Founded in 1899, the Brooklyn Children's Museum is one of the world's oldest museums dedicated to kids, and in mid-September the institution reopened after a $80 million expansion project. Twice the size it once was, this new venue was designed by Rafael Viñoly Architects and is billed as one of the city's first museums certified green by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. Among the 102,000 square feet of space are several areas available for private events and meetings, including an expansive rooftop plaza.
The largest of the areas available for events, the 18,000-square-foot rooftop plaza is an outdoor section on the second floor that will house the museum's cultural programming during the warmer months. For private performances and galas, the rooftop can be tented and planners can make use of the 250 built-in bleacher seats; the entire spaces holds 700.
Adjacent to the rooftop, and part of the new building, are more spaces available for rental. An 1,800-square-foot café area with hardwood floors and high ceilings can be used as a catering prep area or a spot for meetings and receptions. Down the hall from this is the special exhibits gallery, another open space with wood floors and high ceilings; the section holds 30 people. On the lower level is the Commons theater, a small 120-seat performance space rigged with a sound and lighting system.
Smaller sections of the museum appropriate for meetings and conferences include the tiered outdoor garden, which holds 70 and overlooks the museum's green house; an 18-seat executive conference room; and a 20-person classroom equipped with an LCD projection system and audio.
The entire building is available for event rental, and although the museum does not currently have any teambuilding courses, groups with their own programs may also use the space.