweeping views of the Chihuly Bridge of Glass, Museum of
Glass, and Mount Rainier offers a distinctive surrounding in which to host your meeting, reception, media event,
lecture, or seminar. The room features a projection screen and video equipment that is available for no
extra charge. From its own caterer's kitchen, a seated or buffet lunch or dinner is easily served. If additional
space is needed to enhance your special event, consider hosting your refreshments, cocktails, or registration in
the fifth floor Odlin Lobby area, just a few steps away.
With its vaulted ceiling, overhanging balconies and walkways, this fifth floor lobby area is perhaps the most unusually
designed area of all the Museum's public spaces. Ideal for receptions or intimate luncheons and dinners, this captivating
area leads into the ever changing featured exhibit galleries.
The Auditorium includes audio-visual equipment for almost any need.
The Mount Tahoma Auditorium, seating 215, has an enclosed projection booth, is disabled accessible, has a built-in stage
area (entry left and right), and contains a built-in sound system with microphones and hearing assistance devices. The
projection booth has audio/visual equipment available at no additional cost. The spacious Auditorium Lobby has its own outside
entrance, as well as an inside entrance on the second floor, and is ideal for luncheons, stand up receptions, registration
activities, ticket sales, intermission refreshments, and other activities.
The Amphitheater and Plaza offer a beautiful outdoor venue in the heart of the Tacoma Museum District.
The Boeing Amphitheater and Plaza offers an exceptional site for special fresh air, out-of-doors events. Whether it is a
musical concert in the Amphitheater or an afternoon reception on the Plaza, this beautiful area is unique and spacious.
Surrounded by the museum’s classic red brick arches, a majestic view of the Cascade Mountains, the intriguing Thea Foss
Waterway, and the Native Washington Plaza Garden, it is truly an impressive area in which to hold your event.
The Plaza is adjacent to the entrance to the Chihuly Bridge of Glass and to the café. Entertainment presentations,
lectures, and many other types of programs may be offered in the tiered Amphitheater. The Boeing Amphitheater and Plaza
areas are generally used together for special events. It is possible, however, to use the areas separately if your event so
requires.
The Museum is an exciting venue for a Murder Mystery event or scavenger hunt.
Check out Slixer Entertainment for information about hosting your own
Murder Mystery.