The Upper West Side's best conference venues

Since 1869, the American Museum of Natural History has stood as an iconic cultural landmark in New York City. Beyond its halls filled with ancient fossils and artifacts—including a 65+-million-year-old T-Rex—the museum offers premier event spaces, like the LeFrak Theater, designed to host up to 924 guests. This stunning Beaux-Arts venue is equipped with cutting-edge digital media technology, featuring a 60’x40’ projection screen, advanced lighting and sound systems, and a DCP Cinema Projection System with 2D and 3D capabilities. In other words: hosting a conference here ensures an experience like no other.

Nestled on the Upper West Side is the historic Beacon Theatre, a cultural landmark beloved since its opening in 1929. Recently restored to its original glory, the theater’s design draws inspiration from the opulence of the Renaissance and Rococo periods, offering a timeless escape into an era of elegance and grandeur. Inside, guests can enjoy the intricate bronze sculptures, plush red velvet seating, and a Venetian-style chandelier that hangs above. With a capacity of 2,800 guests and cutting-edge technology (including a multi-layered audio system), the Beacon Theatre is a distinguished venue for conferences, offering both historical charm and modern sophistication.

Hotel Belleclaire first opened its doors in 1903 on the Upper West Side, just a few blocks from the American Museum of Natural History. It is one of New York’s earliest luxury hotels, with lavish Beaux-Arts architecture and Art Nouveau-Secessionist style, and has hosted guests like Babe Ruth and Mark Twain. Within the hotel is the Broadway Room, a versatile space with lots of natural light and A/V technology and equipment, perfect for any smaller conference of up to 60 people. Alongside this room is the Allure Lounge, a space for up to 150 people, offering classic and signature cocktails and delicious cuisine like sushi, dim sum, lobster rolls, and more.

Located in Central Park West is the New York Historical Society, a cultural landmark since 1804. The Robert H. Smith Auditorium is an elegant and contemporary setting for any conference or corporate event, accommodating up to 409 guests. The auditorium has a striking curved architectural design and features an expert in-house A/V team, offering complimentary lighting, sound, and video projection. Continue the event by renting one of the many galleries for social hour, networking, or cocktail reception. If you want your conference to leave a lasting impression on your guests, hold it at the prestigious New York Historical Society.

Across from the iconic Central Park is 160 Central Park West—also known as 160CPW—a premier destination for conferences and corporate gatherings. Elegant neo-gothic architecture, stained glass windows, and great acoustics make this a truly unique event venue. This Upper West Side venue can accommodate up to 350 seated guests and offers state-of-the-art audio, visual, and lighting technology with impeccable service. Guests can indulge in a full bar package and in-house catering, including vegan and vegetarian options for hors d'oeuvres, a raw bar, and curated stations for sushi, tacos, pasta, and more.