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About the Mellon Auditorium

The Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium is a historic auditorium located in Washington, D.C. It was built in 1935 and is part of the Federal Reserve Building. The auditorium is named after Andrew W. Mellon, a wealthy industrialist and philanthropist who was the Secretary of the Treasury from 1921 to 1932.

The Mellon Auditorium is a stunning example of Art Deco architecture. The exterior of the building is clad in Indiana limestone, and the interior is decorated with marble, limestone, and polished oak. The auditorium is a large, grand space with a high ceiling and a seating capacity of 1,200 people.

The Mellon Auditorium has been used for a variety of events over the years, including concerts, speeches, and conferences. It has also been used as a filming location for several movies.

The Mellon Auditorium as a Filming Location

The Mellon Auditorium has been a popular filming location for movies over the years, especially for government/political scenes. Some examples of movies that have been filmed at the Mellon Auditorium include A Few Good Men, Minority Report, and The American President.

Discover the Past: Mellon Auditorium's Historical Timeline

Explore the remarkable journey of Mellon Auditorium through the decades, tracing its evolution from a historic landmark to a modern marvel while hosting pivotal events that have shaped its legacy. Uncover the significance behind each milestone that has contributed to the Auditorium's enduring charm and importance.

  • The Public Buildings Act is passed, providing $50 million for Federal construction.

  • The Triangle Bill authorizes acquisition of land in the area that became the Federal Triangle.

  • Construction begins on the Labor Department, Interstate Commerce Commission, and the Departmental Auditorium buildings.

  • Official dedication of the auditorium takes place in February.

  • President Harry S. Truman signs the North Atlantic Treaty in the auditorium, establishing the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

  • Mellon Auditorium listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

  • An act of Congress renames the Departmental Auditorium in honor of former Secretary of the Treasury Andrew W. Mellon.

  • Office spaces are modernized by GSA to accommodate new technology and restore key historic interior spaces for the new tenant, the EPA.

  • Renovation of the Mellon Auditorium including new floor, gilded elements, and interior.

FAQs

  • The building can accommodate events with 200-500 guests. If you are planning both the ceremony and reception, the range is best suited for 200-400 guests. If your event is solely a reception, anywhere from 200 to 600 guests is suitable.

  • The fees listed above cover the rental of the building, required security guards, a building engineer, on-site staff for the entire event from load-in through load-out, and a cleaning person for the restrooms during your event.

  • You are required by the Health Department to have a catering tent if your caterer's kitchen will be set up outside. The Mellon Auditorium has a $630.00 security fee to cover 4 hours of access for usage of this exterior door in addition to the rental cost of the tent.

  • No. The rental of the building is not considered a donation.

  • The cost of your reception can vary based on how you plan, the food choices, and the duration of your event. For receptions with 200-300 guests, the estimated total cost per person ranges from $300 to $500. For events over 300 guests, the range is $250 and up.

    Following is a list of potential vendors you will need to hire:

    • Caterer
    • Lighting Company
    • Audio/Visual
    • Florist
    • Décor Company
    • DJ/Band
    • Valet
    • Dance Floor Company
    • Catering Tent