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 spaces suitable for a diverse range of occasions. Both 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
Book Pier 16
Capacity
Up to 3000 guests
Pier 16 is the Seaport Museum’s premier outdoor land-based event space, boasting its largest capacity. This authentic wooden pier located in the heart of the South Street Seaport Historic District offers a distinctive vantage point that bridges the gap between New York’s rich history and its contemporary present.
Host Aboard Tall Ship Wavertree
Capacity
Up to 400 guests
Wavertree is the flagship of the Seaport Museum’s fleet of historic vessels. Built in 1885 of riveted wrought iron, Wavertree represents the thousands of ships that once graced New York’s bustling waterfront. She showcases the lifestyles aboard 19th century cargo sailing vessels offering a tangible glimpse into the city’s maritime heritage.
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.