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 enjoy their 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 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 do not post GO/Flag Officer standards within the Museum.
We can provide a podium, a sound system, microphone, and speakers for Leatherneck Gallery. Two week notice is required for this.
You may bring soft, appropriate music. Live music is conditionally allowed; be sure to include this in your request.
Due to a limited set up space, chairs are conditionally permitted and prior approval is required. A ceremony with more than 75 chairs requires the Director’s approval.
Provide a 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; contact its staff at events@marineheritage.org.

Request a Ceremony Reservation

Receptions During Hours:

The reception space in Tun Tavern Backroom, Corsair Overlook, and Devil Dog Dinner is available between 0900 and 1700.
Private receptions are handled by the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation; contact its staff at events@marineheritage.org.

After Hours Capabilities:

An after-hours reception or dinner is available in the following spaces:

Leatherneck Gallery: seated dinner or standing reception
On Corsair Overlook overlooking Leatherneck Gallery: seated dinner or standing reception
Medal of Honor Theater Lobby located on the 2nd deck: seated guests or standing reception
Tun Tavern: seated dinner or standing reception
Devil Dog Diner: seated guests or standing reception
After hours receptions are managed by the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation; contact its staff at events@marineheritage.org.