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The National Nordic Museum has a variety of bright, modern spaces that will bring your event to life.

Our Spaces

Two newlyweds dance in Osberg Great Hall while friends and family look on from long tables set up for dinner.

Osberg Great Hall

4,238 sq. ft.

Showcasing floor-to-ceiling hemlock paneling, hanging pendant lights, and 40-foot ceilings, the elegant Osberg Great Hall evokes the natural grandeur of a forest in a cathedral-like setting. This acoustically tuned multipurpose space features a built-in 16:9 rear projection screen and is wired for high-quality sound. Accordion doors open onto the Fisherman’s Sun Terrace, allowing you to extend outside for large events, or to enjoy the beautiful Seattle summers.

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Image credit: Captured by Candace.

Spotlights

  • Ideal For

    Weddings, galas, concerts, corporate all-hands meetings, celebrations of life, parties, lectures, large cocktail parties, and more!

  • Capacity

    1. 400 people standing
    2. 300 people theater
    3. 232 people for seated dining
    4. 100 classroom
    5. 60 conference/open square

  • Availability

    Monday-Sunday
    All day, 9am – 12am

  • Two people dance in Osberg Great Hall, with purple lighting and white pendants shining above.

    Image credit: Karen Dohr.

  • A group of people mingles at a table in Osberg Great Hall, while others line up behind them for drinks at a bar set up for the event.

    Image credit: Jim Bennett / Photo Bakery.

  • Two people hold hands during their marriage ceremony in Osberg Great Hall. Pendant lights hang from the ceiling and contrast against the wood-clad walls of the Hall.

    Image credit: Kami LaLonde.

  • A couple kisses during their reception in Osberg Great Hall, against the hemlock walls and with pendant lights shining above.

    Image credit: Molly Moormeier.

Wedding guests sit in rows of chairs forming an aisle down Fjord Hall for a ceremony.

Fjord Hall

3,500 sq. ft.

A stunning example of modern architecture, Fjord Hall evokes the grandeur of the breathtaking natural structures for which it is named. Light-filled and featuring complementary art pieces to enhance its features, Fjord Hall is a truly unique venue option for a range of events.

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Image credit: Molly Moormeier.

Spotlights

  • Ideal For

    Cocktail parties, mid-sized formal dinners, marriage ceremonies, silent auctions, and as an addition to larger events in Osberg Great Hall.

  • Capacity

    1. 200 people standing
    2. 100 people theater
    3. 72 people for seated dining

  • Availability

    Friday - Wednesday
    Evening rental only, 5pm – 12am

  • A long table is set up for dinner, running down the majestic Fjord Hall.


  • A musician plays the guitar for a group in the sunlit Fjord Hall, near the entrance to the National Nordic Museum.

    Image credit: Jim Bennett / Photo Bakery.

Guests enjoy a party on the Fishermen's Sun Terrace in the summertime.

Fisherman’s Sun Terrace

3,000 sq. ft.

The spacious Fisherman’s Sun Terrace is the perfect blank-slate for summertime events. Featuring bistro lighting and etched with our own mini labyrinth, the Sun Terrace works well as a stand-alone rental or as patio space for an event in Osberg Great Hall.

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Image credit: Jim Bennett / Photo Bakery.

Spotlights

  • Ideal For

    Cocktail parties, marriage ceremonies, and as an addition to larger events in Osberg Great Hall.

  • Capacity

    1. 300 people standing
    2. 160 people theater
    3. 120 people for seated dining

  • Availability

    Friday - Wednesday
    Evening rental only, 5pm – 12am

  • A large group of people mingles under a white tent covering the Fishermen's Sun Terrace.

    Image credit: Jim Bennett / Photo Bakery.

  • A group mingles at standing tables on the Fishermen's Sun Terrace at nighttime, with overhead string lights lit up against the dark sky.

    Image credit: Tern Creative.

L_M East Garden Wide 2024

East Garden

1,480 sq. ft.

A garden oasis tucked in the middle of bustling Ballard, the East Garden is a unique outdoor venue space for small to medium gatherings. Featuring a variety of plants from the Nordic countries and select artifacts, the East Garden’s hardscape terrace is the ideal location for summer gatherings of any type.

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Image credit: Bradley Hanson Photography.

Spotlights

  • Ideal For

    Cocktail parties, marriage ceremonies, family reunions, rehearsal dinners, and intimate dinner parties.

  • Capacity

    1. 140 people standing
    2. 120 people theater style
    3. 72 people for seated dining

  • Availability

    Friday - Wednesday
    Evening rental only, 5pm – 12am

  • Several long tables are lined up for a dinner party in front of a wooden boat displayed in the Museum's East Garden.


A couple walks onto the deck connected to the Nielsen Lounge at sunset.

Jens & Erna Nielsen Lounge

1,400 sq. ft.

Perfect for intimate gatherings, the Nielsen Lounge boasts stunning 180-degree panoramic views of Ballard’s working waterfront, Mt. Rainier, and the Olympic Mountains. The covered Ecklund Terrace adds protected outdoor space for your guests’ enjoyment.

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Image credit: Kami LaLonde.

Spotlights

  • Ideal For

    Cocktail parties, family reunions, birthday parties, small celebrations of life, and intimate dinner parties.

  • Capacity

    1. 60 people standing
    2. 30 people classroom
    3. 18 people open square or U-shape
    4. 48 people for seated dining

  • Availability

    Monday - Friday
    Evening rental only, 4pm - 12am

    Saturday-Sunday
    All day, 9am –12am.

Spotlights

  • IMG_9448 - 2x3

    Meeting Rooms

    531-627 sq. ft.

    Tucked away along Fjord Hall, our meeting rooms are private and light-filled, with large windows facing NW Market Street. Both rooms are equipped with large, wall-mounted screens that connect to a laptop via HDMI cable and video conferencing technology. Food and beverages are allowed in both meeting rooms, making them perfect for smaller, day-long events.

    IDEAL FOR: Small lectures and trainings; team or board retreats; short meetings; and as green-room style additions to larger events for couples, volunteers, performers, and more!

    CAPACITY:     40-people theater-style; 30-people classroom style; 32-people at rounds; or 18-people in a U-shape or open square.

    AVAILABILITY:     Monday-Sunday, 9am – 8am.
  • IMG_7333 - 5x7

    Craft Room

    630 sq. ft.

    Located off the Sun Terrace, this industrial-style multipurpose space features concrete floors, windows looking out on Ballard’s working waterfront, and a large utility sink. The National Nordic Museum can provide a mobile screen with HDMI connection for renters upon request. Food and beverages are allowed in the Craft Room.

    IDEAL FOR: Events featuring a craft or similar creative component; breakout room or support space for large events; and as an alternative to our more conventional meeting rooms.

    CAPACITY:     50-people theater style; 30-people classroom style; and 16-people in a U-shape or open square.

    AVAILABILITY:     Monday-Sunday, 9am – 8pm.
  • A person sits in front of a film camera in the Library, which is brightly lit and has floor-to-ceiling bookshelves lining many of the walls.

    Library

    668 sq. ft.

    Perched above Fjord Hall on the second floor of the Museum, the Library is a welcoming, sunlit space. The National Nordic Museum can provide a mobile screen with HDMI connection for renters upon request. No food or beverages are allowed in the Library.

    IDEAL FOR: Small lecture-style events, short daytime meetings, or breakout space for large events.

    CAPACITY:     50-people theater style; 30-people classroom style; and 20-people in a U-shape or open square.

    AVAILABILITY:     Tuesday-Sunday, 10am – 5pm.

    Image credit: Jim Bennett / Photo Bakery.

Pricing

Rental costs for small events start at $1,250; for large events, pricing starts at $3,500 on weekdays, and $6,000 on weekends. Saturday weddings typically range from $6,000-8,100 for an expected guest count of 100-232 people.

Things to Know

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Events in Osberg Great Hall, the Nielsen Lounge, and our small spaces have flexible start times, though additional fees may apply. Many of our rental spaces are also part of our working Museum, and full set-up access starts at 5:00 PM. If you are planning a very large event or need extended access, our Venue Services team can discuss your options in more detail.

  • The National Nordic Museum recommends using one of our high-quality local preferred catering vendors to ensure the best event experience for you and your guests. While we occasionally allow renters to choose another caterer, additional fees, restrictions, and a refundable cleaning deposit will apply.

  • Since the Museum displays delicate and irreplaceable items, we do have limitations on décor. Restrictions include but are not limited to: no flames; no confetti, glitter, or organic petals; no adhering items to walls or surfaces without express permission; no helium balloons; and no plants or organic matter in the galleries or gallery-adjacent areas of Fjord Hall. Additional restrictions are listed in your contract.

  • As part of your rental, you may use our tables, chairs, A/V systems, carts, power cords, and easels. Stage rental, pipe and drape rental, and bistro light rental are available for an additional fee. For more information about the items we have available, please fill out our Rental Inquiry Form.

  • For evening events, you may add our onsite parking lot to your rental agreement for your guests’ convenience. If you choose not to prepay the parking fees, your guests may still use the parking lot and will pay at the kiosks located in the lot. Paid and free street parking is also available in the neighborhoods surrounding the Museum.

    For daytime events we cannot reserve the full parking lot and encourage you to discuss parking options with the Venue Services team.

Read More FAQs


Our Exclusive Caterers

Spotlights

  1. Cameron Catering
  2. Foodz Catering
  3. Lovely Night Catering + Events
  4. On Safari Foods
  5. Ravishing Radish Catering

Our Preferred Vendors

Spotlights

  1. Blue Danube Productions
  2. Butler Seattle
  3. CORT Party Rental

Get in Touch

Whether you're planning an intimate gathering or a blowout celebration, the National Nordic Museum's versatile rental spaces will provide a unique and memorable backdrop for your event. Please take a moment to answer a few questions, and our Venue Services team will respond within about 48-hours.

Get to Know the National Nordic Museum

  • Who Are We?

    Located along Seattle’s working waterfront in an iconic building that embodies Nordic design, the National Nordic Museum is both a museum and a community gathering place.

    Learn Who We Are

  • Mission, Vision & Values

    The National Nordic Museum inspires people of all backgrounds to create a more vibrant, just, and sustainable world.

    Learn About Our Values

  • What's in the Neighborhood?

    The National Nordic Museum is located in Ballard, a Seattle neighborhood with a rich history of Nordic immigration. Today, it's a vibrant, diverse neighborhood on Seattle’s working waterfront with plenty to explore — restaurants, shops, nightlife, breweries, and the Hiram Chittenden Locks.

    Explore Ballard