Travel Gal Kim Swidler

Stories, Tips, Foodie Finds, and Deals

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Memorable Huge Party Venues in NYC

Dinner at the American Museum of Natural History
Dinner at the American Museum of Natural History

Last March, I attended the Explorers Club’s annual dinner in NYC. Held at the American Museum of Natural History, the setting was so magical that I felt as if I was on the set of a movie. Although this was a huge party venue that could seat about 1,000 guests, many hopeful attendees had to be turned away.

So the question began to circulate as to where the club could go next year for a party that could accommodate this many or even more guests. I asked Chris Heywood, Senior Vice President of  Global Communications of NYC & Company if he could offer some suggestions. Mr. Heywood and a member of his team, Britt Hijkoop came up with some terrific ideas for party venues that I’m assuming could also handle smaller crowds.

Here they are:

Attractions: Attractions
Bronx Zoo
2300 Southern Blvd.
Bronx, NY 10460
Website: http://www.bronxzoo.com
Description:
The Bronx Zoo of the Wildlife Conservation Society is the premier place to study and appreciate the world’s many creatures. Home to more than 6,000 animals, the zoo spans 265 acres that re-create the diverse natural habitats of its numerous residents. This summer, dinosaurs make their return at Dinosaur Safari: Mysteries Revealed. Discover how fossils provide clues to our prehistoric past. Witness a gigantic T. rex stalking an injured Triceratops and mothers protecting their nests from lurking predators—and watch out for dinosaur goo from three spitting Dilophosauruses.
Central Park Zoo
830 Fifth Ave. (southeast corner of Central Park)
Manhattan, NY 10021
Contact: Ms. Lillian Valentin
Phone: 212-439-6532
Fax: 212-988-0286
Email: lvalentin@wcs.org
Website: http://www.centralparkzoo.com
Description:
Animal lovers of all ages won’t want to miss the Central Park Zoo. A pioneer in re-creating natural habitats in urban environments, the zoo houses polar bears, sea lions, monkeys and more, including red pandas and other endangered species. If you’re bringing along little ones, don’t forget to visit the Tisch Children’s Zoo, where they can feed and pet friendly live animals or play (and learn) in a variety of simulated animal eggs, shells and habitats. The zoo offers outdoor and tented event space for private functions up to 1,200 sit-down or 2,000 cocktails.
Madame Tussauds New York
234 W. 42nd St.
Manhattan, NY 10036
Website: http://www.madametussauds.com/newyork
Description:
Take center stage in the new immersive Music Experience at Madame Tussauds, opening February 2014. Madame Tussauds is an 85,000-square-foot interactive museum with over 200 wax figures. Get up close with wax likenesses of A-list celebrities, historical figures, sports icons, music stars and more. Also, don’t miss the Marvel Super Heroes 4D Experience, featuring the Hulk, Thor, Iron Man and Captain America.
Madison Square Garden
2 Penn Plaza
Manhattan, NY 10121
Contact: Ms. Tamica Clanton
Phone: (212) 631-6479
Fax: (212) 631-4339
Email: tamica.clanton@msg.com
Website: http://www.thegarden.com
Description:
The Garden is the city’s premiere sports and entertainment complex, home to the New York Rangers, Knicks and Liberty teams, as well as the stage for massively popular artists like Tina Turner, AC/DC and Oasis. The more intimate Theater at Madison Square Garden also hosts concerts and shows, such as Wintuk from Cirque de Soleil, and standup comedians like Chris Rock and Kathy Griffin.
New York Botanical Garden
2900 Southern Blvd.
Bronx, NY 10458
Website: http://www.nybg.org
Description:
The New York Botanical Garden, neighbor to the Bronx Zoo, is a wonderland for everything that grows. Featuring more than a million plants on 250 acres, the Botanical Garden is a place for study and research as well as enchantment and exploration. Take a seasonal walk to see what’s in bloom or visit the Home Gardening Center for tips to take home to your own patch of earth.
Dining: American
Dave & Buster’s
234 W. 42nd St., 3rd fl.
Manhattan, NY 10036
Contact: Mr. Benjamin Maddy
Phone: (646) 495-2011
Fax: (646) 495-1982
Email: benjamin_maddy@daveandbusters.com
Website: http://www.daveandbusters.com
Description:
Even in the cacophonous madness of Times Square, Dave & Busters provides an amped-up level of fun, fun, fun. Where else is there to play video games and Skee-Ball, drink copious amounts of outrageous cocktails and feast on an extensive menu of satisfy-your-craving bar food? Check the website for tons of specials, with bargain-price game plans available almost every night.
Edison Ballroom
240 W. 47th St.
Manhattan, NY 10036
Contact: Mr. Sean Campbell
Phone: (212) 201-7650
Email: sean@edisonballroom.com
Website: http://www.edisonballroom.com
Description:
Originally opened in the 1930s as the grand ballroom for the Hotel Edison, this stunning venue has hosted nearly all the famous bands from the Swing Era. It also was the home of the Broadway musical Oh! Calcutta! from 1976 to 1989 (for a time it was the longest running musical in Broadway history). Today, the space offers everything from elegant New Year’s Eve parties to musical performances.
Rock Center Café
20 W. 50th St.
Manhattan, NY 10020
Website: http://www.rockcentercafeny.com
Description:
With a stunning view of The Rink at Rockefeller Center in the winter months along with the spectacular Manhattan cityscape, Rock Center Café boasts a series of original Warhol prints in its popular bar and one of the most memorable settings imaginable for dining and entertaining. Serving an exceptional breakfast and an outstanding contemporary American lunch and dinner, it’s a place you’ll return to again and again. This stylish standby is open 365 days a year to serve your every need.
Dining: Dining
Cipriani Wall Street
55 Wall St.
Manhattan, NY 10005
Contact: Ms. Deborah Mella
Phone: (646) 723-0826
Fax: 212-845-8601
Email: dmella@cipriani.com
Website: http://www.cipriani.com
Description:
One of four Cipriani venues in New York City, this grand dame of Manhattan’s elite dining scene was formerly the home of the New York Stock Exchange. With its four sets of monolithic Corinthian columns and grand ballroom distinguished by a 70-foot ceiling with a Wedgewood dome, the 16,000-square-foot space is a fairy-tale setting for a big-budget wedding ceremony and reception, or an elegant three-course dinner.
Dave & Buster’s
234 W. 42nd St., 3rd fl.
Manhattan, NY 10036
Contact: Mr. Benjamin Maddy
Phone: (646) 495-2011
Fax: (646) 495-1982
Email: benjamin_maddy@daveandbusters.com
Website: http://www.daveandbusters.com
Description:
Even in the cacophonous madness of Times Square, Dave & Busters provides an amped-up level of fun, fun, fun. Where else is there to play video games and Skee-Ball, drink copious amounts of outrageous cocktails and feast on an extensive menu of satisfy-your-craving bar food? Check the website for tons of specials, with bargain-price game plans available almost every night.
Lucille’s Bar & Grill
237 W. 42nd St.
Manhattan, NY 10036
Website: http://www.bbkingblues.com
Description:
Part of B.B. King Blues Club & Grill, this bar is named after the blues legend’s guitar, and offers lunch, dinner, drinks and live entertainment. Have your beer poured from a saxophone tap, soak up all the blues history oozing from photos on the wall and listen to some of New York’s greatest undiscovered musicians … for free!
Rock Center Café
20 W. 50th St.
Manhattan, NY 10020
Website: http://www.rockcentercafeny.com
Description:
With a stunning view of The Rink at Rockefeller Center in the winter months along with the spectacular Manhattan cityscape, Rock Center Café boasts a series of original Warhol prints in its popular bar and one of the most memorable settings imaginable for dining and entertaining. Serving an exceptional breakfast and an outstanding contemporary American lunch and dinner, it’s a place you’ll return to again and again. This stylish standby is open 365 days a year to serve your every need.
The Sea Grill
19 W. 49th St.
Manhattan, NY 10020
Website: http://www.theseagrillnyc.com
Description:
Winner of the prestigious 2007 Ivy Award, The Sea Grill at Rockefeller Center is a stunning example of the very freshest oceanic delicacies, with ingredient-driven and locally sourced specialties. Continuously ranked among a handful of New York’s top seafood restaurants, the sublime cuisine and sleek, modern setting are highlighted by the spectacular views at this landmark location.
World Yacht Dining Cruises
Pier 81, West 41st St. and the Hudson River
Manhattan, NY 10036
Contact: Ms. Janice Bennett
Phone: (212) 630-8126
Fax: (212) 563-3347
Email: jbennett@worldyacht.com
Website: http://www.worldyacht.com
Description:
World Yacht, New York’s premier dining cruise, indulges patrons with outstanding cuisine and world-class service from an international staff. The dining experience takes you down the Hudson River, around the tip of Manhattan and up the East River. Enjoy music, dancing and strolling on the large outer decks, surrounded by dazzling views of the City skyline and the majestic Statue of Liberty. Join World Yacht for an elegant dinner, Sunday buffet brunch, holiday or private event cruises.
Meeting Facilities: Meeting Facilities
Cipriani 42nd Street
110 E. 42nd St.
Manhattan, NY 10017
Contact: Ms. Deborah Mella
Phone: (646) 723-0826
Fax: (212) 883-5684
Email: dmella@cipriani.com
Website: http://www.cipriani.com
Description:
Of all the Ciprianis in the City, this 42nd Street locale (in the famed Bowery Building—built in 1921) is perhaps the most magnificent, with its soaring marble columns, 65-foot ceiling, gorgeous inlaid floors and stunning chandeliers. Events at this breathtaking space, a national and New York City landmark interior, are truly unforgettable.
Cipriani Wall Street
55 Wall St.
Manhattan, NY 10005
Contact: Ms. Deborah Mella
Phone: (646) 723-0826
Fax: 212-845-8601
Email: dmella@cipriani.com
Website: http://www.cipriani.com
Description:
One of four Cipriani venues in New York City, this grand dame of Manhattan’s elite dining scene was formerly the home of the New York Stock Exchange. With its four sets of monolithic Corinthian columns and grand ballroom distinguished by a 70-foot ceiling with a Wedgewood dome, the 16,000-square-foot space is a fairy-tale setting for a big-budget wedding ceremony and reception, or an elegant three-course dinner.
Edison Ballroom
240 W. 47th St.
Manhattan, NY 10036
Contact: Mr. Sean Campbell
Phone: (212) 201-7650
Email: sean@edisonballroom.com
Website: http://www.edisonballroom.com
Description:
Originally opened in the 1930s as the grand ballroom for the Hotel Edison, this stunning venue has hosted nearly all the famous bands from the Swing Era. It also was the home of the Broadway musical Oh! Calcutta! from 1976 to 1989 (for a time it was the longest running musical in Broadway history). Today, the space offers everything from elegant New Year’s Eve parties to musical performances.
Ellis Island Special Event Venues
Ellis Island
New York, NY 10004
Contact: Ms. Patti Golden
Phone: (212) 344-0996
Fax: (212) 344-0219
Email: pgolden@thestatueofliberty.com
Website: http://www.thestatueofliberty.com/events
Description:
Let Ellis Island be your guide with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity celebrating your heritage. Whether it be an intimate cocktail party, a lavish corporate gathering, a political gala, an extraordinary family affair, wedding, Bar or Bat Mitzvah, Ellis Island will keep your guests talking for years to come, with views of Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty. Events come with exclusive use of the museum and can be booked for 25 to 1,200 people. The Registry Room is 13,000 square feet. Fireworks are available. Indoor and outdoor events are available.
Espace
635 W. 42nd St.
Manhattan, NY 10036
Contact: Mr. Barry Rosenthal
Phone: 212-967-7003
Fax: 212-967-7183
Email: brosenthal@espaceny.com
Website: http://www.espaceny.com
Description:
This massive, new event space on New York’s West Side offers a blank canvas on which you can create the event of your dreams. Whether its social, corporate or not-for-profit, Espace’s team pays attention to every detail, from drinks and food to furniture, tables and place settings. Everyone from BET to Maxim magazine has held events there.
Gotham Hall
1356 Broadway
Manhattan, NY 10018
Contact: Mr. B. Allan Kurtz
Phone: 212-244-4300
Fax: 212-244-2353
Email: BAK@gothamhallevents.com
Website: http://www.gothamhallevents.com
Description:
Gotham Hall, a special-events venue that features turn-of-the-century architecture and a seven-story gilded ballroom, hosts one event at a time, giving visitors an authentic experience of devoted hospitality. During occasions ranging from elegant social events to corporate gatherings and nonprofit galas, guests will experience the uncompromising attention to detail and personal service of the location’s event coordination staff.
Manhattan Center
311 W. 34th St.
Manhattan, NY 10001
Website: http://www.mcstudios.com
Description:
Built in 1906, Manhattan Center has been part of New York City’s cultural makeup for more than 100 years. Housed within this historical gem are two beautiful venue spaces: The Hammerstein Ballroom and The Grand Ballroom. In the 1990s, two recording studios were added, along with two television studios. Both venues are tie-lined to state-of-the-art television control rooms and recording studios. All events can be broadcast live or recorded for later broadcast.
Metropolitan Pavilion
125 W. 18th St.
Manhattan, NY 10011
Contact: Ms. Shelly Taggar
Phone: (212) 463-0200
Fax: (212) 463-0946
Email: shelly@metropolitanevents.com
Website: http://www.metropolitanevents.com
Description:
Offering 30,000 square feet of ground-floor space and three additional smaller spaces—Gallery, The Level (fifth floor) and The Metropolitan Suite (second floor)—Metropolitan Pavilion is perfect for fashion events, media events, trade shows, dinners and more. In addition to the 60,000 square feet of event space, other amenities include a Historic District location, indoor loading and unloading, expandable default lighting arrays and a wide range of event-production services. A top-floor Showroom is also available.
Pier Sixty & The Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers
Chelsea Piers, 23rd St. & Twelfth Ave.
Manhattan, NY 10011
Contact: Ms. Meredith Barsky
Phone: (212) 336-6024
Fax: (212) 336-6417
Email: barskm@chelseapiers.com
Website: http://www.piersixty.com
Description:
One of Manhattan’s most flexible event spaces has stunning waterfront views and can accommodate anywhere from 200 to 2,000 guests in 20,000 square feet of luxury space. Unique features include blackout window shades, high-tech communication equipment, valet parking and shuttle services.
Piers 92/94 New York
711 Twelfth Ave.
Manhattan, NY 10019
Contact: Ms. Jenniel Davis
Phone: (646) 778-3211
Fax: (212) 381-5972
Email: jdavis@mmart.com
Website: http://www.piers9294.com
Description:
Home to the Armory Show, the New York International Gift Fair and other staple NYC events, Piers 92/94 is a glamorous, one-of-a-kind event space. Conveniently located on the banks of the Hudson River in Midtown Manhattan—and easily accessible by public transportation—Piers 92/94 sits just moments away from New York’s world-famous dining, shopping, attractions and entertainment. And with 250,000 square feet of exhibitor space, state-of-the-art audiovisual and telecommunications technology and sweeping views of the gorgeous waterfront, Piers 92/94 is truly an ideal space for any event, from an intimate cocktail party to a bustling convention.
Statue of Liberty Special Events
Statue of Liberty, Liberty Island
New York, NY 10004
Contact: Ms. Patti Golden
Phone: (212) 344-0996
Fax: (212) 344-0219
Email: pgolden@thestatueofliberty.com
Website: http://www.thestatueofliberty.com/events
Description:
Take a bite out of the Big Apple with a one-of-a-kind experience at a National Monument. Host your exclusive event at America’s most recognized symbol of freedom and democracy—the Statue of Liberty. Join Lady Liberty for a cocktail and a photo keepsake, followed by dinner under a clear tent as you take in the stars and the Manhattan skyline. Events are available for 25 to 1,200 guests. The Statue of Liberty sits on 12 acres of land in New York Harbor. Fireworks available. National Park Ranger walking tours are also available.
Yankee Stadium
1 E. 161st St.
Bronx, NY 10451
Website: newyork.yankees.mlb.com/nyy/ballpark/events_form.jsp
Description:
The House that Ruth Built, constructed from 1921 to 1923, is original home of the New York Yankees, 27-time World Series champions. The Yankees played all of their home games at this stadium in the Bronx until 2008, when a new stadium was completed across the street. Now, the Yankees inhabit a deluxe new stadium (where they won their most recent World Series), and the old Yankee Stadium was deconstructed and turned into a park.
Museums: Museums
American Museum of Natural History
Central Park West at 79th St.
Manhattan, NY 10024
Contact: Mr. Matthew Kirsch
Phone: (212) 769-5748
Alt. Phone: (212) 769-5200
Fax: (212) 769-5368
Email: mkirsch@amnh.org
Website: http://www.amnh.org
Description:
The American Museum of Natural History is a New York icon. Packed with exhibitions representing people and animals throughout the ages, the museum also has a planetarium and an IMAX theater, as well as special visiting exhibitions and plenty of places to eat and shop. The dinosaur wing is a must-see, and if you have time, lie down under the life-size model of a blue whale in the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life.
Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
Pier 86, Twelfth Ave. at 46th St.
Manhattan, NY 10036
Alt. Phone: (212) 245-0072
Website: http://www.intrepidmuseum.org
Description:
The Intrepid Museum is a unique journey through spectacular interactive exhibitions. Located at Pier 86, the complex boasts authentically restored aircraft, USS Growler submarine, a British Airways Concorde, and the Space Shuttle Pavilion, featuring Enterprise. Intrepid is a dynamic adventure for visitors of all ages and offers group packages, member benefits, birthday parties, special-event packages and educational programs. At Twelfth Avenue and 46th Street, Intrepid is easy to get to by mass transit, car or water taxi.
Museum of Modern Art – MoMA
11 W. 53rd St.
Manhattan, NY 10019
Website: http://www.moma.org
Description:
Forever at the forefront, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is not only devoted to presenting the best in contemporary art, but also to promoting the understanding of modern art and expanding the definition of what is considered “art” in the first place. Whether it’s showing you something you’ve never seen before, or showing you how to see something familiar in a new way, the MoMA is always an eye- and mind-opening experience.
New York Hall of Science
47-01 111th St.
Queens, NY 11368
Contact: Mr. Dan Wempa
Phone: (718) 699-0005
Fax: (718) 699-1341
Email: dwempa@nysci.org
Website: http://www.nysci.org
Description:
Explore more at the New York Hall of Science, New York City’s only hands-on science and technology center. Discover over 450 exhibits, workshops and special events, including Rocket Park Mini Golf, the award-winning 60,000-square-foot Science Playground and state-of-the-art 3-D Theater. NYSCI is easily accessible, just blocks from the 7 train with on site parking also available.
Pro Sports & Facilities: Pro Sports & Facilities
Yankee Stadium
1 E. 161st St.
Bronx, NY 10451
Website: newyork.yankees.mlb.com/nyy/ballpark/events_form.jsp
Description:
The House that Ruth Built, constructed from 1921 to 1923, is original home of the New York Yankees, 27-time World Series champions. The Yankees played all of their home games at this stadium in the Bronx until 2008, when a new stadium was completed across the street. Now, the Yankees inhabit a deluxe new stadium (where they won their most recent World Series), and the old Yankee Stadium was deconstructed and turned into a park.
Yacht Charter & Rentals: Yacht Charter & Rentals
Statue Cruises
Battery Park/Ferry Slip
Manhattan, NY 10004
Contact: Mr. Rafael Abreu
Phone: (201) 432-6321
Alt. Phone: (201) 604-2800
Fax: (201) 432-6243
Email: rabreu@statuecruises.com
Website: http://www.statuecruises.com
Description:
Statue Cruises, the authorized concessionaire of the National Park Service, provides ferry service to the Statue of Liberty National Monument and Ellis Island. They offer two convenient departure locations for the trip—Battery Park in Lower Manhattan and Liberty State Park in New Jersey. In addition, Statue Cruises now offers timed tickets to the historic landmarks, making the trip even easier. Visitors can reserve departure times online (when possible), purchase tickets and print them at home. Nearly a year after Hurricane Sandy, Ellis Island is re-opened to visitors, in addition to the Statue of Liberty’s crown and pedestal museum. Purchase tickets at statuecruises.com in advance or call 877-LADYTIX (523-9849) to book a reservation.
World Yacht Dining Cruises
Pier 81, West 41st St. and the Hudson River
Manhattan, NY 10036
Contact: Ms. Janice Bennett
Phone: (212) 630-8126
Fax: (212) 563-3347
Email: jbennett@worldyacht.com
Website: http://www.worldyacht.com
Description:
World Yacht, New York’s premier dining cruise, indulges patrons with outstanding cuisine and world-class service from an international staff. The dining experience takes you down the Hudson River, around the tip of Manhattan and up the East River. Enjoy music, dancing and strolling on the large outer decks, surrounded by dazzling views of the City skyline and the majestic Statue of Liberty. Join World Yacht for an elegant dinner, Sunday buffet brunch, holiday or private event cruises.

 

 

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