Situated along the captivating waterfront of Manhattan’s famed South Street Seaport Historic District, nestled amidst the gleaming skyscrapers of Lower Manhattan and commanding views of the Brooklyn Bridge and skyline, the Seaport Museum presents exclusive, quintessentially New York venues that promise to transform your event into an unforgettable city experience for you and your guests.
Enriched with a deep historical legacy, Pier 16, the last remaining wooden pier in New York City, and the celebrated 1885 tall ship Wavertree, a three-masted sailing marvel listed on the National Register, offer versatile outdoor spaces suitable for a diverse range of occasions. The newly-restored A.A. Thomson & Co. building is an architectural treasure that boasts unique exhibition galleries that immerse your guests in magical artworks and artifacts that share New York’s history. Each of these settings provide enchanting and impactful backdrops for your corporate dinners, team-building initiatives, film premieres, photo shoots, and any imaginative event you envision.
Seeking an even more immersive ambiance? Treat your guests to an exclusive sail through New York Harbor aboard the Museum’s historic sailing vessels: the 1885 schooner Pioneer and the 1930 tugboat W.O. Decker. These exceptional opportunities will leave an indelible impression on your attendees.
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Get a Taste of the Spaces
Pier 16
Capacity
Up to 3000 guests
Pier 16 is the Seaport Museum’s largest capacity outdoor event space. This authentic wood pier located in the heart of the South Street Seaport Historic District provides a unique perspective of New York’s past and present. Situated on the East River, Pier 16 offers stunning views of the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, which is dramatically juxtaposed with the modernity of the imposing lower Manhattan skyline. Truly an extraordinary location for an event.
1885 Tall Ship Wavertree
Capacity
Up to 400 guests
Wavertree is a full-rigged sailing ship and the flagship of the Museum’s fleet of historic vessels. Built in 1885 of riveted wrought iron, Wavertree represents the thousands of ships that once docked along New York’s waterfront and showcases how people worked and lived aboard 19th century cargo sailing vessels. Wavertree is the perfect one-of-a-kind setting for your next event. This historic ship provides a breathtaking setting with unparalleled views of the Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan skyline.
A.A. Thomson & Co. Exhibition Galleries
Capacity
275 standing
135 theater seating
125 seated dinner
The Seaport Museum’s newly restored A.A. Thomson & Co. building offers a unique opportunity to host your event in a landmarked 1868 space, surrounded by artifacts and works of art that celebrate New York’s rich history. With original wood-beam ceilings and exposed brick walls, the building brings old-world charm to any occasion. Your rental also includes private access for your guests to explore up to three floors of the stunning Maritime City exhibition galleries—setting the stage for an extraordinary experience.
A.A. Thomson & Co. Fourth Floor Raw Space
Capacity
350 standing
250 theater seating
150 seated dinner
Located on the fourth floor of the Seaport Museum’s newly restored 1868 A.A. Thomson & Co. warehouse, this loft-style venue provides a distinctive backdrop for your next event. The space features historic exposed brick, striking wood columns and beams, and large windows that flood the room with natural light. Adding to its character, the Museum has preserved the original mechanism of an early elevator—a one-of-a-kind detail that makes this venue as memorable as the occasion you’ll host here.
Pop-Up Space
Interior
18 x 22 ft with current temporary walls
Bring your vision to life in a storefront of the landmarked 1810 Schermerhorn Row block. Perfect for a pop-up, brand activation, or event rental, this raw space inside a historic treasure adds authentic Seaport charm to any endeavor. With direct access to the bustling cobblestone streets, abundant natural light, and a versatile open layout, this space at the Seaport Museum offers the perfect blank canvas for your next big idea.
Charter a Historic Vessel
Capacity
Schooner Pioneer: Up to 35 guests
Tugboat W.O. Decker: Up to 12 guests
For more intimate gatherings, host your guests on a private sail through New York Harbor. These unique vessels, sailing out of Pier 16 from May to October, provide the perfect backdrop for a group adventure, celebration, or corporate event. Whether you’re looking to host a birthday party, anniversary celebration, or team-building outing, the Seaport Museum’s schooner Pioneer and tugboat W.O. Decker have got you covered.
You can also charter the permanently moored 1908 lightship Ambrose, a National Historic Landmark that served as a floating lighthouse at the entrance of New York Harbor.
See How Others Have Used These Spaces
About the 1885 Tall Ship Wavertree
Wavertree was built at Southampton, England, in 1885 and, after a 24 years sailing career and circumnavigating the globe at least three times, is now the last remaining iron-hulled three-masted full-rigged cargo ship. Today, Wavertree serves as the iconic centerpiece of the bustling waterfront that shaped New York City into a modern metropolis.
About the 1885 Schooner Pioneer
Pioneer was built in Pennsylvania in 1885 to carry sand and heavy cargoes along the Delaware River. Unlike almost all American cargo sloops and schooners that were made of wood, Pioneer was constructed with a wrought iron hull because she was built in what was then the nation’s center for iron shipbuilding. Today, she is the sole American merchant sailing vessel with an iron hull.
About the Tugboat W.O. Decker
W.O. Decker was built in Long Island City, Queens, in 1930 for the Newtown Creek Towing Company. She is an exemplary model of the types of tugs that were once an abundant sight in New York Harbor. Now the last surviving New York-built wooden tugboat, W.O. Decker is a testament to New York City’s maritime and industrial history, which are direct factors in the city’s global prominence today.