10 Iconic Venues Perfect for Special Events

Each city has its iconic landmarks, from Los Angeles’ Frank Gehry–designed Walt Disney Concert Hall to the High Line in New York City, rising above the city’s West Side. These not only immediately instill a sense of place but build buzz among event attendees who are excited to get an exclusive look.

The following 10 venues are expert at holding events of all types and sizes.

1. The Newport Mansions

Newport’s lavish mansions are available for events through the Preservation Society of Newport County. Rosecliff, the setting for The Great Gatsby, was modeled after the Grand Trianon in Versailles, and hosted some of the most lavish social events of the Gilded Age. For an exclusive experience, the museum allows only one event per evening, for up to 160 guests banquet-style. Other popular choices are Marble House, which was built for Mr. and Mrs. William K. Vanderbilt in 1892 and can accommodate 120 guests banquet-style or 250 for a reception.  

2. Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, Los Angeles

Since it broke ground in 2018, Los Angeles has been awaiting the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, founded by filmmaker George Lucas and Mellody Hobson, co-CEO and president of Ariel Investments — and it's finally opening on September 22. At a cost of $1 billion, its 35 galleries and 100,000 square feet of exhibits will highlight artists ranging from Normal Rockwell to Frida Kahlo, and explore how images move us and shape our collective memory. Also count on costumes, props, and movie posters from Lucas’ films, most notably Star Wars. The museum is located within Los Angeles’ Exposition Park.

3. The Sphere, Las Vegas

The Sphere has been the hottest ticket in Las Vegas since it opened in September of 2023 with a sold-out concert by U2. There are many options for events, including holding a corporate keynote on the main stage in front of up to 20,000. But planners can also arrange a private party for up to 3,000 in the Main Atrium.. For groups attending a public show, there are hospitality suites for up to 32 people located just 150 feet from the stage, and the Theory Lounge can be used for  pre-show receptions for up to 200.

4. USS Midway Museum, San Diego

Located just steps away from San Diego’s major convention hotels (including the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego and the Westin San Diego Bayview), the USS Midway can host Top Gun–themed events for up to 3,500 on its upper flight deck, where guests can mingle among the fighter jets, topped off by a fireworks display over the ocean. Guests are free to explore the ship’s exhibits, or planners can arrange docent-led tours.

5. Union Station, Washington, D.C.

This Beaux-Arts landmark is known for its rich marble floors and high barrel vaulted ceilings, and has hosted everything from Presidential inaugural balls to international philanthropic galas. The Main Hall can accommodate 3,472 for a reception and 2,200 banquet-style, and there is also a Main Hall-East, with the same architectural features, which can accommodate 1,600 for a reception and 650 seated. In addition, smaller spaces include the Presidential Suite, which was originally built for presidents to safely await their travels or to welcome world leaders, and can accommodate 350 for a reception.

6. Chicago's First Lady Cruises

Chicago’s FIrst Lady offers cruises narrated by Chicago Architecture Center docents. For evening events, attendees can view the dramatic lights of the city’s most famous buildings, including the Wrigley Building, Tribune Tower, and Willis Tower. The line features six ships, with the First Lady seating up to 96 indoors and up to 250 guests for a reception.

7. The High Line, New York City

This elevated park built on the site of a former train line is known for its gardens, art installations, and views of the City’s West Side. The High Line has a variety of outdoor spaces for events that are often used for private receptions and dinners, product demos, or public-facing events, ranging from the 4,800-square-foot Spur, the largest space with a capacity of 474 attendees, to the more intimate 1,205-square-foot Planting Terrace, which can accommodate 75. 

8. Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, Detroit (Dearborn)

Even guests who are not car lovers will appreciate dining among the historic automobiles and airplanes on display at this sprawling museum, affectionately known as “the Henry Ford.” The museum can accommodate up to 550 guests banquet-style and groups as large as 4,500 for a “strolling reception.” Or for the feel of a historic town, large groups can rent out parts of the adjacent Greenfield Village, with its classic buildings and outdoor greens.

9. Walt Disney Concert Hall, Los Angeles

This iconic Frank Gehry–designed Walt Disney Concert Hall offers several venue options for groups, including the BP Hall (a large indoor event space), rooftop garden, and outdoor plaza areas, accommodating from hundreds to thousands of attendees. The main concert auditorium is primarily reserved for performances by the LA Philharmonic. The concert hall sits right next door to the luxe Conrad LA and is the centerpiece of LA’s emerging Grand Ave Arts Corridor.

10. 1111 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach

A popular setting for fashion shows and product launches, this Herzog & de Meuron–designed parking garage, 1111 Lincoln Road, epitomizes the Miami scene. The 7th floor is a blank slate overlooking the city’s bustling Lincoln Road pedestrian shopping area. The 25,000 square feet can accommodate 700 attendees, depending on the event layout.