The Newberry Library

The Newberry Library

Event Types Welcomed

  • Adult Social Events
  • Corporate Social Events
  • Expo/Competitions
  • Family Reunions
  • Professional Meeting / Training / Conference / Retreats
  • Wedding Ceremonies

About

With its grand staircase, intricate architectural details, and spacious halls, The Newberry Library is a unique, historic and world-renowned research library is just steps from the Magnificent Mile, and across the street from Chicago’s oldest public park, Washington Square Park.

Newberry collection is a portal to more than six centuries of human history, from the Middle Ages to the present. We connect researchers and visitors with our collection in the Newberry’s reading rooms, exhibition galleries, program spaces, classrooms, and online digital resources. Holding your event at the Newberry will support our mission of inspiring research, teaching, and learning in the humanities.

The fully restored Lobby is a showstopper featuring a Romanesque entryway, distinctive chandeliers, grand marble staircase, prefect for cocktail receptions and dinner parties.

Our largest event space, Ruggles Hall, can accommodate up to 160 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 specialty recessed lighting, and are lovely complements to the Newberry’s unique aesthetic.

A recent renovation restored our building’s original architectural details while adding new versatile event spaces and state of the art technology. The Newberry is now an incredible gathering place for a variety of occasions:

NON-PROFIT AND ACADEMIC EVENTS 

Host your non-profit or academic conference, summit, workshop, training, gala, or fundraiser at one of the leading humanities research libraries in the world and connect to our unique collection through exhibition tours, building tours, and collection presentations.

CORPORATE EVENTS 

Entertain clients or treat your staff to a unique experience at the Newberry. We accommodate cocktail parties, galas, holiday events, formal dinners and award ceremonies, as well as conferences, board meetings, and client events.

SOCIAL EVENTS, CELEBRATIONS, AND CEREMONIES 

Our spaces can serve as the prefect venue for milestone celebrations, anniversary and retirement parties, memorials, concerts and performances, ceremonies, rehearsal dinners, and other special events.

CATERING

At the Newberry, clients requiring staffed catering must work with an approved caterer from our provided Exclusive List of Caterers, available upon request.

Meeting & Event Spaces

  • Max Capacity: 200 guests

Venue Location + Transportation

Address

 
60 West Walton Street,
Chicago, Illinois 60610

Things to Know

Catering