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Event Spaces at the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building
The Library’s Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, located in the heart of New York City, is celebrating its 100th birthday this year – and thanks to a monumental restoration, it looks just as beautiful as it did on the day it opened - May 23, 1911.
After a three-year, $50 million restoration and preservation of its exterior, the world renowned landmark building gleams once again. With its majestic front steps watched over by the beloved Library Lions – Patience and Fortitude – the building is a quintessential New York City icon.
Every year, hundreds of clients seek out the NYPL to provide the perfect venue for their special event – films, social gatherings, wedding receptions, corporate events – each wanting to capture a piece of one of the favorite venues in the greatest city in the world.
The magnificent Beaux-Arts building with its seven exquisite rental spaces caters to both intimate gatherings as well as lavish extravaganzas and lends a sense of grandeur and distinction to any occasion.
All event fees help to support the Library’s collections, services, and programs.
Fees available upon request. Appointments are necessary.
Celeste Bartos Forum
With its 30-foot-high glass saucer dome ceiling, this 6,400 square foot space provides a beautiful setting for wedding receptions, dinners, galas, sales meetings & presentations.
| Configuration | Capacity |
|---|---|
| Cocktails or auditorium-style | 500 |
| Seated dinner | 450 |
Astor Hall
The breathtaking grandeur of the white marble entranceway to the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building offers a memorable space for wedding receptions, cocktails, dinners, dances, filming, and photography.
Because this is a public space, events can only be held in Astor Hall when the Library is closed.
| Configuration | Capacity |
|---|---|
| Cocktails | 750 |
| Seated dinner | 250 |
The Edna Barnes Salomon Room
This 4,500 square foot rectangular space boasts dark maple wood floors, Rouge Jaspe accents throughout, and cream colored walls lined with paintings including “The Blind Milton Dictating Paradise Lost to His Daughters” by Mikhaly Munkacsy as well as artwork from James Peale, Rembrandt Peale, and Samuel F.B. Morse among others. The spectacular ceiling features faux skylights from end-to-end.
Unique among the event spaces in the Schwarzman Building, the Salomon Room is the perfect setting for wedding receptions, formal dinners, black-tie galas, and corporate parties.
| Configuration | Capacity |
|---|---|
| Cocktails | 325 |
| Seated Dinner | 300 |
McGraw Rotunda
This impressive space is set beneath arched bays, paired Corinthian walnut pilasters over 17-feet high, and striking murals by Edward Laning depicting the history of the written word. McGraw Rotunda lends itself to small receptions, dinners, and cocktail events.
Because this is a public space, events can only be held in McGraw Rotunda when the Library is closed.
| Configuration | Capacity |
|---|---|
| Cocktails | 300 |
| Seated Dinner | 150 |
The Sue and Edgar Wachenheim III Trustees Room
The beautiful ceiling, walnut paneled walls, marble fireplace, and magnificent 17th-Century Flemish tapestries reflect the warmth of a fine turn-of-the-century drawing room. Perfect for cocktails, meetings, press conferences, luncheons and small receptions.
| Configuration | Capacity |
|---|---|
| Cocktails or auditorium-style | 125 |
| Seated dinner | 110 |
The Lionel Pincus and Princess Firyal Map Division
The Map Division recently underwent a 9-month, $5 million renovation and restoration, returning the historic space to the original 1911 Beaux-Arts grandeur of the Carrère and Hastings design.
It is the ideal setting for intimate dinners, receptions, and cocktail parties.
Because this is a public space, events can only be held in The Map Division when the Library is closed.
| Configuration | Capacity |
|---|---|
| Cocktails | 60 |
| Seated dinner | 44 |
South Court Auditorium
South Court is a modern, six story glass structure that rises within the southern courtyard of the Schwarzman Building. The auditorium is located on the lower level of South Court and features multimedia and webcast capabilities and seating for 177 people. It is a perfect location for screenings, lectures, press conferences, and meetings.
| Configuration | Capacity |
|---|---|
| Auditorium | 177 |
Discover
Picture of the Day
May Day in New York (1856). NYPL Picture Collection.
One of 700,000 pictures in the NYPL Digital Gallery