Italian Academy, Columbia University

Select services venue

The venue will provide the space, plus a few extras.

Full wedding (ceremony and reception) pricing

Starting at $4,800

Guest capacity

Up to 197 seated guests

About this venue

​• ​Columbia University's landmarked​ "Casa Italiana"​ ​overlooks the University's ​chapel. ​​• Renaissance-style masterpiece ​​w​ith 24-carat gold leaf, wood paneling, ​&​ painted trompe-l'œil decor​ (designed by McKim, Mead & White​, 1927) . ​• Wedding​s ​sparkle in ​o​ur Teatro​—​a​ 2000​ sq​. ft. ballroom ​with an outdoor terrace​ (2nd floor) . ​​• P​​arties shine in our Library​—dark wood, wide windows, & leather furniture (3rd floor). ​​• We provide a Public Safety guard, ​Clean​ing staff, ​& a house manager.​ We have optional chairs & AV equipment​. ​• ​Y​ou chose one of our food partners: full-service caterers ​with excellent food & p​olished service. ​• ​Our guests know our concerts, exhibitions, & conferences; we are Columbia's Italian Academy for Advanced Studies, ​with staff & scholars in offices upstairs. ​• Our photos are beautiful—but can’t capture the golden glow of this sunny space. We would love for you to come see it in person!

Best of Zola 2026

Seated guest capacity

  • 1-197

Venue type

  • Ballrooms, Banquet Halls
  • Historic Estates, Mansions

Venue setting

  • Indoor
  • Outdoor
1161 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10027

Our event spaces

Teatro

The most beautiful room on the Upper West Side.

Housed in Columbia University's landmarked Casa Italiana, a McKim, Mead & White architectural masterpiece on the Morningside Heights campus, the Italian Academy's Teatro is a Renaissance-inspired ballroom with an adjacent outdoor garden terrace. Reception rooms on the ground floor, a private dressing room in the Library, the Teatro is ideal for celebrations with up to 140 guests.

Guest capacity

1-140 Seated

1-197 Standing

Square footage

2,000

Ideal for

Wedding ceremony, Wedding reception, Rehearsal dinner, Wedding shower, Welcome party, Farewell brunch, Couples luncheon, Cocktail hour, Engagement party, After party, Elopement

Guests often feel this space is

“Luxurious and chic”

Included in this room:

--Dimmable chandeliers and stage lighting --a Steinway D grand piano --an adjacent garden terrace --ground-floor reception rooms --private dressing room --across Amsterdam Avenue from St Paul's Chapel

Room cost

$7600 for up to four hours, then $475 per hour

Library

A warm, luxurious Italian library with its original cork floor and Poltrona Frau furnishings.

The Italian Academy Library is a handsome, comfortable third-floor space ideal for receptions of up to 100 or after-dinner drinks; can also be used as private dressing space.

Guest capacity

1-50 Seated

1-80 Standing

Square footage

1,600

Ideal for

Wedding ceremony, Rehearsal dinner, Wedding shower, Welcome party, Couples luncheon, Cocktail hour, Engagement party, After party, Elopement

Guests often feel this space is

“Warm and cozy”

Included in this room:

Dimmable chandeliers and luxurious Poltrona Frau furniture.

Room cost

$4800 or an additional $2400 when renting the Teatro

Teatro

The most beautiful room on the Upper West Side.

Housed in Columbia University's landmarked Casa Italiana, a McKim, Mead & White architectural masterpiece on the Morningside Heights campus, the Italian Academy's Teatro is a Renaissance-inspired ballroom with an adjacent outdoor garden terrace. Reception rooms on the ground floor, a private dressing room in the Library, the Teatro is ideal for celebrations with up to 140 guests.

Guest capacity

1-140 Seated

1-197 Standing

Square footage

2,000

Ideal for

Wedding ceremony, Wedding reception, Rehearsal dinner, Wedding shower, Welcome party, Farewell brunch, Couples luncheon, Cocktail hour, Engagement party, After party, Elopement

Guests often feel this space is

“Luxurious and chic”

Included in this room:

--Dimmable chandeliers and stage lighting --a Steinway D grand piano --an adjacent garden terrace --ground-floor reception rooms --private dressing room --across Amsterdam Avenue from St Paul's Chapel

Room cost

$7600 for up to four hours, then $475 per hour

Available services that can be provided by Italian Academy, Columbia University

Services & amenities

  • Bar services
  • Catering services
  • Clean up
  • Dance floor
  • Dressing room / Bridal Suite
  • Event coordinator
  • Event rentals
  • Pet friendly
  • Set up
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Wifi

Reviews

Write a review
Rating: 5.0

5.0 out of 5

8 reviews

  • S

    Susan

    Rating: 5
    •Aug 13, 2025

    The Italian Academy - an ideal event venue

    The Italian Academy is an ideal location for a wedding. The beautiful Teatro is grand and historic but also welcoming and beautifully refreshed. The adjacent outside space is a perfect complement. I cannot imagine a better place for a once-in-a-lifetime event.

  • HJ

    Hawley J.

    Rating: 5
    •Jul 30, 2025

    Spectacular venue

    Global Freedom of Expression at Columbia University has hosted numerous events at the Italian Academy over the years. We have used the library, the Teatro and the Salone. They are all beautiful rooms but the Teatro is a spectacular space and if the weather is nice, you can use the outdoor patio. We keep coming back not only because the space is so impressive, but also because the management is excellent. Rick always checks to ensure all the details are coordinated, makes great recommendations, and ensures we have all the things we need for a successful event. It is always our first choice and we highly recommend it!

  • C

    Char

    Rating: 5
    •Jul 29, 2025

    Director of Special Events, Columbia Law School

    The Italian Academy is a beautiful, elegant location for many kinds of events, but it is extraordinary as a wedding venue. The main teatro is an open space with access to an outdoor area. The deep colored luxurious curtains that drape the windows and stage make the space warm and inviting. A sit-down dinner following the wedding is a lovely way to end a couple's special day. The preferred caterers are also excellent and will provide unforgettable meals for the guests. The Italian Academy will provide a memorable day for all.

  • M

    Magdalena

    Rating: 5
    •Jul 26, 2025

    The most elegant space in NYC

    This Italian villa on the Upper West Side is one of the most sumptuous and elegant venues in all of Manhattan. With its lovely staff and welcoming atmosphere, this is a perfect space for beautiful photos and unforgettable moments.

  • RC

    Rachael C.

    Rating: 5
    •Jul 24, 2025

    Hidden Gem

    The Italian Academy is a true hidden gem within the Columbia University campus. From the street, the building is simply charming, however it is even more enchanting as you explore within. With several floors of event space, the location is as versatile as it is stunning. The Teatro level boasts a built-in stage and adjacent private patio, which are perfect for al fresco cocktail hour and dinner. The old-world library is cozy for any intimate gathering, private OR corporate. In-house amenities such as a kitchenette, mahogany chairs and antique tables are a true bonus, and the management team is seamless to work with. Definitely worth a look for any style of event and is one of my all-time favorites as a NYC event planner.

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