The best unique corporate venues in NYC

If you’re looking for a space with divine flair, this venue has you covered. Originally built as a synagogue in 1849, it remains the oldest surviving synagogue in New York City. In 1986, after multiple lifetimes serving different purposes, Spanish sculptor Angel Orensanz bought the building and turned it into what it is today. The Foundation serves as a vibrant hub for the city’s art scene, hosting concerts, performances, and presentations by local artists.

The intricate architecture was inspired by the Sistine Chapel and Notre Dame and it shows; Curved ceilings, arched windows, and historic detailing line the space, and make this a special place to host any corporate event. The 7,000 sq. ft. main space hosts up to 300 people, and the balcony level accommodates an additional 200 guests.

The lower level has a large kitchen space with a sanitation area, a plating area, and a walk-in refrigerator for catering needs. The main floor has three entrances with coat checks, a stage, and storage. Standard rental is from noon to midnight.

Originally housing some of New York’s first yellow taxis in 1914, Chelsea Factory has had many identities since, including a ballet rehearsal space for Cedar Lake and Annie Leibowitz’s photography studio. Today, the 8,500 sq. ft. industrial venue is primarily an event space and center for rebuilding New York’s performing arts industry through celebrations, residencies, and workshops.

The event space has hosted everything from fashion shows and exhibitions to galas and dinners, and includes two modular event spaces holding up to 600 standing guests and 350 seated. A sprung floor, abundant natural lighting, a projector, and street accessibility are all available.

Rental income directly subsidizes NYC artists and funds Chelsea Factory initiatives, so you can give back to the city.

Head out into the Brooklyn wilderness at one of the borough’s favorite green spaces. The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is 52 acres of plants, flowers, and trees, organized into several specialty gardens, collections, and spaces. Over 200 years old, the venue has been a popular destination for special events and celebrations.

There are two main event spaces. The Palm House is a glass-walled white space decorated with lush palms and holds up to 250 guests. The Atrium, an ecologically sustainable indoor space decorated with light wood and a living roof of native flowers and grasses, holds up to 125. Both spaces have outdoor terraces for reception use in nice weather.

Events are catered and managed exclusively by Union Square Events, who specialize in American-style cocktails and canapés.

If you’ve ever wanted to host a company event inside the Upper East Side Trader Joe’s, here’s the closest you’ll get. The same vaulted ceilings and soaring granite arches can be found at Guastavino’s, named after the architect who coined the style in the early 1900s. Tucked underneath the Queensboro Bridge, the space was originally a commercial marketplace and has served as a private event venue since 2005.

Up to 1,000 people be accommodated for seated galas, cocktail parties, receptions, presentations, and benefits. A minimum guest count of 200 is required, and maximums vary based on configuration. An outdoor space is also provided for warm-weather gatherings.

Guastavino’s boasts the highest staff-to-guest ratio in the city, and dedicated event coordinators are included to help make your event the best it can be.

Rule of Thirds was born out of the intersection between Japanese cuisine and New York identity. Using regional ingredients and izakaya-style recipes, the large space offers several options for group and private dining, encouraging the sharing of dishes. They also offer Brooklyn-brewed sake at the bar, as well as unique cocktails.

The Greenpoint hotspot can host events from 8 to 450 people, with multiple options to accommodate any purpose. The Corner Bar is in the back of the restaurant with its own private entrance, and light pours in from floor-to-ceiling windows. A full-service bar is included, and the space can accommodate 150 seated and 200 standing guests. The Atrium is also a fully private space and offers a periscope with NYC skyline views and a bamboo wall backdrop. It can fit up to 80 seated and 100 standing guests. Private dining rooms are available for smaller-scale meetings.

Passed canapés and platters include yuzu ricotta tarts, fried gyozas, and mochi ice cream. Event add-ons include a ramen noodle station, hand roll station, and even a sake tasting from their sommelier.

If you’re hosting guests from out of town, there’s nothing more special than having your event at NYC’s center for culture and history. Located right across from Central Park in the Upper West Side, The New York Historical Society Museum and Library displays rotating and permanent exhibitions on art, literature, geography, and design. With multiple event spaces, one of these could be the backdrop for your corporate event.

The ground floor offers the Robert H. and Clarice Smith Gallery of American History (max. 450 guests), or the Robert H. Smith Auditorium (max. 409 seated guests) if you want to have talks, presentations, or panel discussions as part of your event. The second floor is home to the Patricia D. Klingenstein Library, a beautiful neoclassical space with 50-foot ceilings, stained glass windows, and arched doorways. Rent it along with Dexter Hall, the 250-guest gallery space next door, to rent out the full second floor for 500 guests. The fourth floor contains spaces like the North Gallery (100 guests), Skylight Gallery (60 reception, 48 seated), East Gallery (145 guests), or the Gallery of 100 illuminated Tiffany Lamps, for around 300 guests.

A list of preferred and repeated vendors is available for catering or decoration purposes. Prices range between $10,000 and $20,000, and non-profit pricing is available.