Looking for impressive venue in NYC for event

[mcgee]

I'm in CA and not really familiar with the New York area. I'm organizing a customer event and am looking for a really cool venue for the spring. It can be a dinner or a cocktail reception. Would like something that the average tourist doesn't have access to. Last year it was a cocktail reception on the floor of the NYSE, another year we went out on the Forbes Yacht. Something historic would probably suit this crowd the best. Ellis Island might be a possibility - has anyone done an event there? Any other museums that hold special events? Any ideas? Anyone??? Thanks!

[Canice]

I went to a fun and elegant cocktail party at the NYPL on 42nd Street. Obviously everyone has access to the library, but not usually for a cocktail party .

Oh, and there's The Modern at the MoMA - most definitely impressive but again accessible to the public (well those members of the public who can afford it!)

[mcgee]

Originally Posted by Canice

I went to a fun and elegant cocktail party at the NYPL on 42nd Street. Obviously everyone has access to the library, but not usually for a cocktail party .

Oh, and there's The Modern at the MoMA - most definitely impressive but again accessible to the public (well those members of the public who can afford it!)

Ooooh - the library looks amazing. We could even do our general session there.

MoMA was actually mentioned in our meeting but got shot down because they didn't think it was appropriate for this group. Since I've never been there, not sure what that means. I think I'll put it on my list regardless.

Thanks for the recommendations.

[whocares]

My first thought was the NYPl too. The Metropolitan Museum of Art is another possibility. The New York Historical Society or the Museum of the City of New York might also be available for private functions. The Frick is another venue that would be a showstopper. Lots of possibilites in the city.

[cakebaker]

I once went to an alumni event at the SF Zoo. It included a lunch and behind the scenes tour. Got to feed and pet rhinos, elephants, giraffes, etc. Not impressive/elegant if that's what you are looking for, but not a typical tourist event/access either. Very interesting.
I wonder if the Bronx Zoo or smaller Central Park Zoo does anything similar or if it would even be your customers' cup of tea.
The Museum of the City of NY is a very very interesting place-one of my favorites!

[newtricks]

Originally Posted by Canice

I went to a fun and elegant cocktail party at the NYPL on 42nd Street. Obviously everyone has access to the library, but not usually for a cocktail party .

My first thought as well. Tourists don't get to walk around with drink in hand,

McGee, have you spoken to a caterer/event planner in NYC? They have access to all kinds of interesting spaces.

[mcgee]

Interesting that the NYPL gets so many glowing reviews from this board. I might press for that.

newtricks: I have not contacted caterers in the NYC area but that's a good idea. I just hate to do so if I'm not going to use their services.

Cakebaker: Zoo is an intersting idea but probably not right for this group. It might be well received by our guests but our CEO...not so much.

Thanks for the suggestions - keep 'em coming. We do have an NYC office but I've yet to contact them - I have greater faith in your opinions

[BarbaraL]

I have no idea about hosting an event, but I did attend an event at Ellis Island. It was a reception after a professional conference that was held in the city. It was very nice once we got there. However, we had to wait awhile on the ferry (or whatever you call the boats that take you to the island), probably waiting for other attendees to arrive. The boat rocked quite a bit while moored, and I (and others, judging by the comments) got a bit seasick until we got underway. As I recall, it was also a bit hard to hear the speakers at the event (but didn't really care 'cause we were there for the food and the party)!