Gaston Hall
Named after Georgetown’s first student and former North Carolina congressman William Gaston, Gaston Hall was constructed in 1879, and its first event was the commencement ceremony for the class of that same year. However, the famously ornate interior created by Brother Francis C. Schroen, S.J. was not completed until 1897. The interior includes the crests of sixty Jesuit colleges and universities from around the world, as well as four symbolic murals that were painted freehand. Since then, Gaston Hall has hosted many high-profile events and speakers, including Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, F’1968; actor and director Bradley Cooper, C’1997; investor Warren Buffett; actor and governor Arnold Schwarzenegger; comedian John Mulaney, C’2004; and several others.
For more information on the Gaston Hall interior visit Highly Decorated: The Work of Brother Francis C. Schroen, S.J. from Lauinger Library’s Booth Family Center for Special Collections.
Gaston Hall is located inside the Healy Building and has a total seating capacity of 700 people with about 400 on the floor and 300 on the balcony. Georgetown Public Health rules may limit capacity.
Because it is surrounded by administrative and faculty offices, requestors are asked and encouraged to respect the needs of others in the building. This space is only available to internal clients.
The Corridor in the Old North Building immediately behind Gaston Hall, the dressing rooms, hallways and lobby are not to be used as support space or supplemental rehearsal space for Gaston Hall. Due to fire regulations, the door leading to the corridor must remain open during the event.
No Food, Beverages, or Beverage Containers are permitted in Gaston Hall. Violation of this may result in additional fees to cover any and all damage or clean-up.
Support Space: GEMS can assist with reserving additional space including a green room, sign-in space and Healy corridors. This space will not be available if it interferes with classes or university operations.
Audiovisual Services: Our office does not provide audiovisual services for Gaston Hall. In this historic space, there are no speakers or stage lighting. You may contact private vendors for audiovisual services. Our preapproved vendors are Bluestreet Productions, (202) 420-8654, and Optimum Audio (202) 618-2017. No other vendors are approved. We do ask that you inform our office of your selected vendor as this information will be added to your event file.
Accessibility: Gaston Hall is an accessible space. To avoid stairs, approach the rear of Healy from Dahlgren Chapel, turn left, then take the northmost elevator to the 3rd floor. There are designated audience positions for wheelchair users. For presenters, GEMS staff can provide a wheelchair lift to stage level. No audio amplification is available. Event planners should refer to Accessibility at Georgetown for additional information regarding accessibility.
Want a better look at Gaston Hall? Check out our 360 view below.
