Locations Directory

Except where noted, all of these locations allow outside caterers. For catering ideas, see our listings.

MUSEUMS

American Museum of Natural History
Central Park W. at 79th St.
212-769-5817
amnh.org
A membership fee of $3,500 (you’ll have to pay extra for guards the night of the event) will give you access to the Powerhouse, which accommodates up to 315 guests for a seated dinner. This 5,000-square-foot loftlike space features French doors that open onto the Arthur Ross Terrace, offering dramatic views of the spectacular Rose Center for Earth and Space. Pre-event receptions can also be held in the North Galleria, a glass-walled space linking the Powerhouse to the Rose Center. Catering is provided by Restaurant Associates.

Americas Society
680 Park Ave., at 68th St.
212-249-8950
americas-society.org
This cultural society, housed in a historic mansion, has a wood-paneled library with a barrel-vaulted ceiling that’s perfect for a ceremony or reception; the dining room holds 120 seated guests with dancing (your caterer must provide furnishings). A $5,150 fee ($2,800 of which is tax-deductible) buys you eight hours, day or night, except in August.

Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum
895 Shore Rd., the Bronx
718-885-1461
bartowpellmansionmuseum.org
Nestled in the heart of Pelham Bay Park, this nineteenth-century stone mansion is a stunning backdrop for weddings held in its large formal garden, which has a fountain and reflecting pool. Rental fees from $3,500, depending on the number of guests. Scarborough Fair and Cornerstone Caterers are suggested, but you may hire your own. Outdoor and tented weddings only.

Brooklyn Museum
200 Eastern Pkwy., Prospect Heights, Brooklyn
718-638-5000
brooklynmuseum.org
This museum houses internationally acclaimed collections of everything from Egyptian to contemporary art. You can host a five-hour event starting after 7 p.m. (from $11,000). The Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Auditorium is popular for ceremonies, and you can serve hors d’oeuvre in the Rodin Gallery. The Grand Lobby and Entrance Pavillion accommodate up to 1,000 if you need a lot of space. Dine and dance under the stars (almost) in the glass-ceilinged Beaux-Arts court.

Madame Tussaud's
234 W. 42nd St., nr. Eighth Ave.
212-512-9611
nycwax.com
The wax museum is divided into three main spaces, each with a distinct theme. "Opening Night" features stars of the silver screen (seats 220); the "Gallery" is filled with historical figures (seats 180); and "Popular Culture" features stars of music and TV (seats 300). Check out the new Taper Room for more event options. You and your guests can mingle with these models any day. Prices start at $5,000.

Merchant's House Museum
29 E. 4th St., nr. Bowery
212-777-1089
merchantshouse.com
This Greek Revival townhouse has original thirteen-foot ceilings, marble mantels, mahogany doors, and period furniture. Fees for indoor and outdoor events (held in a charming garden) range from $2,000 to $10,000 for a six-hour period, for up to 150 guests.

New York Aquarium
602 Surf Ave., at W. 8th St., Coney Island, Brooklyn
718-265-3427
nyaquarium.org
Say "I do" outdoors, surrounded by walruses, penguins, and Willie the sea otter. Follow with a candlelit reception in a room walled on one side by a 150,000-gallon coral garden. The rental fee is $1,875 to $10,000 (depending on which exhibition space you use). Parties must start after closing and can run up to four hours.

New York City Fire Museum
278 Spring St., nr. Hudson St.
212-691-1303
nycfiremuseum.org
On the outskirts of Soho sits this museum filled with two floors of antique fire trucks and equipment. Rent the 3,300-square-foot third floor for your wedding and reception ($3,300) and get access to the whole museum for eight hours (three of which are allotted for setup and cleanup).

New York Hall of Science
47-01 111th St. Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, Queens
718-699-0005
nyscience.org
With more than 400 interactive exhibits, the Hall of Science—which underwent a $91 million expansion in November—will entertain your most jaded guests. For $4,000 to $6,000, you can hold a wedding and reception for up to 350 with dancing in the stained-glass-filled, curvilinear Great Hall, serve cocktails for up to 3,400 in the exhibition halls (which boast a climbing wall and virtual arm wrestling, among other amenities), or toast in the colorful, high-ceilinged Viscusi Gallery. The site has a “preferred list” of caterers, but you may hire your own.