The Newberry Library is a historical and world-renowned research library that offers beautiful spaces for events, from weddings and special celebrations to corporate events, galas and conferences.

Opened in 1893, it is home to rare books, manuscripts, maps, music and ephemera from all over the world. 

The Newberry Library features multiple indoor event spaces with various capacities. The largest event space, Ruggles Hall accommodates guests in a warm and cozy library atmosphere created by its mahogany paneled walls and broad windows overlooking Washington Square Park. For more intimate gatherings, the newly created Rettinger Hall and Baskes Boardroom feature beautiful marble floors, and are lovely complements to the Newberry’s unique aesthetic. The fully restored Lobby is a showstopper. Featuring a Romanesque entryway, distinctive chandeliers, 20-foot ceiling and broad marble staircase it lends itself beautifully to cocktail receptions, dinner parties, and more! 

Holding your event at the Newberry will support our mission of inspiring research, teaching, and learning in the humanities. 

1. Isabel F. (3/19/22) We had our rehearsal dinner and welcome drinks at the Newberry Library in March. Martina and Chayla were extremely helpful when coordinating both events and understood our needs for the night. The library has preferred vendors, and we used Soul & Smoke for catering - the BBQ and desserts were excellent. As a plus, we were able to bring our own alcohol from Garfield's, which was very convenient and more affordable. In addition to being a beautiful and historic space, the Newberry also has library-themed decor for table arrangements, which was such a nice touch. I highly recommend this event space for your wedding, cocktail hour, or welcome drinks!
2. Jeff P. (8/29/21) You all were amazing! I wanted to write a long email telling all the details I loved about each one of your work, but I could not let myself wind down from this wonderful feeling of accomplishment, and all thanks to you. You made it happen, and we will be forever grateful.
3. Samip M (12/19/19) Thank you again for all of your help and support for our "Hidden Histories of South Asian Chicago" event at the Newberry last month! We've received such positive feedback about the event and many people mentioned how much they loved the venue. We couldn't have imagined it going any better, so thank you again for your very important role in making the event a success!

• Total Capacity of Venue

  200

• Private or Semi Private Space Available

  During open building hours, individual Newberry event spaces are rented exclusively to the client, though arrivals pass through our public common area, the Lobby, which can accommodate welcome/check-in. When our building is closed to the public, the Lobby, and true exclusive use of multiple spaces across the first floor also become available for private events.
  
  Total Capacity and Names of Group Rooms (if applicable):
  
  1. Lobby
  Cocktail Reception: 160
  Dinner Reception: 80
  
  2. Ruggles Hall
  Cocktail Reception: 250
  Seated Dinner Reception Only: 208
  Seated Dinner Reception (with use of Lobby for pre-dinner cocktails): 160
  Lecture Only: 220
  Lecture + Reception: 150
  
  3. Baskes Boardroom
  Boardroom: 35
  Cocktail Reception: 90
  
  4. Rettinger Hall
  Cocktail Reception: 106
  Dinner Reception: 89
  Lecture Only: 75
  Lecture + Reception: 55
  
  5. Lower-Level Conference Rooms
  Classroom Style: 14-22
  Boardroom Style: 12-18
  

• Unique views

  Yes; Newberry event spaces have large windows that let in natural light and provide views of Washington Square Park and the Gold Coast neighborhood; Once the sun sets city lights bounce off windows along Michigan Ave, and lamplight glows through the trees of the park.




• Our most Important Target Market is?

  Well aligned corporate, non-profit, academic institutions and organizations planning dynamic and engaging events ranging in size from approximately 10 – 200 guests.

• We are most proud of our ability to?

  Facilitate connections between clients, vendors, unique venue opportunities, and create collaborative working communities.

• We are famous with customers for our ability to?

  Going above and beyond, surpassing expectations as hands-on and detailed event/venue managers; Taking excellent care of every client.

• Unlike our competition, we offer customers?

  We rarely charge any extra fees, and instead include use of all available tables, chairs, fixtures, décor, podiums, AV equipment, we waive taxes, and provide unique opportunities to access to our collection through open exhibition galleries, building tours, and collection presentations.
  
  

• We would like our customers to tell their friends that we provide the best?

  Newberry is dedicated to embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion, creative thinking, scholarship and the creation of new knowledge, and opening educational opportunities that enrich our understanding of the past, present, and future.

• Our company enhances customer lives by offering?

  Once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to explore historic spaces and collection materials that inspire learning, foster research, and stimulates conversations of historical significance.
  
  

• Recent Clients

  As niche ‘experts in our field’ all Newberry staff are committed to excellence and professionalism in everything we do.
  
  

• Awards/Achievements

  National Council of Public History 2020 Outstanding Public History Project Award for Chicago 1919: Confronting the Race Riots
  Illinois chapter of the American Institute of Architects 2019 Crombie Taylor Award for Preservation and Restoration
  
  

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