Hammer Auditorium is a small, semicircular performance hall inside the Flagg Building, the Beaux-Arts landmark at 17th Street and New York Avenue NW that was long home to the Corcoran Gallery of Art. Today the building is the main home of George Washington University’s Corcoran School of the Arts & Design.
With its ring of Doric columns, the Hammer is one of the loveliest small rooms in the city. It hosts occasional concerts, talks, and performances a block from the White House.
Hammer Auditorium Venue Information
- Address: 500 17th St NW, Washington, DC 20006
- Entrance: Use the New York Avenue door unless your event says otherwise
- Location: Downtown DC, across 17th Street from the White House grounds
- Building: The Flagg Building, Corcoran School of the Arts & Design at GW
- Format: Seated auditorium
Upcoming Concerts and Tickets at Hammer Auditorium
Fortas Chamber Music Concerts: PUBLIQuartet: RhythmNation
November 15, 2026 at 3:00 pm
Hammer Auditorium
See upcoming shows on our Hammer Auditorium event listings or browse the full DC Social Guide concert calendar. Public events at the Hammer are less frequent than at a dedicated music club, so check each event listing for the presenter and ticket details. The Corcoran School website lists school-hosted events.
Who Books Shows at Hammer Auditorium?
The space is reserved through the Corcoran School community, and outside presenters occasionally rent it for concerts and talks. The presenter named on your ticket is the best contact for show-specific questions.
Parking at Hammer Auditorium
The Flagg Building has no public parking. Metered street parking around the White House area is limited, so plan on a downtown garage near Farragut Square or 17th Street, and reserve ahead on busy nights.
Metro and Rideshare
Farragut West on the Orange, Blue, and Silver lines is the closest Metro station, a walk of several blocks south along 17th Street. Rideshare drivers can drop you on New York Avenue near the entrance; security closures around the White House can reroute traffic, so give yourself extra time.
What to Expect at Hammer Auditorium
The Hammer is a curved, intimate hall with excellent acoustics. Above it sits the Hemicycle, the gallery space that shares its D-shaped footprint. Because it is part of a working art school, amenities like bars and coat check depend on the event.
Hammer Auditorium History
Architect Ernest Flagg designed the building in 1897 to house the Corcoran Gallery of Art and its school. After the Corcoran’s collection was distributed, largely to the National Gallery of Art, George Washington University took over the building and the art school. The auditorium is named for Frances and Armand Hammer.
Hammer Auditorium FAQ
Where is Hammer Auditorium?
Inside the Flagg Building at 500 17th St NW. Enter on New York Avenue.
What Metro station is closest?
Farragut West on the Orange, Blue, and Silver lines.
Is there parking?
No. Use a nearby downtown garage or transit.
Is Hammer Auditorium seated?
Yes, it is a seated auditorium.
Also nearby: Blues Alley.
Hours, policies, and parking details can change. Check with the event presenter before you go.
Map and Directions
Hammer Auditorium, Flagg Building
500 17th St NW
Washington, DC 20006