Venue Descriptions

Tishman Auditorium, Room U100

University Center
63 Fifth Avenue

At 5,555 square feet, John L. Tishman Auditorium is the largest venue at the University Center. It features modern bamboo walls; several stage configurations, including a fashion runway setup; and flexible seating, so that the upper seating area can be converted into two classrooms (rooms 201 and 202). It is a perfect venue for large lectures, conferences, workshops, film screenings, dance and musical performances, and fashion shows. John L. Tishman Auditorium is located on the first and second floors of the University Center at 63 Fifth Avenue. Tishman Auditorium seats 471 to 660 people, depending on the stage configuration. When the telescopic seating stored in rooms U201 to U202, on the second floor is added, the auditorium can accommodate 800 people.

Note: The capacity of 800 is valid only when classes in U201 and U202 are not in session. Typically this is during winter break, spring break, and summer session.

A/V and Facilities: Multi-image projection, a main screen with a projection image of 15'-9" x 47'-0", surround sound system, theatrical lighting, video conferencing, and podium

Capacity: 792 people, seated

The Auditorium, room A106

Alvin Johnson/J.M. Kaplan Hall
66 West 12th Street

Designed and built in the 1930s by legendary architect Joseph Urban, the Auditorium is an impressive 468-seat venue with a proscenium-style stage. It was named one of the world's most powerful rooms by ABC News in 2014, thanks to the incredible roster of public figures and leaders who have spoken there. Adjacent to the Auditorium is a small green room and the main lobby, which is often used for event check-in. It has a piano, a small balcony, and an LCD projector and screen. The Auditorium is located in Alvin Johnson/J.M. Kaplan Hall, at 66 West 12th Street.

A/V and Facilities: Piano, LCD projector and screen, digital cinema projector (Christie Solaria One) with surround sound

A/V and Facilities: 468 people, seated

Anna-Maria and Stephen Kellen Auditorium, room N101

Sheila C. Johnson Design Center
66 Fifth Avenue

Kellen Auditorium is a modern, stylish lecture space with theater-style seating for 89 people. The 1,180-square-foot room features a sound-absorptive, graphically treated rear bamboo wall and a slate-covered front wall that functions as a giant blackboard. It is used as a lecture hall and classroom and is named after Anna-Maria and Stephen Kellen, longtime generous benefactors of the art community at Parsons School of Design. The Anna-Maria and Stephen Kellen Auditorium is located in the Sheila C. Johnson Design Center, at 66 Fifth Avenue.

A/V and Facilities: Sound-absorptive rear bamboo wall and slate-covered front wall that functions as blackboard, projector, projection screen

Capacity: 89 people, seated

Event Café

University Center, room UL103
63 Fifth Avenue

The Event Café is an open-access café and performance space (not a private event space), located directly below the University Center's main lobby.  and the space is best suited for informal presentations and performances. The Event Café can accommodate 52 people seated at tables, 74 people seated in rows, or 89 standing. It features a small platform stage with stage lighting, video monitor, podium, livestream capabilities, and mono stereo sound. A remarkable site-specific installation by the artist Glenn Ligon decorates the walls.

A/V and Facilities: Small stage, video monitor, A/V supported, 1-2 wireless lavalier microphones, up to six wired microphones, one podium microphone, audio feed, data port, mono stereo sound, stage lighting, MACR bluray; cable TV, laptop and bluray delivery 

Capacity: 52 seated at tables, 74 seated in rows, 89 standing, 12 onstage

Bernard and Irene Schwartz Commons

University Center
63 Fifth Avenue

The Bernard and Irene Schwartz Commons Cafeteria can seat up to 226 people. It is set up with banquettes, counters, tables, and chairs, and also features a sound system and wireless microphones. This space functions primarily as a university dining hall. It can be booked for public events only on special occasions.

A/V and Facilities: Sound system

Capacity: 226 people, seated

Special Usage Requirements: During the term, dining services operate in the cafeteria every day. Please note that the space can be reserved for private use only when the cafeteria is closed during winter break, spring break, and certain weeks during the summer. The space also serves as a passageway in the lower level and cannot be closed off.

Faculty and Staff Café

University Center, room U700
63 Fifth Avenue

This space can accommodate 74 people. The Faculty and Staff Café is located on the seventh floor of the University Center, at 63 Fifth Avenue. Furniture cannot be moved around or removed from the space.

A/V and Facilities: No A/V capabilities. The space shares a wall with the library, so A/V cannot be used in this space.

Capacity: 74 people, seated and/or standing

Special Usage Requirements: During the term, the café is reserved for faculty and staff use from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Lang Café

Eugene Lang Building, room B100
65 West 11th Street

Lang Café is a 1,228-square-foot open-plan gathering space that can accommodate up to 70 people. It has floor-to-ceiling windows on the north and south sides and is adjacent to the Vera List Courtyard. It is a popular common space used for receptions. Lang Café is located on the ground floor of the Eugene Lang Building, at 65 West 11th Street. During the academic year, this space is used as a university café until 4:00 p.m., after which it can be booked for events.

A/V and Facilities: N/A

Capacity: 70 standing, 50 seated cafe style, and 40 lecture style

Room UL104

University Center
63 Fifth Avenue

UL104 is a small lecture theater in the style of Tishman Auditorium, with bamboo walls and excellent A/V capabilities. These include a podium, data port, stereo surround sound, MACR bluray, projection screen, LCD, and blackboard. UL104 has fixed seating for 121 people; four seats in the back can be removed to accommodate people with disabilities.

A/V and Facilities: One to two wireless lavalier microphones, one podium microphone, data port, stereo surround sound (no subwoofer), MACR bluray; cable TV, laptop and bluray delivery, projection screen, LCD, A/V supported, whiteboard. No audio output for videography or outgoing livestream.

Capacity: Fixed seating for 121 people; 4 seats in the back can be removed to accommodate people with disabilities.

The Bob and Sheila Hoerle Lecture Hall

University Center, UL105
63 Fifth Avenue

The Bob and Sheila Hoerle Lecture Hall is a small lecture theater in the style of Tishman Auditorium, with bamboo walls and excellent A/V capabilities. Facilities include a podium, data port, stereo surround sound, MACR bluray, projection screen, LCD, and blackboard. UL105 has fixed seating for 121 people; four seats in the back can be removed to accommodate people with disabilities.

A/V and Facilities: One to two wireless lavalier mics, podium microphone, data port, stereo surround sound (no subwoofer), MACR bluray; cable TV, laptop and bluray delivery, projection screen, LCD, AV supported, blackboard. No audio output for videography or outgoing livestream.

Capacity: Fixed seating for 121 people; 4 seats in the back can be removed to accommodate people with disabilities.

Amphitheater A404

Alvin Johnson/J.M. Kaplan Hall, room A404
66 West 12th Street

Room A404 is a large lecture hall with theater-style seating for 143 people. The room is equipped with a podium, blackboard, LCD projector, and projection screen. It is used as a lecture venue. Room A404 is located on the fourth floor of Alvin Johnson/J.M. Kaplan Hall, at 66 West 12th Street.

A/V and Facilities: Podium, blackboard, LCD projector, and projection screen

Capacity: 143 people, seated

Amphitheater A407

Alvin Johnson/J.M. Kaplan Hall, room A407
66 West 12th Street

Room A407 is a large lecture hall with theater-style seating for 125 people. The room is equipped with a podium, blackboard, LCD projector, and projection screen. It is used as a lecture venue. Room A407 is located on the fourth floor of Alvin Johnson/J.M. Kaplan Hall, at 66 West 12th Street.

A/V and Facilities: Podium, blackboard, LCD projector, and projection screen

Capacity: 125 people, seated

Distance Learning Room

University Center, room U304
63 Fifth Avenue

This space can seat 44 people in a semi-fixed-seating setup (with fixed tables and stackable chairs). It features three 65" HD LCD screens, 24 push-to-talk microphones, video conferencing, and lecture recording facilities, making it perfect for long-distance video conferences and classes. The Distance Learning Room is located on the third floor of the University Center, at 63 Fifth Avenue.

A/V and Facilities: Three 65" HD LCD screens, 24 push-to-talk microphones, video conferencing, and lecture recording facilities

Capacity: 44 people, seated

Albert and Vera List Academic Center

6 East 16th Street, room D1009

With a theater-style fixed-seating setup, this 848-square-foot space can accommodate up to 66 persons and is equipped with an LCD screen, computer, projector, and projection screen. It is commonly used for lectures and conferences. Room D1009 is located on the tenth floor of the Albert and Vera List Academic Center, at 6 East 16th Street.

A/V and Facilities: Computer, projector, and projection screen

Capacity: 66 people, seated

Upper Level of Tishman Auditorium

University Center, rooms U201 and U202
63 Fifth Avenue

These two rooms are located on the upper level of Tishman Auditorium and are separated from the auditorium by a retractable air wall. When the air wall is pulled back and the telescopic seating housed within is deployed, the rooms can be merged with the auditorium. When they air wall is in place, they serve as two classrooms with a capacity of 30 people each. They can also be combined to seat 80 people for dining and 160 people standing. The rooms are equipped with HD LCD projection, lecture recording facilities, and speakers. They are used for small lectures, workshops, conferences, and film screenings as part of the auditorium. Rooms U201 and U202 are located on the second floor of the University Center, at 63 Fifth Avenue.

A/V and Facilities: HD LCD projection, lecture recording facilities, and speakers

Capacity: 30 people each when used separately; when combined, 80 people seated and 160 standing

University Center Lobby

University Center
63 Fifth Avenue

This lobby space of the University Center is a pass-through space. Use of the lobby for event check-in, tabling, or other event purposes is by special permission only. The lobby cannot be used for receptions, book sales, or any other purpose that involves the congregation of guests. The lobby is located on the first floor of the University Center, at 63 Fifth Avenue.

A/V and Facilities: Sound-absorptive rear bamboo wall and slate-covered front wall that functions as a blackboard

Capacity: N/A

Vera List Courtyard

Alvin Johnson/J.M. Kaplan Hall
66 West 12th Street

The Vera List Courtyard is a 4,902-square-foot outdoor gathering space that links Arnhold Hall and Alvin Johnson/J.M. Kaplan Hall, with sculptured walkways and subtle landscaping. The courtyard can accommodate up to 80 people. It is ideal for small outdoor receptions, performances, and ceremonies. The space is named in honor of the late philanthropist and New School supporter Vera List and was designed by Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates, Inc. The Vera List Courtyard received a 1998 ASLA Design Merit Award. The courtyard is located in the Alvin Johnson/J.M. Kaplan Hall building, at 66 West 12th Street.

A/V and Facilities: N/A

Capacity: 80 people, standing