Through the newly relaunched “Halls of the City” program from the New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services, New Yorkers can now rent historic civic buildings across the five boroughs for weddings, parties, fashion shows and more.
The program opens the doors to a set of landmarked properties that are usually associated with government business rather than celebrations. These are buildings that boast grand courtrooms, marble staircases and dramatic rotundas. They’re architectural gems you know about and might pass by regularly, but they suggest “important business” more than “unforgettable party.”
But these buildings offer much more than you think.
The spaces have already attracted an impressive list of clients. Past renters include singer-songwriter Solange Knowles, designer Prabal Gurung and finance giant Goldman Sachs. They’ve also doubled as filming locations for productions like Law & Order, Marvel’s Daredevil and the Spider-Man films.
“Through Halls of the City, DCAS is committed to making the city’s most remarkable civic spaces more accessible to the communities they serve,” said DCAS Commissioner Yume Kitasei in an official statement. “Picture exchanging vows in the classic Surrogate’s Court or hosting a gala dinner beneath the stunning ceilings of the Tweed Courthouse—with the launch of our new interactive story map, we’re making it possible for New Yorkers to discover these venues and imagine the unforgettable celebrations they can create.”
Among the standouts is Surrogate’s Court on Chambers Street. The venue is straight up period drama, with towering marble columns, ornate woodwork and a sweeping double staircase. Fashion brand Alice + Olivia took over the space during New York Fashion Week last month.
Another highlight is Tweed Courthouse, a neoclassical landmark that blends historic details with an airy glass-stained ceiling. With space for around 300 standing guests, it’s ideal for corporate receptions or stylish dinner parties that need a bit of architectural drama.
You can also host events beneath the grand rotunda of the New York County Courthouse, inside the stately chambers of Brooklyn Borough Hall, or beneath the monumental arch at the Archway at the David N. Dinkins Manhattan Municipal Building.
Other available venues include Queens Borough Hall, Queens Supreme Courthouse, Bronx County Courthouse and the New York City Marriage Bureau.
To help people explore the options, DCAS has launched a new interactive story map that gathers all the locations in one place. Each entry breaks down the building’s history, architectural style, capacity and rental details, with stunning pics of course.
In a city full of venues competing for attention, these civic spaces offer the chance to celebrate amidst real NYC history.
Civic spaces you can rent for your event
Surrogates Court
NY County Courthouse
Tweed Courthouse
NYC Marriage Bureau
The Archway, The David N. Dinkins Manhattan Municipal Building
Brooklyn Borough Hall
Supreme Court Queens County
NYC Civil Court
Queens Borough Hall
Bronx Supreme County Courthouse