Construction Update

Welcome all MCNY brides and grooms! Our lovely museum is still undergoing its face-lift; however, for the work being done on the southern galleries and marble balcony the end is, thankfully, near! As of now, we are still pushing for sometime this coming fall, but when the museum gets a firm end date you all will be the first to know. In the meantime, here is a refresher of rental information/ capacity numbers for the different rooms in the museum:

Price to Rent (through Fall 2011): $5,000
Security Deposit: $2,500
*Total Fees: $7,500

Price to Rent after September, 2011: $5,000 plus direct costs (approximately $5,000)
Security Deposit: $5,000 -- returned to you less direct costs, if no damage occurs

Total Fees: $10,000 *
*Direct costs are approximated at $5,000 for all basic security, staffing, Wedding Library day-of coordination and maintenance. Fees are subject to change in the event of overtime and/or special requests.

Capacity for Rooms:
Rotunda: ~60 for sit-down dinner; >175 for standing room only
Front Terrace: >200 sit-down dinner; ~250 for cocktail reception
Auditorium: >150 for sit-down dinner; ~200 for cocktail reception

Marble Balcony: closed for construction ☹
Dinan/Miller Art Galleries: booked for exhibitions
Northern Galleries: booked for exhibitions
Southern Galleries: closed for construction ☹


If you have any other questions please feel free to reach me via email at: allie@theweddinglibrary.com; or by calling the Wedding Library directly at: 212.327.0100.

Thanks!
Allie


*does not include Wedding Library planning fee, which can be provided upon request

Fall Wedding at MCNY!

Compliments of Wedding Library’s own Stacey Ilyse

here are some fantastic photos of our most recent couple’s reception:

Bridal party walking down 5^th avenue to the museum

The couple entering the reception

A comprehensive view of cocktail hour shot from above

Sit-down dinner in the auditorium

Jodi (bride) and Maurice (groom) make a grand entrance as husband and wife

First dance in the rotunda

Dance party!

Jodi and the boys

For more on Stacey check out her blog at: http://staceyilysephotography.com/blog/

MCNY CONSTRUCTION TRUCKIN’ RIGHT ALONG

The Museum of the City of New York has broken ground for the last time as the building heads into its third and final phase of construction. The construction, more lovingly known as the “Remodernization Project” is scheduled to end by July 2011. The project, although not affecting the architectural integrity of the museum, is nevertheless extremely vital because it is dedicated to general face-lifts the museum has not had since its 1932 opening. Updates include a new sprinkler system, the implementation of modern air conditioning and heating units etc. All of which will be beneficial not only to the public, but also to the curators who will be able to meet more heavily restricted exhibitions that require more temperate surroundings.

So what does this mean in terms of hosting weddings? The museum is absolutely still compatible for hosting groups (both large and small), but in terms of available space, our choices are unfortunately, more limited. For example, the closure of the southern wing, which has been actively under construction since July and will remain so until July 2011, restricts the available space on the ground floor by around a 1/3. Additionally, the marble balcony on the second floor will be closed starting in October through July 2011, which clearly restricts our space further still; however rest assured the grandiose staircase will remain completely intact, albeit serving a theatrical purpose only. But not all hope is lost! We can host your group out on the beautiful front terrace, which overlooks the conservatory gardens; in the rotunda for a cocktail reception, and an intimate sit down dinner; or, downstairs in the swanky auditorium. Because we understand the difficulty of renting a space that is a work in progress, we are offering a sizable discount for renting the museum ($5,000 instead of $10,000), an offer that will expire next summer. Photos to follow--we are hosting another wedding in just a few short weeks!

MCNY Bride in Japan!

We're delighted that one of our favorite couples has been featured in Elle Japan. Here's the article.

MCNY Charity Buzz Auction

Abigail Kirsch is offering a catered, sit-down dinner for 20 at the Museum of the City of New York as an auction item on Charity Buzz. We thought that this would be a great idea if you are looking for the perfect rehearsal dinner solution. AND you'd being doing something great for the Museum. Win win. Check it out!

And while you're there, check out the other great offerings for the Museum!

Big News!

Please note that client is responsible for all direct costs such as catering, maintenance, and security. This special rate does not apply to events held in the Dinan-Miller Gallery.

April Birthday Party

We were delighted to coordinate a birthday party recently. Here are some photos and vendor information on this daytime event for 50 guests.

The center of the Marble Rotunda was set with the guest book and escort card table.

Here you can see how elevated the Front Terrace is from 5th Avenue.The Rotunda set for cocktails before guests arrived.A little live music viewed from The Balcony. (Dinner space.)Guests having a cocktail in The Marble Rotunda.

Here you can see how connected the upper and lower floors are -- guests came up the spiral staircase for dinner.

Blade created the lovely florals, including the guest of honor's special chair.

A view into one of the galleries.

The Balcony dining space.

The Balcony, with a view towards the double-height staircase.

French music provided by Elan Artists.

The Balcony, with guests seated for dinner.

The exquisite food was presented by Olivier Cheng.

The Museum at night.

Olivier, Payard and Maison du Chocolat provided the French-inspired dessert table.

An Elegantly Restored Landmark Museum for Your Next Social Affair

The Wedding Library has a partnership with the Museum of the City of New York as their exclusive booking agent and event planner for weddings. We are delighted to make one of the most elegant buildings on Fifth Avenue more accessible to brides.

Please enjoy the images of this wonderful space.

As guests enter the Museum from Fifth Avenue, they step into the newly restored marble rotunda, the highlight of the grand Georgian-style building. The front terrace can be tented for ceremonies, cocktails or dinner.View of the partially covered back terrace.

The front terrace without a tent -- overlooking Fifth Avenue and across from Central Park's Conservatory Gardens.

A magical interior space. For weddings with seated dinner and dancing, up to 250 guests.

The Marble Rotunda, available for dinner, cocktails or an intimate ceremony.

Dining in the Rotunda.

Dining in the galleries.

Photos courtesy of Julie Skarratt and Michael DiVito.

The Spaces

The Marble Rotunda
As you enter the Museum, this space can be used for a ceremony, cocktails or dinner.
Ceremony: 125 capacity
Cocktails: 150-200 (depending on the exhibit schedule)
Dinner with dancing: 110-180 (depending on the exhibit schedule)

The Balcony
Directly above the Marble Rotunda, up the spiral stair, this space has a similar configuration to the Marble Rotunda, with the added charm of a viewing balcony overlooking the trees of Central Park.
Ceremony: 125
Cocktails: 150-200 (depending on the exhibit schedule)
Dinner with dancing: 110-180 (depending on the exhibit schedule)

The Front Terrace
Fronting Fifth Avenue, the stone terrace is elevated above the sidewalk and flanked by two covered archway spaces. This space can be tented.
Covered archway: 40 for dinner or cocktails
Open air or tented cocktails: 300
Open air or tented dinner with dancing: 250

Auditorium
Perfect as a ceremony space or alternative dinner and dancing space, the auditorium has a maximum capacity of 248 guests.

Wedding Space Configurations

Central Park Conservatory Gardens Ceremony
We welcome couples getting married at the lovely Central Park Conservatory Gardens to consider using the Covered Archways of the Terrace or Terrace for their reception. The Terrace can be cordoned off for up to 100 guests for a private reception, even during Museum opening hours. After hours, the full Terrace is available for up to 250 seated with dancing. Some restrictions apply.

The covered archway makes for a cozy and rain-protected space for a small cocktail, champagne or dessert reception for up to 40 guests. Available during the week and weekends.

Ceremony Off-Site
For ceremonies elsewhere, there are several options for the reception.

For Weddings Up to 110 Guests
Cocktails can take place in the Marble Rotunda, The Balcony or The Front Terrace.
Dinner can take place in the Marble Rotunda, The Balcony or The Front Terrace.

For Weddings Up to 180 Guests
Cocktails can take place in the combination of the Marble Rotunda and The Balcony, The Front Terrace or the Auditorium. Dinner and dancing can take place in the combination of the Marble Rotunda and The Balcony, The Front Terrace or the Auditorium. (Tenting of The Front Terrace recommended.)

For Weddings Up to 248 Guests
Cocktails can take place in the combination of the Marble Rotunda and The Balcony, The Front Terrace or the Auditorium. Dinner and dancing can take place in The Front Terrace or the Auditorium.

For Cocktail Receptions Up to 500 Guests
Cocktails, dessert and dancing can take place in the combination of the Marble Rotunda, The Balcony and The Front Terrace.

Ceremony On-Site
For Weddings Up to 110 Guests
Ceremony can take place in the Marble Rotunda, The Balcony or The Front Terrace. Cocktails can take place in the Marble Rotunda, The Balcony or The Front Terrace. Dinner can take place in the Marble Rotunda, The Balcony or The Front Terrace.

For Weddings Up to 180 Guests
Ceremonies can take place in the Auditorium or the Front Terrace. Cocktails can take place in the combination of the Marble Rotunda and The Balcony, The Front Terrace or the Auditorium. Dinner and dancing can take place in the combination of the Marble Rotunda and The Balcony, The Front Terrace or the Auditorium. (Tenting of The Front Terrace recommended.)

For Weddings Up to 248 Guests
Ceremonies can take place in the Auditorium or The Front Terrace. Cocktails can take place in the combination of the Marble Rotunda and The Balcony, The Front Terrace or the Auditorium. Dinner and dancing can take place in The Front Terrace or the Auditorium.

For Cocktail Receptions Up to 400 Guests
Ceremony can take place on the Front Terrace. Cocktails can take place in the combination of the Marble Rotunda, The Balcony and The Front Terrace.

Fee Structure

For Weddings and Private Events Only

Space Rental

• $7,500 Reception only using The Terrace, The Marble Rotunda or The Balcony for up to 7 hours
• $10,000 Ceremony and Reception using The Terrace, The Marble Rotunda or The Balcony for up to 7 hours
• $2,000 For use of the Auditorium for up to 7 hours
  
• For daytime terrace use or events under 60 guests (using only one space), please inquire with the Wedding Library

Additional Costs and Liabilities

A security deposit of $2,500 is required. It will be returned, less direct costs if no damage occurs.

All direct costs for manpower services provided which are directly associated with the contracted event. These costs are separate from the Space Rental fee. Client will be billed for services used during and after events (event break-down). Direct costs average $2,500 but vary by event.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. When can events load-in or begin?
A. All events can begin at 5:00pm. (The exceptions are small events outside on the Terrace or on Mondays when the Museum is available all day.)
Q. Are open flames allowed in the Museum?
A. No, but the Wedding Library has resources for realistic battery-operated votives.
Q. How can I get married in Central Park?
A. Please consult the Central Park Conservancy web site, it provides all the necessary information you need for a wedding ceremony right across the street from the Museum!
Q. Where are the bathrooms.
A. All bathrooms are on the Ground Floor.
Q. What are the catering facilities?
A. Back of house space varies by event and rooms used but there is no kitchen on site.
Q. Who do you recommend for sound and lighting?
A. Power Posse; Doug at 212.489.5225 or power.posse@snet.net
Q. What about load-out?
A. All rentals and items brought into the Museum should be removed the night of the event.
Q. What are tent costs and preferred vendor?
A. The Museum uses Party Line. A simple outdoor summer tent for the Terrace starts at about $6,000. A heated/air conditioned tent can cost considerably more. Please consider the tenting costs prior to requesting a contract for the Museum.

Floor Plans

This is NOT to scale, but gives you a general sense of the space. The Rotunda is about 32 X 32 feet square without extending north or south into the gallery/hall space.

This is not to scale; the Marble Court is about 32 X 32 feet square, without extending into the gallery/hall spaces.

This is a more detailed version of the first floor. You can also see the Dinan Gallery, the terraces and spaces in-scale. (Please click on image for a larger view.)

This is a detailed plan for the Ground Floor. The most relevant space is the Auditorium. Please note they include changes that will be made in the next phase on construction (ie the café isn’t on the first floor yet and the store will eventually be relocated).