Military Ceremonies at the Museum

Retirement, Promotion and Reenlistment Ceremonies

There isn’t a more fitting place than the National Museum of the Marine Corps for your promotion, reenlistment or retirement ceremony. Imagine your ceremony with the backdrop of Marine Corps history. There is no charge for this privilege but there are some guidelines to follow to make it the best possible experience for you while still allowing Museum visitors to have a wonderful experience.

Ceremony Requirements:

NO WALK IN CEREMONIES PERMITTED. Ceremonies must be scheduled in advance.
Ceremonies are allowed in Leatherneck Gallery and outside of the Museum.
Ceremonies with less than 12 guests are allowed in certain historical galleries. (No sound system, flags or chairs allowed.) Ceremonies must be scheduled in advance.
Ceremonies begin at 0930 and must conclude by 1630. Promotions are scheduled for 30 minutes. Retirements are afforded 60 minutes.
You may arrange colors. We can provide the National Ensign and the Marine Corps flag and their respective bases. Please note that we neither post GO/Flag Officer standards within the Museum nor do we have a Navy flag available for use.
We can provide a podium.
We can provide a sound system, microphone and speakers. A two week notice is required.
You may bring soft, appropriate music. Live music is conditionally allowed; please ensure to include this in your request.
Due to a limited set up space, chairs are conditionally permitted and prior approval is required. Please note that a ceremony with over 100 chairs requires the Director’s approval.
Please provide working party for set up and break down of chairs, podium, and colors.
No outside food or beverages permitted.
Ceremonies held in Semper Fidelis Memorial Chapel or Medal of Honor Theater are managed by the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation. For more information, please contact the Special Events team at 703-649-2350 or events@marineheritage.org.

Receptions During Hours:

We can host a reception within Tun Tavern, Corsair Overlook or Medal of Honor Theater 2nd Deck Lobby between 0800 and 1700.
Receptions at the Museum are managed by the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation. For more information please contact the Special Events team at 703-649-2350 or events@marineheritage.org.

After Hours Capabilities:

We can host an exclusive reception or dinner after the Museum closes in the following spaces:

In Leatherneck Gallery

500-800 seated guests/1,000 standing reception

On Corsair Overlook overlooking Leatherneck Gallery
60 seated guests/100 standing reception

Within Medal of Honor Theater Lobby located on the 2nd deck

120 seated guests/175 standing reception

Within Tun Tavern
87 seated guests/100 standing reception
Within Devil Dog Diner
100 seated guests
Scuttlebutt Theatre
93 guests
Receptions at the Museum are managed by the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation. For more information, please contact the Special Events team at 703-649-2350 or events@marineheritage.org.