The Great Hall at Cooper Union

The Great Hall at Cooper Union is a historic auditorium available to organisers seeking a distinctive New York setting for public and private events. Located in the Foundation Building in Manhattan's East Village, the hall has hosted civic gatherings and cultural programmes since the nineteenth century. Its heritage gives lectures, symposia and ceremonies a strong sense of place, while the practical facilities support contemporary productions.

The auditorium has 865 fixed theatre seats, with a stated fire capacity of up to 960, although some seats have obstructed views. It is suited to musical performances, lectures, symposia, graduations and award ceremonies. A speaker's stage, full stage lighting, sound facilities and three screens are available, alongside public Wi-Fi and naturally resonant acoustics. A large green room can serve performers, speakers or dignitaries, and separate restrooms are provided.

For receptions, organisers can use the Great Hall lobby, which includes a permanent exhibition about Cooper Union and the hall's place in American history. Food is not permitted inside the auditorium itself, so reception plans should take place in the lobby. The venue is wheelchair accessible, and assisted-listening devices can be requested. Rentals are available during the day, in the evening and at weekends. Event planners can contact the rental programme manager to discuss availability and arrangements. The hall's combination of substantial audience capacity, performance infrastructure and historic character makes it a notable choice for events where the setting matters as much as the programme.