Events at Ziegfeld Ballroom, New York

About Ziegfeld Ballroom

Ziegfeld Ballroom is a grand special-events venue in Midtown Manhattan, housed in the former Ziegfeld Theatre on West 54th Street (between 6th and 7th Avenues). Opened in 1969 as a single-screen “movie palace,” it was built to honor Broadway impresario Florenz Ziegfeld’s legacy (his original 1927 Ziegfeld Theatre once stood nearby) (www.ziegfeldballroom.com). The theater closed in January 2016, with a final sold-out screening of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, and over 46 years of premieres and blockbusters behind it (historictheatres.org). After a $70 million renovation, the space reopened in Fall 2017 as the Ziegfeld Ballroom, blending 1920s-style Art Deco glamour with cutting-edge modern amenities (www.ziegfeldballroom.com).

The redesign – by architect Richard Bloch – preserved the theater’s soaring proscenium and sweeping curved walls while stripping out seats to create a column-free ballroom. Vaulted ceilings approach 25 feet high (blace.com), adorned with crystal chandeliers and dramatic lighting. The interior palette of silver, white and blue recalls vintage movie palaces, giving the room a cinematic sense of grandeur (www.ziegfeldballroom.com) (feverup.com). The ornate lobby, grand staircase and marquee all echo classic Broadway-era style. Even during its cinema days the Ziegfeld was famed for its lavish décor and audio-visual quality – the New York Post noted it was “world renowned for the quality of its sound and projection” and described the design as evoking the long-gone 1920s movie palaces (www.ziegfeldballroom.com). Today those features help make the ballroom a memorable event space.

Ziegfeld Ballroom seats about 1,000 people for a dinner or performance, and up to roughly 1,300–1,400 for standing-room cocktail events or receptions (www.bizbash.com). In its theater days it seated 1,131 patrons (www.boweryboyshistory.com), making it one of Manhattan’s largest single-screen venues. The open floor plan allows flexible layouts – elegant table seating, theater-style rows facing a stage, or open dance-floor configurations. A wide mezzanine balcony (roughly 3,250 square feet (www.bestvenuesnewyork.com)) wraps along the back, giving a bird’s-eye perspective. Built-in A/V rigs, professional sound systems and projection capabilities are hidden in the rigging. An in-house production team (Innovative Stage Productions) handles lighting, audio, video and staging for events (www.ziegfeldballroom.com), so the space functions as a self-contained concert-quality venue as well as a ballroom.

Today Ziegfeld Ballroom is known as Manhattan’s “mecca” for high-end events. It regularly hosts weddings, charity galas, black-tie corporate galas, product launches, fashion shows and film premieres. Events can be lavish – for example, couples have exchanged vows at the grand staircase under a crystal chandelier – and the venue’s special status adds Hollywood-style flair to every occasion (feverup.com) (rmxts.com). Because the revival celebrates Broadway’s golden era, Ziegfeld Ballroom carries a “legendary” vibe. One historian notes that closing the old Ziegfeld lost New York a link to its most famous theatrical impresario, Florenz Ziegfeld (www.boweryboyshistory.com). Keeping this space alive maintains a piece of that cultural heritage. In short, Ziegfeld Ballroom matters not just for its size and beauty, but as a unique landmark of Broadway history reborn for today’s events.

Events and Programming

Ziegfeld Ballroom does not have a regular weekly schedule of public shows like a concert hall might, but it stays busy with a wide range of special events year-round. The majority of bookings are private or corporate: upscale gala nights, film-industry parties (Oscar after-parties, movie premieres, etc.), fundraisers and benefit dinners, charity balls, and high-end weddings or bar/bat mitzvahs. Company expos, tech conferences and product launches also use the space for presentations and trade events. The ballroom’s built-in stage and production gear make it ideal for any occasion where lighting, video screens or sound reinforcement are needed.

On occasion the venue hosts ticketed public events and themed parties. For example, a Halloween dance/rave (“Boo! A Halloween Night’s Rave”) was held there in 2021 (www.ticketfairy.com), and the space regularly appears on New Year’s Eve party lineups with full open bars and DJs. Organizers advertise tickets to these one-off events through online platforms, and they often sell out. In recent seasons Ziegfeld has been used for NYE events, holiday gala parties and similar celebrations, sometimes with pricey tickets ($150+ including open bar, by the time you get close to the date). Other public gigs might include exclusive club nights or invited concerts, but those tend to be one-off or annual affairs rather than weekly concerts. (Notably, in its movie-theater era the hall once broadcast live concerts – for example, the Phantom of the Opera 25th Anniversary from London was simulcast here – so premium shows are not new to the space.)

Because it is a private-event venue, there are rarely “doors open” times posted to the public except for advertised parties. Attendees typically find out about events through special event marketing. If a major concert or club night is announced, tickets may go on sale months in advance (often sold via online event partners). Popular nights can sell out quickly. For corporate and social bookings the clients usually do not resell tickets publicly – attendance is by invitation. We do see the venue promoted as a “symphony measure”: it seats up to 1,000, and trade listings emphasize “one event at a time” for exclusivity (www.bestvenuesnewyork.com). Regular arts programming (e.g. opera, ballet) does not happen here; instead, think of it as a blank canvas for upscale community events, glitzy parties and blockbuster-launch celebrations.

Tickets and Booking

Unlike music halls or theaters, Ziegfeld Ballroom does not sell tickets directly to general audiences, because most events are private or corporate functions. If you’re attending a specific event, tickets (if needed) will be available through the event organizer or promoter. Open party tickets (e.g. NYE, Halloween, or other club nights) are typically sold online. It’s wise to watch for announcements or sign up for alerts, since these events can sell out quickly. Ticket prices vary widely depending on the event. For large public parties, general admission might start in the low-to-mid hundreds of dollars, with VIP or early-entry packages costing more. See venue or event promotions for exact pricing.

There is no box office at Ziegfeld Ballroom for general public walk-up sales. Event promoters will usually handle online sales and guest lists. If an event isn’t sold out, often a limited number of tickets are made available at the door (sometimes with a late-arrival fee). However, for very popular events it pays to buy in advance. There are no season passes or subscriptions; each event is unique. For weddings or corporate clients, scheduling and payment are arranged privately through the venue’s event sales team. In short, if you want to attend something at Ziegfeld Ballroom, treat it like a ticketed party: check the event’s website or contact the organizer directly. Always check in advance whether an event is 21+ only (most nightclub-style events are restricted to adults).

Seating and Layout

Ziegfeld Ballroom is a single, vast open room with about 20,000 square feet spread over three levels (www.ziegfeldballroom.com). The main floor (“ballroom”) is 9,000 square feet of column-free space, ideal for dancing or large banquets (www.bestvenuesnewyork.com). Behind it is an upper mezzanine balcony (about 3,250 square feet (www.bestvenuesnewyork.com)) that overlooks the entire floor. In seating mode, chairs or tables are arranged facing one end of the room, where a proscenium-like stage area can be set up. For general admission events (concerts, parties, receptions), guests are free to stand on the main floor or mingle on the balcony. The open layout means good sightlines – with no interior columns blocking the floor, you can be nearly anywhere in the room and still see the stage.

When set up for a seated audience, the recommended spots are toward the center of the main floor or in the tiered balcony. The balcony (mezzanine) has heads-on views and is often used for VIP tables, photo ops or a quieter seating section. Its elevated position gives a bird’s-eye view of the action below. Guests say the sound and visuals come through well in all areas – the former theater’s sound system was legendary (www.ziegfeldballroom.com), and the ballroom still uses a pro-grade sound rig. If there is a stage or DJ booth, closer floor seats (within 5–10 rows of the front) are obviously best for hearing and seeing talent up close. However, because those front areas can be crowded, the mid- and rear-floor sections often hear just as well under the center speaker arrays, and they can spread out more. VIP ticket holders sometimes get reserved tables or lounge space along the perimeter or on the mezzanine for extra comfort and service.

If the event is a dance or cocktail party, the balcony and sometimes a front podium are cordoned off to allow a large open dance floor in front of the stage. In that case, many people stand near the stage for a better view of the performers or DJs. A helpful tip: the eye-catching features (like the grand staircase or lit chandelier) make for unique photo background spots – some weddings stage the couple at the base of the stairs during the ceremony for dramatic effect (rmxts.com). In any setup, the ballroom’s column-free design ensures that no matter where you are standing or seated, your view will not be obstructed by pillars. The overall acoustic is expansive rather than echoey, due to professional sound tuning; feedback and muddiness are rarely reported by listeners.

Getting There and Parking

Address and Subway: Ziegfeld Ballroom is located at 141 West 54th Street, New York, NY 10019. This is midtown Manhattan between Sixth Avenue (Avenue of the Americas) and Seventh Avenue. Public transit is very convenient. The C/E subway stop at 50th Street (8th Avenue) is about a 5-minute walk west. The 1 train stop at 50th & 8th is similar distance. The F train at 57th & 6th, and the N/Q/R/W line at 57th & 7th, are both about a 5–7 minute walk north. Other nearby stations include 50th & 7th (C/E trains) and 47-50th & Broadway (B/D/M lines). Multiple MTA bus routes (M7, M20, M50, etc.) also run along nearby avenues. No matter which line you use, look for exits onto 54th Street, just south of the theater; the venue is easy to spot with its vertical marquee sign.

Driving and Parking: The Ziegfeld Ballroom has no on-site parking (www.bestvenuesnewyork.com). Like much of midtown, street parking is very limited and often restricted to short-term metered spots. If you drive, your best bet is to use a nearby parking garage. Several paid garages are on 54th, 55th and 56th Streets between 6th and 8th Avenues. Rates at these garages often start around $30 per hour (after 5pm) and can be $50–$60+ for an evening event. Apps like ParkWhiz or SpotHero can help locate and reserve a spot in advance, which is strongly recommended during busy evenings. Otherwise, rideshare and taxis are popular. For drop-off, craft your app pickup/drop-off on West 54th (or West 55th) to avoid double-parking. The main entry is on West 54th, so telling the driver to stop at 54th & 7th (the southwest corner of 7th & 54th) or 54th & 6th is usually best. Note New York traffic can be congested, so plan extra travel time if driving.

Walking Directions: From Times Square (Broadway & 46th St), it’s about a 10- to 15-minute walk north on Broadway then west on 54th Street. From Columbus Circle (59th & Broadway), walk south on Broadway and cut over on 54th after 7th Avenue. The neighborhood (Midtown West/Theater District) is well-lit and generally active late into the evening. If you’re coming from Grand Central/Oyster Bay via the 7 or S train, get off at 5th Avenue & 42nd and walk uptown (about 15 blocks north). In all cases, it’s straightforward, just watch traffic when crossing the avenues.

Inside the Venue

Entering Ziegfeld Ballroom is an experience – you step under a glowing marquee and into a richly decorated Art Deco lobby with gold accents and mirrored walls. A sweeping white staircase curves down from backstage, often used for photo shots or dramatic grand entrances. Doors open directly into the ballroom space. Depending on the event, you’ll either show or have your ticket scanned and possibly pass through a quick security check (many events do bag inspections or metal detectors at the door). Coat check facilities are typically available, especially in colder months, for a small fee. (Guests usually are expected to check large bags or outerwear; only small purses or essentials are permitted in the main hall.)

Inside the ballroom the atmosphere matches the event style. For a gala or wedding, the room might be aglow with uplights in the color theme, crystal centerpieces, and a quiet elegance. For a club night or party, it could be dimmed down, with vibrant colored spotlights, a DJ booth or band setup at one end, and open dance space. Regardless, the scale is impressive – up to 1,400 people fill this 10,000+ sq.ft. room, and yet thanks to the high ceilings and smart design it never feels cramped. You can often walk along the wide side aisles or use the carved mezzanine balcony to navigate the space without interrupting those on the floor.

Food and Drink: You will not find a public snack bar or restaurant inside; all catering is event-specific. Most large events hire one of the approved catering companies (the venue has a preferred vendor list, including kosher caterer RAM, etc.). If you attend a wedding or gala, hors d’oeuvres or a buffet meal will be served by the caterers. On the bar front, attendant bartenders set up portable bars for the evening. Bars usually accept credit cards (cash may also be accepted, but expect a card-friendly event). There are also typically smaller cocktail tables and lounge areas set up around the periphery. At any rate, don’t bring outside food or alcohol – anything you want to eat or drink should come through the venue’s bars or caterers. Water stations or buffets may be available for long conferences or dinners.

Restrooms and Amenities: Restrooms are located just off the sides of the ballroom, on both the main floor and upper level. The facilities are large and well-maintained, with doormen managing any lines during peak breaks. The balconies and lobby also feature seating lounges or reception areas – often used for VIP mingling, quiet chats, or photo setups. Free Wi-Fi is provided for guests (especially useful for corporate events), so you can check messages or livestream parts of the event if needed. Cell service in the space is generally strong, though it can get a bit jammed when many people start calling at the same time.

Atmosphere and Service: Staff at Ziegfeld Ballroom are usually described as professional and attentive. A hostess or concierge greets groups at the entrance, ushers can show you to tables or restrooms, and dedicated technicians handle sound and lighting cues in the background. The walls often are dressed with heavy curtains or elegant wallpaper panels, and crystal chandeliers overhead cast a soft light during seated functions. If merchandise is sold (at a concert or benefit), stands are set up near one side of the room. Otherwise, the vibe is generally sleek and plush. You won’t see turnstiles or concession stands like a movie theater – instead, picture the gilded salon of an ocean liner or a grand bank lobby. Everything is meant to feel upscale yet comfortable.

Nearby Amenities

Restaurants: The Theater District and Hell’s Kitchen around West 54th Street are packed with dining options. Within a few blocks you’ll find casual spots (pizza joints, delis and cafes) as well as upscale restaurants. For a quick bite before the show, there are sandwich shops, diners and bakeries on 54th and 55th. If you want a sit-down dinner, try one of the local favorites: Italian trattorias, New American bistros or sushi bars on 7th Avenue and nearby streets. Within a 5-10 minute walk you could reach big names like officina (Italian steakhouse), or midtown classics on 6th Avenue. Times Square itself (a few blocks south) has innumerable chains and themed restaurants. In short, food ranges from $10 snacks to $50+ meals, so plan according to your schedule: many Broadway-goers dine around 5PM to 6PM before their evening starts.

Bars and Lounges: After events, or for a cocktail beforehand, the area has plenty of lounge choices. On nearby 8th Avenue you’ll find lively pubs and sports bars. Fancy hotels have high-rise bars (e.g. the top of the Hilton or Marriott nearby) with city views. Closer to the ballroom, 7th Avenue’s 50s–60s blocks are dotted with stand-up bars and hotel lobbies featuring late-night drinks. Because the neighborhood is tourist-friendly, many bars stay open late – some even operate standard closing at 4AM. Note that if you’re attending a high-end private event, the mood inside is formal, so cocktail attire is common. But outside the venue the dress can be as casual as the city dresses it (jeans and tees are fine in nearby pubs early in the evening).

Hotels: Ziegfeld Ballroom sits in the heart of Manhattan’s hotel corridor. Major hotels are only a block or two away. The W New York – Times Square and the Westin on 7th Avenue (just a block north) flank the venue, offering convenient stays. Just a short walk are the Hilton Midtown (at 6th Ave & 53rd St), and on the same block the DoubleTree by Hilton. South a few blocks is the Marriott Marquis in Times Square. All popular chains (Sheraton, Courtyard, Renaissance, etc.) have Midtown properties nearby, as do smaller boutique hotels. If you have guests flying in or need a room overnight, staying in any Theater District or Columbus Circle hotel is practical. Since the area is busy, it’s wise to reserve rooms early if your event date coincides with holidays or big conventions.

Transit & Late-Night Transportation: Subways run 24/7 in NYC, so late-night travel is usually easy. Around Ziegfeld Ballroom, the main lines (1, C, E, N, Q, R, W, F) do service here all night, though some (B, D, M) run on limited weekend schedules or stop earlier. Taxis and rideshares like Uber and Lyft also pick up nearby at any hour; Times Square area vehicles flood the zone after major shows. (Tip: on nights like New Year’s Eve or after a sold-out concert, demand is high – leave time for catching a ride.) The neighborhood itself (Midtown West) is well lit late into the evening, so walking a few blocks to another subway stop or bus line is safe. Finally, there are 24-hour bus routes (e.g. the M5 on 6th Ave that becomes the M104 on Broadway) if you prefer bus travel.

What Makes This Venue Special

Ziegfeld Ballroom is unique because it combines Hollywood history with Old-World theater glamour in one of New York’s most central locations. Architecturally, it preserves the spirit of the mid-century palace theater (built by the Reade family empire) while delivering a totally modern event space. Its Art Deco grandeur – sweeping staircases, sparkling chandeliers and vintage signage – stands out amid the glassy new high-rises of Midtown. Cultural lore also clings to it: for decades it hosted more Hollywood film premieres than any other NYC theater outside Los Angeles (www.ziegfeldballroom.com). Stars and filmmakers once flocked here, and many famous movie moments happened under its roof. That legacy of red-carpet glamour carries into today’s events, giving every gala or wedding a “premiere night” atmosphere.

For local tradition, the Ziegfeld Ballroom has quickly become a home for big-city celebrations. New Yorkers and visitors love that even disco or electronic music nights here feel classy – the venue is “a stunning venue that captures the essence of 1920s elegance” (wanderlog.com), complete with modern lighting and surround sound. Corporate planners cite the building’s exclusivity and size. Socially, it draws many top charities and cultural groups for annual galas. Economically, it keeps more events happening in midtown: conventions and tours often book it as an alternate performance or banquet space. Closing the theater in 2016 was noted as losing “a valuable link” to Broadway’s golden age (www.boweryboyshistory.com). Reopening it as a ballroom renewed that link. In short, people – from socialites to concert-goers – love Ziegfeld Ballroom because it’s rare to find a venue this ornate and historic that can also host a contemporary, high-energy party or summit. It feels both legendary and brand-new at the same time.

Visitor Tips and Information

Accessibility and Facilities: The venue is fully handicap-accessible – all levels can be reached by an elevator and there are accessible restrooms (www.bestvenuesnewyork.com). Wheelchair seating areas are provided and staff will assist as needed. Service animals are allowed. All public spaces have ample signage; if you have special needs (e.g. hearing assistance) it’s best to ask the event organizer in advance so accommodations (like captioning or sign language) can be arranged. To enter, prep for a quick security check: umbrellas, large bags or sharp objects are usually prohibited. Clear bag policies may apply (concert-style events often allow only a small transparent tote). When planning, note that cell service and Wi-Fi are available, but bringing a portable charger is always smart.

What to Bring – and Not Bring: Always carry your ticket (printed or on phone) and photo ID. Dress according to the occasion – business attire for corporate functions, gowns or suits for weddings/galas, and cocktail/bar attire for nightclub events. Even though it’s a formal space, the atmosphere is friendly – you can dress up or slightly down depending on personal style. Avoid bulky backpacks or outside beverages; anything you need (coats, extra layers) should go in coat check. Photography is usually allowed with phones for personal snapshots, but professional photo/video gear typically requires permission (and is banned at private events). For concerts or performances, bring earplugs if you’re noise-sensitive, because the excellent sound system can be quite loud near the stage.

Common Pitfalls: Don’t underestimate NYC traffic and lines – if your event has a mass arrival time (like a concert or ceremony at 7 PM), plan to arrive 30–45 minutes early. If your group is large, consider splitting up – there can be a bottleneck at the single main entrance/staircase. Taxis and rideshares are plentiful, but surge pricing is common after big shows, so factor in time. If attending a public ticketed party, double-check the age policy: many after-hours dance events strictly require 21+. Also watch out: it’s still Manhattan, so lines for restrooms may form during breaks; answering nature’s call before a show or set is wise. Outside food/drink and smoking inside are not allowed (it’s a no-smoking venue). Remember to tip any coat-check attendants or bar staff if you use them.

Insider Tips: For live shows, handicap-accessible seating is often on the edges, which can give a wider stage view if that suits you better. If you’re interested in the venue itself, arrive a little early to appreciate the lobby and theater history displays (there are old film posters and photos near the entrance in some cases). Some events may have white-themed or decorative walls where taking a photo of friends (especially on the marble staircase) can be fun. Because the venue often books only one event at a time, once the doors open you’re unlikely to be sharing the space with strangers from other events – enjoy the exclusivity. Lastly, if the calendar shows no upcoming public events, don’t assume it’s closed – it very likely means it’s booked privately. In that case, coming in with an invited guest or VIP pass is the way to go.