Venue Rentals
A Place for Any Occasion
Built in 1893, the Newberry Library is a historic venue in the heart of Chicago. A recent renovation restored our building’s original architectural details while adding new versatile event spaces. The Newberry is now a gathering place for a variety of occasions.
Non-Profit and Academic Events
Host your non-profit or academic event at one of the leading humanities research libraries in the world.
Corporate Events
Entertain clients or treat your staff to a unique experience at the Newberry. We accommodate cocktail galas, holiday parties, and award ceremonies, as well as conferences, board meetings, and client events.
Social Events, Celebrations, and Ceremonies
We know how to throw a party. Our spaces can serve as the perfect venue for birthday parties, engagement celebrations, recitals, wedding ceremonies, and other special occasions.
Spaces and Pricing
Ruggles Hall is our largest and most elegant event space, with expansive windows, a herring-bone hardwood floor, and vintage chandeliers. It is an ideal setting for gala dinners, cocktail receptions, lectures, performances, and fundraising events.
Dimensions: 65’ L x 48’ W
Total area: 3,120 sq ft
Capacities:
- 150 guests for lecture style with perimeter reception
- 208 guests for a seated dinner or program
- 250 guests for a strolling reception or cocktails
- 160 guests for events with a cocktail hour in our lobby
Restored in 2018, our lobby boasts 19th-century grandeur with recessed lighting, marble staircases, chandeliers, and original mosaic floors. The lobby’s central location also offers easy access to exhibition galleries and other event spaces, making it an ideal space for registration or check-in tables, or a post-conference reception.
Possibilities for this space include event registration/check-in, evening cocktail receptions, networking events, and photography shoots.
Dimensions: 32’ L x 52’ W
Total area: 1,258 sq ft
Capacities:
- 80 guests for a seated dinner or program
- 160 guests for a strolling reception or cocktails
Our newly designed boardroom is equipped with state-of-the-art technology for modern board and business meetings. This adaptable space can serve as a learning environment for organizations, academic groups, and businesses. It’s also suitable for networking and social events.
Dimensions: 34’ L x 37’ W
Total area: 1,258 sq ft
Capacities:
- 50 guests for lecture style with perimeter reception
- 80 guests for a seated dinner or program
- 100 guests for a strolling reception or cocktails
Rettinger Hall has large windows looking out onto Washington Square Park, original marble flooring, and customizable recessed colored uplights. Rettinger is a welcoming space for dinner parties, cocktail receptions, networking events, breakout sessions, teambuilding events, and workshops.
Dimensions: 51’ L x 27’ W
Total area: 1,377 sq ft
Capacities:
- 50 guests for lecture style with perimeter reception
- 80 guests for a seated dinner or program
- 100 guests for a strolling reception or cocktails
Our conference rooms are our most affordable rental spaces available. All five conference rooms are equipped with chairs, tables, and AV systems.
Possibilities for the conference rooms include small meetings, workshops, seminars, and trainings.
Capacities:
- Room B84: Up to 24 guests seated around tables; up to 22 guests seated lecture style
- Room B82: Up to 24 guests seated around tables; up to 22 guests seated lecture style
- Room B91: Up to 18 guests seated around tables; up to 22 guests seated lecture style
- Room B92: Up to 18 guests seated around tables
- Room B94: Up to 14 guests seated around tables
Learn More
Have Questions?
Get in Touch
Contact us at (312) 255-3595 or via email.