Corcoran College of Art and Design
Corcoran Gallery of Art
Shadows of History
Upcoming Exhibition
Shadows of History: Photographs of the Civil War
February 4–May 6, 2012
San Miguel
Travel with the Corcoran
Discover the world's treasures on art-themed trips to Havana and Trinidad, Cuba, and San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.

Children's Birthday Parties

Birthday Party Package

The Corcoran Gallery of Art offers unique and exciting birthday parties for children ages 6–10. Parties are offered on Saturdays beginning at 10 a.m. or 1 p.m. and last 2 hours (not including set-up and clean-up). Parties are limited to 15 participating children including the birthday child.

The birthday party package includes the following:

  • Private, docent-led gallery tour
  • Hands-on art activity with projects for each child
    to take home
  • Use of the Corcoran's party space including tables
    and chairs for the celebration
  • Goody bags for children and a special gift for the birthday child
  • A Corcoran staff member to supervise the party
  • A Corcoran Family Membership

Party Schedule

  • Set-up—30 minutes
  • Interactive gallery tour—35 minutes
  • Hands-on art project—50 minutes
  • Birthday Celebration—35 minutes
  • Clean-up—15 minutes

Please note that the Corcoran is not responsible for set-up and clean-up. A $75 maintenance fee may be charged if the party room is not returned to its original condition.

Fees and Payment Schedule

  • Corcoran Members at the Family-level and above: $250
  • Non-members: $350
  • A 50% deposit must be received upon reservation of the birthday party date. The deposit includes a non-refundable $25 administrative fee. The remaining balance must be paid by personal check or credit card one week before the party. 

Party Reservation

To reserve a birthday party, please submit the request form, found online at www.corcoran.org/family, preferably at least six weeks in advance. Upon receipt of this form, Corcoran staff will confirm your requested party and the deposit will be collected. 

If preferred dates and/or times are unavailable, Corcoran staff will work with you to find an alternate date and/or time.

Refund Policy

All cancellations must be made in writing and submitted to the Department of Public Education. Written cancellations received at least ten business days prior to the party date will receive a full refund of the deposit, less the non-refundable $25 administrative fee. No deposits will be refunded for cancellations made after this time. 

In case of emergency, the Corcoran will reschedule the party to a day and time convenient for both the Corcoran and birthday family.   

Birthday Party Guidelines

  • One adult chaperone is required for every five children.
  • Maximum of 30 guests total is permitted—this includes up to 15 child participants, adult chaperones, and non-participating children.
  • Please plan accordingly and keep decorations and food preparation simple.
  • Music players at a reasonable volume level are allowed in the party room. Please inform Corcoran staff on the request form if you are planning to bring one.
  • No noisemakers are allowed in the Corcoran.
  • Balloons and piñatas are not allowed in the Corcoran under any circumstances. Please see below under Decorations for more restrictions.
  • The Corcoran kindly asks that presents not be opened on-site.
  • Gratuity is not required. If you enjoyed the program, please consider making a donation to the Corcoran.

Food and Beverages

  • Please arrange catering services through the Corcoran's official vendor Todd Gray's Muse at the Corcoran. Corcoran staff will connect you with the café manager.
  • The birthday party package does not include food, dessert, beverages, cups, plates, utensils, napkins, or table cloths. 
  • There is no eating or drinking allowed inside the galleries. All food and beverages must be kept in the party room.
  • Please use a safety lighter instead of matches to light birthday candles.

Party Room and Decorations

  • The party room has nine 3 x 6 ft. tables, one utility sink, 15 child-sized stools, and up to 15 adult chairs.
  • The party room may be accessed 30 minutes before the start time for set-up via the E Street entrance. Clean-up is limited to15 minutes after the end time. Parents are responsible for all set-up and clean-up of any food and birthday decorations. A $75 maintenance fee may be charged if the party room is not returned to its original condition.
  • The Corcoran does not provide any decorations or materials necessary to decorate the party room, so please plan accordingly.
  • The following items are not allowed under any circumstances: piñatas, helium balloons, confetti, glitter, and other decorations that are smaller than two inches in diameter.
  • Banners and streamers are limited to the party room and must not disturb walls or exhibitions. Decorations are not allowed to hang from the ceiling. 

Directions and Parking

The Corcoran Gallery of Art is located at 500 Seventeenth Street NW, between E Street and New York Avenue, one block from the White House. The Metro stations closest to the Corcoran are Farragut West on the Orange and Blue Lines (exit at Eighteenth Street and walk east for one block and south for five blocks) and Farragut North on the Red Line (exit at K Street and walk south for six blocks). [map]

A parking space for the birthday family will be provided in the Corcoran’s lot located on E Street between Seventeenth and Eighteenth Streets. Metered street parking is free on weekends and available for other participants. All guests should use the E Street entrance, which is handicap-accessible, to meet in the party room.

Questions? Contact Joanna Anderson, Senior Manager of Youth and Family Programs, at (202) 639-1725 or janderson@corcoran.org.