When an ordinary ballroom won’t suffice, a one-of-a-kind venue oozing with history is the ideal setting for a memorable meeting or event.
Here are some selections that combine history with inspiration:
Best Place at the Historic Pabst Brewery, Milwaukee
The first of the great Milwaukee beer makers, the Pabst Brewery traces its roots in the city to 1844. The fully refurbished complex of historic buildings offers a variety of venues for corporate events. Among the possibilities are the Great Hall, home to the original corporate headquarters’ accounting offices, and the Captain’s Courtyard, an open-air venue ideal for a beer garden event.
National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, Oklahoma City
Brimming with an internationally renowned collection of Western art and artifacts, this Oklahoma City museum founded in 1955 artfully preserves the legacy of the American West. Attendees in the 16,500-square-foot Sam Noble Special Events Center are surrounded by five mammoth (18’ by 46’) Western landscape triptych paintings by celebrated artist Wilson Hurley. Each of the stunning paintings depicts a Western location caught at sunset.
The Queen Mary, Long Beach, Calif.
The opulent Queen Mary ship, which was originally launched in 1934, arrived in Long Beach, Calif., in 1967. It was transformed into a floating hotel, attraction and special event venue. Impeccably restored, renovated and enhanced, the Queen Mary has 80,000 square feet of meeting space, including 14 spectacular Art Deco rooms. Luxurious, decorative wood appointments, elaborate murals, paintings and sculptures surround attendees. A popular choice is the Board Room, where 70 guests can be accommodated and which has original wood veneer and two original paintings that celebrate England’s maritime history.
Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, Boston
Located in the middle of Fort Point Channel along Boston Harbor, this attraction with three ships is brimming with 18th century colonial appointments while offering spectacular waterfront and cityscape views. Abigail’s Tea Room and Terrace can accommodate 140 for a reception and 100 for a seated dinner. In the summer, a popular choice is a cocktail reception for 140 on the deck of Griffin’s Wharf followed by tours of the 18th century ships.
Bently Reserve, San Francisco
Located downtown at 301 Battery St., the Bently Reserve is a snazzy and elegant event venue housed in the landmark structure that was once home to the San Francisco Federal Reserve. Given a substantial renovation recently that added more meeting space and restored even more of the original 1924 grandeur of the venue, the Bently showcases a gamut of spaces ranging from the intimate Port Boardroom to the massive Banking Hall that can hold over 800 for a reception.
