Event Rentals

Have your next event on Museum Mile in the heart of Harlem!

Located at the intersection of Harlem and Museum Mile, on the northeast corner of Central Park, The Africa Center embodies the dynamism and diversity of Africa in the heart of Manhattan. We offer three versatile spaces for special occasions and events, all of which are available to the public for private use.

Our Exhibition Space / Café, Performance Auditorium, and Atrium Event Hall are perfect for corporate events, lectures, panel discussions, cocktail receptions, film screenings, performances, recitals, presentations, book launches, product launches, fundraising events, holiday parties, and more.

Please contact Rashawn Austin for fee inquiries and further information.

Event Spaces

Space I - Exhibition Space / CUP Café (approx. 4,000 sq. ft)

Our Exhibition Space, which offers a commanding view of 5th Avenue and Central Park, houses a sit-down café from coffee brand Coffee Uplifts People (CUP). Suitable for cocktail hours, book, launches and spoken word events. 

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Click here for additional images, and here to view a video of the space.

Current Exhibition:
Resistance in Memory: Visions of Sudan
On view November 1, 2025—June 28, 2026
Wednesday—Friday (7am – 3pm) and Saturday—Sunday (8am – 4pm)

Details: 

  • Occupancy: 67 (including all guests & staff)
  • Furniture Included: Tables, chairs, couches, and coffee tables.
  • Two Restrooms, ADA Accessible (Ramp)
  • Please note that there is no physical kitchen on site.
  • CUP Café offers catering packages (alcohol packages also available)
  • Security and cleaning are included in our event packages
  • AV installation and set-up are additional and can be coordinated with Arnaud Kabore of AV360.
  • Availability: Monday – Tuesday (anytime) and Wednesday - Sunday (by special arrangement).
  • Please note: All event rentals must end at 10pm and all renter items must be removed at the conclusion of the event.

Space 2 - Performance Auditorium (approx. 5,493 sq. ft)

The Performance Auditorium is highly adaptable and can be transformed from a reception or party setting into a formal environment, with seating for up to 110 people for events such as movie screenings and fashion shows.

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Click here and here for additional images, and here to view a video of the space.

Details:

  • Occupancy: 157 (including all guests & staff)
  • Four Restrooms, ADA Accessible (Ramp), Water Fountain
  • Flexible seating layout options.
  • Furniture Included: Tables, chairs, couches (Please see Furniture List)
  • Separate Load in Entry for Loading in event materials and supplies
  • AV installation and set-up are additional and can be coordinated with Arnaud Kabore of AV360.
  • Security and cleaning are mandatory for all events.
  • Availability: Monday - Wednesday (anytime) and Thursday - Sunday (by special arrangement).
  • Please note: All event rentals must end at 10pm and all renter items must be removed at the conclusion of the event.

Space 3 – Atrium (approx. 10,000 sq. ft)

This raw, unconstructed space requires a Temporary Assembly Permit (renter will be responsible for acquiring appropriate permits) - Ground Floor Only

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Details:

  • Occupancy: 249 (including all guests & staff)
  • Four Restrooms, ADA Accessible (Ramp), Water Fountain
  • Flexible seating layout options.
  • Separate Load in Entry for Loading in event materials and supplies
  • Availability: Monday - Sunday (by special arrangement).
  • Please note: All event rentals must end at 10pm and all renter items must be removed at the conclusion of the event.