5 Historic New York City Venues with Warm Interiors

We begin our 3-part Inspiring Spaces Series with five historic venues that offer warm interiors and color palettes.

Explore them further below.

Harold Pratt House and Peterson Hall

The mansion was built between 1919 and 1920 as a home for Harold Pratt, an American oil industrialist and philanthropist.  Designed by famed New York architect, William Adams Delano of the prestigious firm Delano & Aldrich – who also designed homes for many esteemed families such as the Rockfellers, Vanderbilts, Whitneys – the house boasts custom made US limestone, pine panel interiors, chandeliers with unique crystals, Venetian type doors.

Harold was a member of the Council of Foreign Relations from 1923 to 1939 (time of his death).  So when some years later the Council sought more space, contact was made with Harold’s widow about using the mansion as their new base. In 1945, the Council of Foreign Relations moved into the Upper East side address and have been there ever since.

The Harold Pratt House and Peterson Hall offers the following spaces within the historic surroundings: ballroom, drawing room plus several small well appointed spaces; a contemporary conference space.

Location: Upper East Side

Capacity: Varied with largest (Peterson Hall)  275 reception, 180 seated

Size: 6,300 sq. ft.

Popular Event Types: Weddings, Special Events and Corporate Events

King’s Theatre

Inspired by the Palace of Versailles and the Paris Opera House, the King’s Theatre, presents a French renaissance revival setting.  It first opened in 1929 as a movie theatre and served as a movie and live performance space for many decades before closing in 1977.  Through an extensive $95 million renovation project, the King’s Theatre reopened in February 2015.  The opening gala featured Diana Ross.

Now the 93,000 square foot space offers multiple event spaces and is the third largest theater in New York City.

Location: Brooklyn

Capacity: Varied with largest (theater) 100 reception, 3,100 seated

Size: 93,000 sq. ft.

Popular Event Types: Galas, receptions

Prince George Ballroom

Built in 1904, with a further addition in 1912, the Prince George Ballroom was formerly known as the Prince George Hotel.  The space was host to famous playwright Eugene O’Neill and once presented a Ladies Tearoom, an English Taproom, a Hunt Room and a large lounge.

Today the space, in Beaux Arts style, with classical and neo renaissance flourishes, offers the large ballroom plus smaller event spaces for various styles of events.  Owned by not for profit Breaking Ground 100% of the net proceeds of each ballroom event, are directed towards supporting affordable housing for the homeless and low income New Yorkers.

Location: Madison Square North

Capacity: 400 reception; 300 seated dinner

Size: 4,800 sq. ft.

Popular Event Types: Galas, Weddings

The Foundry

Nestled in Long Island City, The Foundry was housed a manufacturer of varnishes, then in 1906 became the Albra Metal Factory.  The foundry served the riverfront businesses for many years until it was abandoned.  In 1980 the space was restored and transformed into an event space.

In addition the main space, The Foundry also offers a space with industrial steel beams, a courtyard, rooftop terrace, an enclosed greenhouse as well as several smaller spaces.

Location: Long Island City

Capacity:200 reception, 165 seated

Size: 3,000 sq. ft.

Popular Event Types: Weddings

632 on Hudson

Beginning in 1847, 632 on Hudson was home to the family of a sash maker.  Towards the latter part of the 19th century the house was converted to a general store and produce market.

An import/export business with a chorizo sausage factory followed in the 1930s.  It remained as such and occupied the space for over sixty years until it took its current form today.

Paying homage to historical elements, 632 on Hudson has incorporated carefully appointed modern features – including a hand-rubbed fireplace to create a vintage look.  The space now includes multiple floors for events.

Location: West Village

Capacity: 130 reception, 100 seated dinner

Size: 1,800 sq. ft.

Popular Event Types: Film Shoots, Receptions, Food Events

The second installment in the 3-part series will highlight next month, intimate spaces suited for small group and special gatherings.


Looking for additional venue ideas? Explore our full list under Venues.

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