History of our Venue
Principle Gallery is a unique and captivating venue perfect for parties, workshops, seminars, wedding receptions or ceremonies, corporate events, and much more. The gallery is housed in the historic residence of George Gilpin (1740-1813). Gilpin was the collector of customs, a member of the Fairfax Committee of Safety, a soldier in the Revolutionary troops with George Washington, and the husband of Martha Washington’s cousin. He built the home in the 1790s, slicing into the nearby cliff, Gilpin used the surrounding clay and stone for the foundation of the 208 King Street location. He would then use this building as a place for daily living and business matters. The Gilpin House still retains its architectural qualities and historic character from when Gilpin first built it.

Venue Details
Our second-floor gallery is our primary event space. It can accommodate a variety of capacities depending on the nature of your event. No matter the event, our amenities include a galley-style kitchen fully equipped with a gas oven, small-capacity refrigerator, microwave, and sink. Limited furniture is also available on-site if needed. Please note, due to the historic nature of the building, it is not handicap accessible. There are three wide steps to enter the building. On the main floor, three wide steps separate the front and back rooms. There is personal elevator access to the second floor. This elevator will not accommodate a wheelchair. The restroom for the main floor is in the basement (not handicap accessible) and the restroom for the second floor is on the second floor but is down one step. We can accept rentals on Federal Holidays, but those rates are different. If you are interested in renting on a Federal Holiday please just let us know and we can inform you of those rates. The Principle Gallery is not available for rentals on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.

For larger events, both our first and second floors can be rented. Your event must be 5 or more hours. See all pricing and capacities below.

Venue Walkthroughs & Bookings
Events are unique to every renter therefore each inquiry is addressed on an individualized basis to accommodate your specific needs. The Principle Gallery is available for walk through’s and viewings during business hours and by appointment. The gallery is open 12-5 pm Monday, 10 am – 6 pm Tuesday-Thursday, 10 am – 8 pm Friday and Saturday, 11 am – 6 pm on Sunday. Advance notice for viewing the venue is greatly appreciated. The Principle Gallery is not responsible for event planning or organization. Details of the event are left to the responsibility of the renter or designated event coordinator.

All renters must provide the venue with thorough information regarding events, then review and sign the Rules and Regulations and Release of Liability for Renting the Principle Gallery. Reservations are complete with the return of the signed contract, a 50% deposit, and an $800 refundable security deposit. Final payments and all insurance documentation are due 30 days prior to the event date.

First Floor – Main Gallery

Pricing – First & Second Floor Rentals
Rates per hour – 501(c)(3) organizations receive a 20% discount on hourly rental rates.

Mon.-Thurs. – $650/hr (after 4 pm set up, 5 pm start time)
Fri. & Sat. – $825/hr (after 6 pm set up, 7 pm start time)
Sun. – $700/hr (after 4 pm set up, 5 pm start time)

All rentals incur a $175 cleaning fee per floor.

Room Sizes
First Floor
Main Gallery – 40’ x 18’ 720 sq. feet
Atrium Gallery – 21’ x 18’ 378 sq. feet
Fireplace Gallery – 19′ x 12′ 228 sq. feet

First Floor Capacity
Seated Dinner – 70 guests
Cocktail Party with Buffet – 100 guests
Cocktail Party with Passed Bites – 120 guests
Cocktail Party (no food) – 140 guests

Second Floor – Rear Gallery

Pricing – Second Floor Only Rentals
Rates per hour – 501(c)(3) organizations receive a 20% discount on hourly rental rates.

Second Floor – start time as early as 8 am any day.
Mon.-Thurs. – $250/hr (4-hour minimum)
Fri. & Sat. – $500/hr (5-hour minimum)
Sun.- $450/hr (4-hour minimum)

All rentals incur a $175 cleaning fee per floor.

Room Sizes
Second Floor
Main Gallery – 18’ x 20’ 360 sq. feet
Rear Gallery – 21’ x 20’ 420 sq. feet

Second Floor Capacity
Seated Dinner – 50 guests
Cocktail Party with Buffet – 55 guests
Cocktail Party with Passed Bites – 65 guests
Cocktail Party (no food) – 70 guests

Optional Services – Art Related
For second-floor rentals only
Remove all art hanging on the walls for $1,000.
Self-curate hanging of the artwork on the walls $3,000.
If you’re interested in either of these services, please disclose it when contacting the venue.

Please use the rental intake form below to tell us more about your event. We look forward to hearing from you!