Event Spaces at the Cradle of Aviation
What makes us the best venue for your next event? The museum’s many unique party spaces. The four-story Reckson Center Atrium, the Red Planet Cafe and museum galleries, are all magnificent backdrops for unique special events. Accommodating from 10 to 10,000 guests, our venue is perfect for corporate holiday parties, corporate fêtes, weddings, bar mitzvahs, bat mitzvahs, expos, intimate celebrations and small dinners, fashion shows, and trade shows as well as film and video location shoots. Some of the current expos we host see comfortable visitor traffic in the 5,000-10,000 visitors per day range.
The Atrium
The Cradle of Aviation's Reckson Center Atrium is a flexible, multi-level, awe-inspiring event space for parties up to 1500. With eight major artifacts suspended majestically in mid-air, guests celebrate amidst impressive flight displays. Four-story glass windows add to the majestic aerodynamic appeal. This stunning one-of-a-kind space is one of very few on Long Island that can host a cocktail party of up to 1500 people or can entertain 1000+ for dinner and dancing, fashion shows, corporate breakfasts and presentations and more. Grand, authentic air crafts and wrap around balconies with three viewing levels make the Atrium a most distinctive setting.
Red Planet Cafe
This newly renovated space is modern, edgy and sophisticated party space with an out-of-this-atmosphere glow. Comfortably accommodating seated parties of up to 250, ideal for bar/bat mitzvahs, sweet sixteens, holiday celebrations and other unique corporate events. Or, host your unforgettable opening cocktail reception before moving into another dramatic party space.
The Space Gallery
The Space Gallery is your gateway to one of the great achievements of the modern age – human spaceflight. Whether you are planning a special teen celebration, organizing a small company dinner for 100, or hosting a cocktail reception for 200, the exhibits and historic memorabilia in the Space Gallery will set a most auspicious tone. Since the first Soviet venture into space in 1961, more than 500 men and women have floated in the vacuum of space and conducted experiments in orbit, making the Space Gallery perhaps one of the most talked about galleries in the museum.
Lunar Landing
Our very own Apollo Lunar Module within the Space Gallery boasts one of only three lunar modules on earth, LM-13. This original Lunar Module, built by Grumman in Bethpage in 1972, was intended for the Apollo 19 mission to Copernicus Crater in 1973, which was ultimately cancelled. LM-13 is a scientific masterpiece that helps create a dramatic, yet cozy, backdrop for yout next intimate gathering, You and up to 30 companions can dine while gazing upon this marvel that was once slated to head to the moon.
Hangar Two
Toast and mingle among impressive flight displays and authentic aircraft of yesteryear including Tomcat No.3, the oldest surviving F-14A in the world; an A-10 Warthog; and the last A-6F Intruder ever built. This actual bygone hangar is now home to massive notable relics, making this event space especially remarkable. Perfect for small corporate gatherings, networking events, or association functions, Hangar Two can entertain cocktail parties of up to 200 people or seated soirees of up to 90
Exhibit Galleries
Stroll through historic and futuristic galleries as you and your guests sip libations and sample savory fare. These singular, themed event spaces are dedicated to the first decade of flight after Kitty Hawk, World Wars 1 and 2, the Golden Age of Aviation, and the Jet Age. They chronicle everything from kites, balloons and gliders to Long Island missiles, early rockets and weather radars. They collection includes a 1909 Bleriot, Charles Lindbergh's first plane JN-4 Jenny, and the Cal Rodgers' Wright EX biplane, the Vin Fiz. Meandering galleries can accommodate small cocktail receptions of up to 250 people each or can combine to host drinks and hors d'oeuvres for up to 2000 guests.
Dome Theater & Planetarium
Our 300-seat dome theater has debuted all-new emerging technology: a digital planetarium! This new addition will, treat audiences to realistic close-up views of star fields and planets. The theater is available as a supplement to social; or corporate celebrations or may be booked independently. It provides a memorable backdrop for wedding ceremonies, offers a relaxing viewing space for bar/bat Our 300-seat dome theater has debuted all-new emerging technology: a digital planetarium! This new addition will, treat audiences to realistic close-up views of star fields and planets. The theater is available as a supplement to social; or corporate celebrations or may be booked independently. It provides a memorable backdrop for wedding ceremonies, offers a relaxing viewing space for bar/bat mitzvah montages, and serves as an ideal setting for corporate and not-for-profit presentations, lectures, forums, and kick-off parties.mitzvah montages, and serves as an ideal setting for corporate and not-for-profit presentations, lectures, forums, and kick-off parties.
Outdoor Areas
Large outdoor spaces are available for your Fair, Festival, Car Show or any event that requires an outdoor venue with access to electricity and restrooms.