Josephine Butler Parks Center

The historic Josephine Butler Parks Center is a beautifully restored Renaissance-revival mansion overlooking America's first national park for the performing arts, Meridian Hill/ Malcolm X Park. First designed to be the Vice President's home, the Parks Center went on to become the Embassy of Brazil and Hungary before transforming into the vibrant community space it is today -- an "embassy of the Earth" that's perfect for events of all kinds.  Owned and operated for 25 years by celebrated DC nonprofit Washington Parks & People, the Parks Center has been continually recognized as one of DC's best event venues.  It has the capacity and flexibility to host everything from weddings to diverse retreats, receptions, fundraisers, exhibitions, trainings, film shoots, bar/ bat mitzvahs, quincineras, celebrations, and much, much more. The soaring spaces of the Parks Center -- a dream for both gatherings and the photography to remember these gatherings forever -- boast park views throughout and such magnificent century-old architectural features as grand staircases, 14-foot ceilings, balconies, chandeliers, mantels and fireplaces, sculptural reliefs, marble columns and balustrades, decorative moldings and metalwork, and one of the largest ballrooms of any private mansion in DC.  In addition to 5 spacious event rooms and 3 breakout spaces, the Center features a Terrace, Foyer, Lobby, Kitchens, Porte Cochere, Event Staging, Parking, and a lush surrounding native landscape that includes a Garden Sanctuary ideal for outdoor ceremonies and receptions.  Named after Parks & People's late leader, DC environmental educator and voting rights activist hero Josephine Butler, the Center's green mission shines through with wind-powered electricity and energy-efficient features throughout.  All proceeds from Parks Center events underwrite the work of Parks & People and its many partners, growing park-based community health and justice for all by breathing new life into parks, playgrounds, schoolyards, trails, and community farms and gardens across DC.  

Tours of the Parks Center are held Tuesdays at 6pm, Fridays at Noon, and the first Sunday of every month at 11am.  Please come visit us!