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Answering the call: How to Choose a Historic Event Venue in New York City

Whether it’s the bohemian Chelsea edgy Hell’s Kitchen or the iconic vibe of the East Village, New York City promises some of the best locales for event planners anywhere in the world. Adding the requirement of a historic event venue setting is a recipe for corporate event-planning success as you ensconce guests in layers of storied glamor. If you’re charged with curating your company’s next big event, whether it be a product launch, conference, or holiday party, infuse it with legendary history by incorporating NYC landmarks into your corporate event designs. Let New York City help elevate your event atmosphere for larger-than-life guest experiences. Explore these historic event venue options to make it incredible.

Choosing among NYC’s finest and most historic event venue options

Hit up the NYC Tourism + Conventions to see just how many historic event venue options are available throughout the five boroughs. And if you’re looking for an iconic landmark setting for your NYC events, here are a few notable favorites, known for their historic architecture and/or landmark status.

Apollo Theater

Harlem’s Apollo Theater tops the list with rentable space in a trendy area. Modern-day Harlem is as hip as it gets, but you don’t give up the vintage vibe when you book the Apollo. It’s the sweetly noted Apollo that helped to make jazz greats such as Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington famous, after all. Posh and retro at the same time, the Apollo can accommodate corporate events, large and small. It also infuses your historic event venue atmosphere with a built-in element of celebrity

The Plaza Hotel

The Plaza Hotel is another fave and  National Historic Landmark. The Plaza Hotel is a well-known, iconic symbol of New York luxury and elegance. Built in 1907 in a French Renaissance chateau style, it has long been a prestigious venue for the city’s elite. Today, it offers event planners a timeless backdrop for high-end corporate events, galas, and weddings, blending historic event venue charm with modern sophistication.

Brooklyn Steel

Brooklyn Steel is a converted factory in Williamsburg. With its industrial aesthetic and expansive layout, it’s a go-to spot for large-scale events like fashion shows, concerts, and corporate gatherings. The venue’s edgy, urban atmosphere makes it a unique choice for event planners seeking a distinctive historic event venue setting.

The Foundry

The Foundry, a 19th-century building in Long Island City, is a hidden gem for NYC event planners. Its industrial architecture, ivy-covered courtyard, and versatile indoor-outdoor spaces make it perfect for weddings, private events, and photo shoots. This historic event venue offers a mix of vintage charm and modern flexibility, ideal for creating memorable experiences.

Wine and dine your way back in time

Also withstanding the test of time are eight of New York’s oldest restaurants. Discover the rich history and menu selections among these favorites.

Fraunces Tavern

Fraunces Tavern is a 250-year-old gathering place at the corner of Pearl and Broad Streets in downtown Manhattan. It is said that George Washington himself dined here, using the restaurant as his headquarters during the Revolutionary War. Your guests won’t leave before checking out the museum and galleries on site on the second and third floors.

P.J. Clarke’s

A good burger can be just the staple you are looking for with your corporate event, and nobody does that better than P.J. Clarke’s, where burgers have been seared to perfection for the last 150 years. The fingerprints of Frank Sinatra and Buddy Holly were once found on the ketchup bottles here. The establishment remains popular with celebrities.

Keens Steakhouse

About the same time that P.J. Clarke’s was opening its doors, publishers, playwrights, and producers were busy congregating at Keens Steakhouse, where these cultured folks filled their bellies before seeing a show. Actors in costume and makeup took their breaks here, snacking between acts. You’ll bring the house down yourself with your corporate event at Keen’s in the historic Herald Square Theater District.  

Notable Mentions

Peter Luger Steakhouse, Katz’s Delicatessen, Rao’s, Barbetta, and Grand Central Oyster Bar and Restaurant will all welcome your corporate event with the right booking, rounding out the list of the city’s eight most historic eating establishments.

Getting there is easy with EMRG Media

Your guests will thank you (and keep thanking you) for considering the convenience of the best location. Subway stations close by may prove to be the answer for some partygoers. Others may need to evaluate the proximity of train stations or be sure of easy airport access.

As you plan your corporate event, remember that EMRG can help with every detail. New York City’s premier event planner, EMRG Media is here to make every moment memorable and simplify every event production detail. Let us help you choose the best NYC venue for whatever events you’re planning – and we’ll handle every detail beautifully!