Originally designed by Lamb and Rich and constructed as the Berkeley School
for Boys, the building was acquired by The General Society in 1899. Member and
steel magnate Andrew Carnegie generously provided the funds to significantly
expand the building in 1903. In order to accommodate more students,
two wings were added to the rear and three new upper stories replaced an
original fourth-floor gymnasium. The expansion was designed by Ralph S.
Townsend and blends monumental Beaux Arts classicism with Renaissance
elements.
The building exterior is composed of Indiana limestone, yellow Roman brick,
and terra-cotta. A partial reproduction of the Parthenon frieze, taken from
casts at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, underscores the importance of the
front entrance.
Areas within the building are available for rent including the Library,
Balcony, classrooms and conference space.
Capacity varies for cocktail or other stand-up receptions, dinners and seated
affairs, workshops, meetings, and lectures based on location within the
building. Please call 212.840.1840 or email rentals@generalsociety.org for additional information including
special features, equipment rental, and restrictions.
The Building is available Monday through Saturday and closed on
all major holidays.
The Building is not yet wheelchair accessible.
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