Encompassing 12 square blocks in the small neighborhood between the financial district and the East River, the South Street Seaport Museum opened in 1967. Earlier this year the historic site made available its Schermerhorn Galleries, a series of interconnected rooms on its fifth floor. Adding to the museum's existing 30,000 square feet of exhibition, education, and event space, this section can be rented for daytime functions as well as evening gatherings.
Named for Peter Schermerhorn, the 19th-century merchant who built the row of brick structures on Fulton Street that now house the museum, the galleries sport original details such hardwood floors, exposed brick walls, ceiling beams, and even graffiti. Although ceiling heights range from eight to 25 feet, each of the three front spaces measures about 1,000 square feet and seats 80 or holds as many as 250 for receptions. A larger gallery toward the rear measures about 1,500 square feet.
For event rental, the South Street Seaport Museum also offers the ground-floor Melville Gallery, the 180-person merchant ship Peking, and Pier 16.
