New York City is one of the event capitals of the world, and because of how precious real estate is, especially in Manhattan, many cool places serve double duty both as their original function (i.e. Library, Museum) and as event spaces that can be rented out. You’ve already figured out your unique event entertainment (New York, NY Dueling Pianos, of course!) Now, here’s 5 unique spaces on the island of Manhattan to consider if you are seeking something different than a standard hotel or convention space for your corporate event, wedding, or gala fundraiser.
Another great New York space is the Central Park Boathouse in middle of this beautiful Park. The Boathouse overlooks the lake which, in the warmer months hosts gondolas replete with gondoliers singing Italian love songs to starry-eyed couples. There’s a brick terrace right on the lake, perfect for cocktail hour before dinner. Capacity is 80 – 230.The iconic Stephen A. Schwarzman Building of the New York Public Library just underwent a $50 Million renovation and is one of the more spectacular venues, located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. There are 7 different spaces available, each one breathtakingly dramatic. From the old school wealthy grandeur of Astor Hall or McGraw Rotunda to the Wachenheim Trustees Room, a warm 19th century drawing room, each space offers a historic slice of perhaps the greatest city in the world. These rooms accomodate from 40 up to 500 people.
While the Delegates Dining Room at the United Nations is certainly a wonderful space, it’s the adjoining patio that’s particularly special with it’s sweeping views of the city skyline and the East RIver. It’s one of NYC’s largest outdoor patios and can hold up to 1,000. Add the 800 capacity of the Dining Room, and you host an event for 1,800 people at this historic locations where ambassadors, diplomats and the occasional president roams.Whether you’re hosting a Black Eyed Peas concert or Sarah Jessica Parker’s wedding, this gothic synagogue built in 1849 will fit the bill. Angel Oresanz Centerwas  modeled after the Cathedral of Cologne with the gothic style of the German Reform Movement of the 19th century. The center has become one of the more dramatic event rental spaces in NYC with it’s rib-vaulted ceiling, wraparound mezzanine and it’s architectural detailed alter.  The main space can hold up to 300 people, with additional seating for 200 more in the balcony.

If inlaid marble floors, ten foot brass doors, soaring Corinthian columns and delicate stained glass windows amid gold-leaf domes are your thing, then you want to check out the magnificent Grand Ballroom at Gotham Hall.  There’s a plushly appointed mezzanine that looks out over the Grand Ballroom and the space is quite dramatic, as the name suggests. With 10,000 square feet on the floor of the Grand Ballroom, you can invite up to 800 guests, with room for 300 more up in the mezzanine.