I recently attended my husband’s company holiday party at the Mexican Cultural Institute in the Columbia Heights area, just north of Meridian Hill Park. What a magnificent building! Built in 1910, it later served as the Mexican Embassy. Main Event catered the event and did an excellent job (loved the prosciutto and brie mini sandwiches!) and the Moonlighters band kept up the festive atmosphere. I hope to be able to post some pro photos soon from Tony Brown of Imijination Photography.
Advantages: about 4 block walk from Columbia Heights Metro station; great for 100 people or less. Could do wedding ceremony and reception in same location; elevator available for those who could not climb stairs.
Challenges: no on-site parking. only a 2-stall ladies room; some of the lighting could not be dimmed.
![dsc02698 Mexican Cultural Institute](http://eventaccomplished.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/dsc02698.jpg?w=225)
![dsc02709 dsc02709](http://eventaccomplished.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/dsc02709.jpg?w=225)
![dsc02701 Amazing murals all along the stairwell](http://eventaccomplished.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/dsc02701.jpg?w=225)
![dsc02711 Spacious foyer](http://eventaccomplished.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/dsc02711.jpg?w=300)
![dsc02706 Another beautiful room which was used for cocktail hour](http://eventaccomplished.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/dsc02706.jpg?w=300)
![dsc02708 The room between the ballroom and cocktail room was were the bar was located.](http://eventaccomplished.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/dsc02708.jpg?w=225)
![dsc02705 Main ballroom, looking back into the hallway.](http://eventaccomplished.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/dsc02705.jpg?w=300)
![dsc02704 The magnificant tiled alcove, which is attached to the main ballroom. Perfect spot for a band and dancing.](http://eventaccomplished.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/dsc02704.jpg?w=300)