News WHAT’SNEW in the nation’s capital Your meeting and event options continue to expand in DC, making the nation’s capital a go-to destination for a successful and unforgettable event. The Wharf is transforming DC’s Southwest Waterfront into a bustling new marina. NEWATTRACTIONS The Wharf Open Phase I of this $2.5 billion mixed-use development opened last October. Visitors can enjoy The Anthem, a 150,000-square-foot music venue that also serves as a convention facility, with flexible capacity up to 6,000. The Wharf also o ers 3.2 million square feet of hotel and retail space, rentable waterfront piers and a water taxi service to and from Georgetown and Old Town Alexandria. Restaurants will eventually total more than 20, including new o erings from Fabio Trabocchi, Mike Isabella and Nicholas Stefanelli. Freer | Sackler Galleries Open The Smithsonian’s museums of Asian art on the National Mall re-opened last October following extensive renovations. Inside, visitors can discover ancient Near Eastern art and contemporary Asian works, including four all-new exhibits. Groups of 10 or more should register a week in advance. Museum of the Bible Open A private state-of-the-art museum located two blocks from the National Mall, the Museum of the Bible features 430,000 square feet filled with some of the world’s rarest biblical artifacts and texts. Its ballroom o ers special event seating for 600 and lecture-style seating for 6,000. Admission is free with a suggested $15 donation. International Spy Museum Re-opening fall 2018 One of the city’s most popular museums will move from Penn Quarter to L’Enfant Plaza, a short walk from the National Mall. The new location will be 140,000 square 14 | EVENT PLANNING GUIDE
Washington DC Event Planner Guide Washington DC Event Planning Guide 2018: Page 14
