The best gala venues to rent in NYC

If you've ever dreamed of attending a ball at Versailles, a gala at Lotte New York Palace is a close alternative that saves you a flight to Paris. The Palace lives up to its name with opulent furnishings and intricate architecture fit for a king. From ornate 19th-century drawing rooms to the glamorous Villard ballroom, hosting an event here is the ultimate way to make your gala guests feel like VIPs.

With 30,000 sq. ft. of available event space, Lotte New York Palace can accommodate up to 1,000 guests.

A quintessential gala venue, Gotham Hall is the go-to spot for A-list fundraisers and non-profit events. The star of the show, the Grand Ballroom, features dramatic architectural details like imposing columns and a stained glass skylight. While the impressive design creates an enchanting atmosphere, the real magic lies in the expertise of the events team. With catering from award-winning chefs and an extensive roster of preferred vendors, you'll be able to relax enough to enjoy the event as much as your guests.

The Grand Ballroom can accommodate up to 500 guests. The attached lounges and mezzanine can host an additional 50 to 300 people.

Once upon a time in NYC, you booked a venue worthy of storybooks for your upcoming gala. The historic Bryant Park branch of the New York Public Library is not only home to one of the country’s largest book collections but also houses some spectacular event spaces.

Have the library to yourself with a gala beneath the grandiose architecture of Astor Hall for up to 250 seated guests, or choose the arched frescoes of McGraw Rotunda for 150 seated. The Beaux-Arts features of the venue add an Old World elegance to any event.

The five event spaces at the Stephen A. Schwartzman building can accommodate parties of 110 to 750. All event fees go directly to the Library’s collections, services, and programs.

The best way to let the glittering NYC skyline act as the backdrop of your gala it is to head across the river to Brooklyn. The Liberty Warehouse offers panoramic city views from its elegant Red Hook event space. The 1850s brick building has that signature Brooklyn charm, with wooden beams, cozy wood-burning fireplaces, and industrial windows looking out onto the river. And with one of the most unique views of the Statue of Liberty, you'll get such an up-close-and-personal look that you'll practically need to add another place setting.

A full buyout can host up to 400 guests for a seated event or 1,200 guests for standing receptions.

To treat your guests to an escape from the city, plan a sophisticated gala tucked away in Central Park at the Tavern on the Green. The historic restaurant offers extensive event space both inside and out with lush greenery surrounding the entire venue.

Host a dazzling summer gala in the courtyard lined with twinkling lights or stay cozy in the rustic dining rooms that seem plucked straight out of a countryside estate. The menu complements the pastoral setting with hearty meat and seafood dishes and nostalgic desserts.

Tavern on the Green can accommodate up to 1,500 guests for a full gala buyout.