Hotel
The Plaza Hotel
Another legendary New York venue for high-society events, weddings, and celebrity gatherings.
Cultural Significance
Cipriani Wall Street occupies one of the most architecturally magnificent spaces in New York City. The building at 55 Wall Street was originally constructed in 1842 as the Merchants' Exchange, designed by architect Isaiah Rogers in the Greek Revival style, and later expanded by McKim, Mead & White when it became the headquarters of the National City Bank. Its soaring 70-foot ceilings, massive Ionic columns, and 12,000-square-foot grand hall create a sense of imperial grandeur that no purpose-built event space can replicate.
When the Cipriani family transformed this landmark into an event venue and restaurant in 1999, they created what is arguably the most prestigious event space in New York City. The Cipriani name, rooted in the family's legendary Harry's Bar in Venice, carries an inherent association with old-world elegance, exceptional cuisine, and the kind of refined luxury that appeals to the highest echelons of society. At Cipriani Wall Street, this heritage meets the raw architectural power of a building designed to project wealth and authority, producing a venue that has become the default setting for New York's most important galas, fundraisers, and celebrations.
The venue's role as host to the annual amfAR Gala has cemented its position at the intersection of celebrity culture and philanthropy. Each year, the amfAR event transforms the grand hall into a showcase for fashion, fame, and fundraising, drawing A-list celebrities, supermodels, fashion designers, and billionaire donors into a single room for one of the most photographed charity events in the world. Beyond amfAR, Cipriani Wall Street has hosted celebrity weddings, fashion brand launches, film premieres, political fundraisers, and corporate galas that collectively represent the social calendar of New York's elite.
Notable Celebrity Moments
2002
The amfAR Gala Finds Its Home
The amfAR (Foundation for AIDS Research) New York Gala begins its long association with Cipriani Wall Street, establishing the venue as the home of one of the world's most glamorous charity events. The annual fundraiser draws Hollywood royalty, supermodels, and fashion icons, with early galas featuring performances and appearances by Madonna, Elizabeth Taylor, and Sharon Stone.
2010
Rihanna's Stunning amfAR Appearance
Rihanna makes a show-stopping appearance at the amfAR Gala at Cipriani Wall Street, wearing a custom gown that generates international media coverage. Her presence at the event highlights the venue's ability to serve as a stage for fashion moments that transcend the event itself, with paparazzi lined up along Wall Street to capture arrivals.
2014
Leonardo DiCaprio's Foundation Gala
Leonardo DiCaprio hosts a major fundraising gala at Cipriani Wall Street for his environmental foundation, bringing together celebrities, philanthropists, and business leaders for an evening that raises millions for climate change initiatives. The event features an auction of art and experiences, with DiCaprio personally rallying donors from the podium beneath the venue's iconic columns.
2016
Kim Kardashian's Angel Ball Moment
Kim Kardashian attends the Angel Ball charity gala at Cipriani Wall Street, commanding media attention in a look that dominates entertainment news for days. The event, which raises funds for cancer research, exemplifies the venue's unique position at the intersection of celebrity culture, fashion, and charitable giving that defines New York's social season.
2019
Madonna Commands the amfAR Stage
Madonna delivers a memorable performance and speech at the amfAR Gala, reflecting on decades of AIDS activism and her personal connection to the cause. The evening, held at Cipriani Wall Street, raises record-breaking funds and features appearances by a constellation of celebrities including Scarlett Johansson, Andy Cohen, and dozens of supermodels.
2023
Fashion Industry's Grandest Night
Cipriani Wall Street hosts a major fashion industry awards ceremony that brings together designers, models, and celebrities for an evening that underscores the venue's status as the fashion world's preferred New York event space. The guest list reads like a who's who of contemporary celebrity culture, from established icons to emerging social media stars.
In Film & Television
Cipriani Wall Street's neoclassical grandeur has made it a sought-after filming location. The venue's soaring columns and grand hall have appeared in "Gossip Girl", where it serves as the setting for the kind of black-tie charity galas that define the show's portrayal of New York's elite. The building's imposing exterior and interior have also been featured in "The Wolf of Wall Street" (2013), fitting naturally into Martin Scorsese's depiction of Wall Street excess.
The venue has appeared in episodes of "Billions", where its Financial District location and opulent interiors provide an authentic backdrop for scenes depicting the intersection of wealth and power. Reality television has also embraced Cipriani Wall Street, with the venue appearing in multiple seasons of "The Real Housewives of New York City" and serving as the backdrop for numerous charity gala segments across entertainment programming.
Related Venues
Museum
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Home to the Met Gala, the other defining celebrity charity event on New York's social calendar.
Event Venue
The Rainbow Room
Another iconic NYC event space with historic grandeur atop 30 Rockefeller Plaza.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Cipriani Wall Street
Cipriani Wall Street hosts some of New York's most high-profile celebrity events, including the annual amfAR Gala, celebrity weddings, fashion industry galas, film premieres, and charity benefits. The venue has hosted events featuring Kim Kardashian, Rihanna, Leonardo DiCaprio, Madonna, and virtually every major figure in entertainment, fashion, and philanthropy.
The building at 55 Wall Street was originally constructed in 1842 as the Merchants' Exchange and later served as the headquarters of the National City Bank. Its neoclassical architecture features soaring 70-foot ceilings, massive Ionic columns, and a grand hall spanning 12,000 square feet. The Cipriani family transformed it into an event venue and restaurant in 1999.
Yes, Cipriani Wall Street is available for private events including weddings, corporate galas, charity benefits, and other celebrations. The venue can accommodate up to 1,200 guests for seated dinners and larger numbers for cocktail receptions. Events are managed by the Cipriani family's team, known for their exacting standards in food, service, and event production.