Beyond the Stage at the Katzen: Embassy Receptions, Charity Galas, and More
American University’s Katzen Arts Center turns 20 this year, celebrating two decades as a beloved hub for art, ideas, and culture. The iconic building hosts around 250 events a year—including pop-up performances, student art exhibitions, embassy receptions, movie premieres, galas, fundraisers for good causes, summer camps for children, and even weddings—each one transforming Katzen into something new.
“The building is really a blank slate,” says Lisa Barr, senior facilities and operations manager. “People walk in and imagine their own version of Katzen, and every event brings it to life in a new way.”
The Katzen’s stories are as varied as the people who’ve passed through: a professor’s wedding after her original venue fell through; a piano sale interrupted by a world-renowned pianist; nonprofit galas and embassy receptions filled with color and light; and the Washington Winter Show, which has donated more than $10 million to local charities.
Yet at its heart, Katzen remains first and foremost an AU space filled with classrooms and studios where students rehearse, perform, create works of art, and prepare for life after graduation. On any day, you might find dance classes, orchestra rehearsals, art history lectures, MFA shows in the Rotunda and AU Museum, and music echoing through the halls.
Here are just a few ways AU and the community have made Katzen their own over two decades:
A Place to Learn and Create
Home to American University’s Art Department, Performing Arts Department, Dance, Music, Theatre and Musical Theatre, Art History, Arts Management, Studio Art, Photography, Graphic and Visual Communication Design, and Audio Technology, the Katzen is filled with classrooms, rehearsal rooms, performance spaces, art studios, and light-filled places where students learn and create.
Studio art class. Photo: Jeff Watts
A Student Lab, Learning Hub, and Performance and Exhibition Place
At its core, Katzen belongs to AU students: chamber performances, art exhibitions, final presentations, and rehearsals fill the calendar year after year.
AU Symphonic Band
A Place to Say “I Do”
From the very first wedding in 2007 to celebrations today, couples choose Katzen’s light-filled Rotunda as the backdrop for their big day. Here, American University School of Public Affairs professor TaLisa Carter and her fiancé Martel Stone said “I do” in the Katzen Arts Center Rotunda earlier this year.
TaLisa Carter and Martel Stone outside the Katzen
International Affairs and Galas
Embassy receptions and galas, big and small, transform the building all year long with color, conversation, and culture.
For a Good Cause
Nonprofit fundraisers like the Washington Winter Show have raised millions of dollars for local charities—all while bringing thousands of guests through Katzen’s doors.
Music in the Air
Each spring, a piano sale fills the Rotunda with instruments—and sometimes spontaneous concerts by world-class pianists. Here, former American University Musician-in-Residence Yuliya Gorenman stops by to perform a pop-up concert.
Fresh Paint: Student Exhibitions
Every year, American University’s MFA candidates show their completed thesis work in annual group exhibitions at the AU Museum.
Student works, MFA
Celebrating AU Spirit
The Katzen serves as a hub for university gatherings, retirement parties, end-of-year cocktails, and university-wide celebrations like President Alger’s welcome reception.
Learn More
Learn more about renting the Katzen for your next event.