Host A Military Ceremony

A premier space for ceremonies that mark milestones in a military career.

MILITARY MILESTONE EVENTS

The National Museum of the United States Army is honored to facilitate individual Military Milestone Events (MME). MMEs are intentionally limited in scope and designed for consistency regardless of the rank or seniority of the host or participants.

Current service members may conduct promotion, reenlistment, commissioning, award presentations and retirement ceremonies during the Army Museum’s regular operating hours Monday through Friday. There is no fee for an MME.

An MME request is confirmed with a signed and approved MME User Agreement. Walk-in or pop-up ceremonies anywhere on the Museum Campus are not permitted. MMEs must align with MME guidelines as written. Reservations must be made in advance and approved per Museum Policy.

Ceremony requests that fall outside of the MME guidelines will be referred to the Army Historical Foundation to explore a special event reservation in lieu of an MME reservation, please submit your request through this event inquiry form.

The National Museum of the United States Army is first and foremost, a public-facing facility with a public mission to honor Soldiers and provide an interactive educational experience of the Army’s role in creating, sustaining, and defending our nation. The Museum provides the only comprehensive portrayal of Army history and traditions through the eyes of the American Soldier. 

Executing Military Milestone Events

  • All MMEs must be coordinated and reserved in advance. Walk-in or “pop-up” ceremonies are not permitted. 
  • MMEs follow a select set of guidelines. Requests that do not fit these guidelines may elect to conduct their ceremony as a private special event with the Army Historical Foundation (Foundation).
  • Scheduling requests must be submitted via the online Event Inquiry Form found here. Incomplete forms will not be processed.

Description

MMEs are publicly held events at a designated location of the Museum Lobby. The Lobby will remain open and accessible to normal Museum operations and MMEs must not interfere with the visitor experience. MME reservations are Monday – Friday at scheduled times. Reservations include, from beginning to end, 15 minutes to perform the ceremony. This time includes speeches, special recognitions, photos, receiving line, etc. MMEs are allowed up to 15 attendees total, including the presenter and honoree. A signed and approved User Agreement includes general admission tickets for the host to use. The ceremony space is standing room only. MMEs are for ceremonies only, they do not include receptions. After the ceremony, attendees are welcome to visit the Museum at their own leisure. MMEs do not permit use of outside flags, sound systems, podiums, or award tables. Please review all Museum policies and procedures and review all MME guidelines.

Guidelines

  • MMEs are ONLY held in a designated space in the Museum Lobby. 
  • MME reservations are standing room only — chairs and seating are not available.
  • Photos and videos of the ceremony are permitted using personal, hand-held cameras, and are limited to the designated ceremony time and space. The Museum’s general guidance policy applies for all photography and videography conducted during the MME and while visiting the Museum.
  • Live broadcast of the MME, such as Facebook live, is limited to the ceremony only and must be managed by the event host’s designated attendee.
  • Military or commercial media outlets are not permitted for MMEs.
  • MMEs must respect all Museum rules, policies, and visitors.
  • Outside food or drinks are not allowed.
  • Balloons and cut/live/dried flowers/plants are not permitted per the Museum’s Pest Management Policy.
  • One U.S. Flag will be positioned on the left side of the Campaign Wall by Museum Staff. MMEs do NOT provide, or permit, the use of additional flags, podium, microphone/speaker or an award table. 
  • For full list of prohibited items and other visitor information, see the “Tips for your Visit” page.

Scheduling Process

change to: Individuals interested in hosting an MME at the Museum must first submit an online Event Inquiry Form. The requester will be contacted by an Events Manager within 5-7 business days to conduct a Discovery Call. The Events Manager will gather information required for assessing the request. Once details are confirmed between the Events Manager and the requester, the requester will be emailed an Event User Agreement. An MME reservation is not approved and confirmed until a signed Event User Agreement is approved by the Museum Director and filed with the Event Manager. Once the signed Event User Agreement is returned and the MME is confirmed, the requester will be issued 15 general admission tickets for their use.

Begin Your MME Request

Event Day

On the day of the MME, the host and honoree are greeted by the Events Manager at the Welcome Desk in the Museum Lobby, 15 minutes prior to the scheduled MME time. The host and honoree are directed to the designated ceremony space. It is then the host and honoree’s responsibility to provide guidance to their attendees for the ceremony. 

Print MME Guidelines


CATERED MILITARY SPECIAL EVENTS & CEREMONIES

Explore one-of-a-kind spaces to elevate your military event.

The U.S. Army owns and operates the Museum. The Army Historical Foundation (AHF) continues its fundraising role and — through a lease agreement with the Army — manages all retail, catering and special events as revenue generating operations.

 

Whether you’re looking to host a ceremony, reception, gala banquet, board meeting or training workshop, the Museum offers a variety of daytime and after-hours, indoor and outdoor, event spaces. Rentals include access to on-site event catering, and additional support from the AHF Special Events Team dedicated to translating your vision into a successful and memorable occasion.

 

Event Spaces

LOBBY

A welcoming 8,600 sf space available for after-hours events.

Approx. 350 seated or 400 standing.

 

VETERANS’ HALL

A daytime and evening event space with a video wall, built in sound system/cameras and AV conferencing system.

Approx. 160 seated or 
270 standing.

 

CONFERENCE ROOMS

A 1,325 sf conference room includes a 70 inch portable LED monitor featuring a wireless presentation screen, digital whiteboard, and audio and video conferencing system.

Approx. 44 seated.

 

MEDAL OF HONOR GARDEN

The rooftop garden offers stunning views of the Museum Campus for your evening ceremony or reception.

Approx. 270 standing.

 

CAFÉ

Available after hours, the Café provides a casual space for dinner with your group after visiting the Museum.

Approx. 80 seated.

 

CAFÉ TERRACE

Available after hours, the terrace is perfect for an outdoor event or cocktail reception while watching the sun set.

Approx. 200 standing.

 

EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING CENTER (ELC)

Available after hours for team building exercises and private events.

Determined by event format.

 

ARMY THEATER

Available after hours, the 300-degree theater can show the latest blockbuster movie or PowerPoint presentations.

Approx. 122 seated.

 

Executing A Military Special Event

The Army Historical Foundation manages all event requests, reservations, prioritization of the requests, and the accompanying event contracts.

  • Military customers must submit an Event Inquiry Form to initiate an inquiry or reservation.
  • Event contracts include fees for room rental, set up/tear down, AV/IT support, after hours security (if required), administration fees, food and beverage catering costs, etc.
  • Event spaces are suitable for unclassified information only.
  • Business center space and services, e.g. printers, copiers, administrative support are not available.
  • Fresh flowers, helium balloons and outside food and beverage are not permitted inside the Museum.
Begin Your Special Event Request

 

Military Event And GROUP VISIT FAQ