Great Hall Rental & Event Inquiries

Great Hall Seating
The Great Hall Seating Chart (click to enlarge)

Make History Here

Bring your event to the site where history has been made since 1858. The Great Hall is remarkably intimate, making it suitable for large events or small groups. While no food is permitted in the Great Hall, buffet receptions may be held in its lobby where a permanent exhibition provides a view of the role in American history played by Cooper Union and the Great Hall. For inquiries about renting the Great Hall contact Christine Sarkissian, manager, rental programs, at 212.353.4196, sarkis@cooper.edu.

SEATING CAPACITY

865 fixed theatre seats (fire capacity to 960; some obstructed views)

AVAILABILITY

Days / Nights / Weekends

 

FEATURES

  • Speaker’s Stage (no proscenium, no fly space)
  • Full stage lighting, sound available
  • The “Lincoln Lectern”
  • Natural Acoustics – Excellent
  • Great Hall Lobby may be used for Reception Space
  • Includes very large “Green Room” offstage – ideal for dressing room or special dignitary functions
  • Separate Restrooms
  • Public WiFi
  • Three screens

ACCESSIBILITY

  • Wheelchair Accessible
  • Assisted listening devices are also available upon request.

 

SUITABILITY

Musical Performances, Symposia, Lectures, Graduations & Award Ceremonies

GH

 

  • Founded by inventor, industrialist and philanthropist Peter Cooper in 1859, The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art offers education in art, architecture and engineering, as well as courses in the humanities and social sciences.

  • “My feelings, my desires, my hopes, embrace humanity throughout the world,” Peter Cooper proclaimed in a speech in 1853. He looked forward to a time when, “knowledge shall cover the earth as waters cover the great deep.”

  • From its beginnings, Cooper Union was a unique institution, dedicated to founder Peter Cooper's proposition that education is the key not only to personal prosperity but to civic virtue and harmony.

  • Peter Cooper wanted his graduates to acquire the technical mastery and entrepreneurial skills, enrich their intellects and spark their creativity, and develop a sense of social justice that would translate into action.