Hall des Lumières
A place of history

In the mid-19th century, the Great Famine drove many Irish immigrants to New York. To protect their savings, the Irish Emigrant Society founded the Emigrant Industrial Savings Bank in 1850. Established under Bishop John Hughes, it quickly grew, expanded its premises from 1858 onward, and weathered the 1873 financial panic, continuing to extend across Chambers Street as demand increased.

In 1908, the bank expanded by acquiring adjacent properties and commissioned Brooklyn-born architect Raymond F. Almirall to design a new building. Trained at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, Almirall brought his expertise to the project, creating a landmark in the Beaux-Arts style. His work reflects both his academic training and his significant role in shaping civic and institutional architecture in the United States.

Construction of the Emigrant Industrial Savings Bank Building began in 1909 and was completed in 1912. Designed by Raymond F. Almirall, it became New York’s first Beaux-Arts skyscraper. Its H-shaped plan maximizes light, while its richly decorated façade, bronze details, and monumental hall reflect the bank’s power and ambition. The building remained in use until 1969

Hall des Lumières opened in New York on September 14, 2022, with an inaugural exhibition dedicated to Gustav Klimt. Since then, this spectacular venue has hosted immersive exhibitions and, above all, private events within an exceptional architectural setting.