Hotel Pennsylvania: event and exhibition space

Hotel Pennsylvania CLOSED IN 2020, located at 401 7th Ave, New York, NY 10001, was a historic hotel once recognized as one of Manhattan’s most iconic landmarks. Situated directly across from Penn Station and steps away from Madison Square Garden, it was a premier choice for conferences, corporate meetings, exhibitions, and private events for decades.

Although Hotel Pennsylvania ceased operations in 2020 and is currently undergoing major redevelopment, its historical significance and former infrastructure continue to inspire event planners, architects, and developers.

History of Hotel Pennsylvania

Built in 1919 by the Pennsylvania Railroad, the hotel was one of the world’s largest at the time, boasting over 2,200 rooms. Designed in the neoclassical style by the renowned firm McKim, Mead & White, it featured the famous Pennsylvania 6-5000 phone number, which became a musical legend in American culture.

Throughout the 20th century, the hotel hosted iconic events, including fashion shows, conventions, premieres, and served as a hub for UN delegations and international business forums.

Advantages of Hotel Pennsylvania (Pre-Closure)

• Prime Location: Opposite Penn Station, a minute from subway lines, near Times Square and the Empire State Building
• Extensive Event Space: Over 90,000 square feet of flexible venues
• Capacity: Up to 1,000 guests in the ballroom, or 3,000 across all complex spaces
• Versatile Rooms: From intimate meeting spaces to grand banquet halls
• Historic Ambiance: Marble columns, antique chandeliers, and vintage decor

Video About Hotel Pennsylvania

Event Halls and Conference Spaces at Hotel Pennsylvania

Before its closure, the hotel offered a variety of venues for events:

• Penn Top Ballroom: A top-floor venue with panoramic city views, accommodating up to 1,000 guests
• Skylight Room: A bright space with floor-to-ceiling windows, perfect for presentations and exhibitions
• Executive Meeting Suites: Up to 10 rooms for negotiations and small seminars
• Pre-Function Area: A spacious lobby for registrations and cocktail receptions

How to Get to Hotel Pennsylvania

• Subway: 34th St – Penn Station (lines 1, 2, 3, A, C, E)
• Rail: Amtrak, LIRR, NJ Transit — directly across the street at Penn Station
• Walking: Less than 5 minutes to Herald Square, 10 minutes to Times Square
• By Car: Easy access from 7th Ave, with nearby underground and street parking
• By Bike: Bike racks and routes along 7th Avenue

Recommendations for Visitors (Historical Context)

• Former guests recommended booking rooms with city views, especially on higher floors
• During events, the lobby lounge was a convenient spot for networking
• Checking the Madison Square Garden schedule was advised, as joint conferences were common
• A historical tour of the lobby offered a rare glimpse into the 1920s era

Notable Events at Hotel Pennsylvania

• New York Fashion Week — runway shows through the early 2010s
• Tech Conferences and Gaming Festivals, including events by Google and IBM
• UN and G20 Delegations
• Broadway Show Premieres and after-parties

The Future of Hotel Pennsylvania

Following its closure in 2020, the building was partially demolished, with plans for a new skyscraper as part of the Penn District Redevelopment project by Vornado Realty Trust. Nevertheless, the name Hotel Pennsylvania will forever remain a vibrant part of New York City’s history as one of its most legendary hotels.