Everything You’ve Ever Wanted to Know About The Chapel Restoration
A look at our history, our music, our space and why Cold Spring’s best-kept secret might just be hiding in plain sight.
What exactly is The Chapel Restoration?
The Chapel Restoration is a historic 1833 venue nestled in the heart of Cold Spring, New York a stone’s throw from the Hudson River and the surrounding Hudson Highlands. Originally built as a place of worship, the building has been thoughtfully preserved and transformed into one of the most intimate and beloved performance, wedding, and event spaces in the Hudson Valley. We’re located at 45 Market Street, and if you’ve walked through Cold Spring’s charming village center, chances are you’ve already admired the building from the outside.
Fifty miles north of New York City, across from the Metro-North Railroad Station and within walking distance of the charming 19th-century village of Cold Spring, The Chapel Restoration is a landmark venue with no religious affiliation. We host the renowned Sunday Music Series and Sunset Reading Series, and offer a beautiful, serene setting for weddings and private gatherings — christenings, commitment ceremonies, renewal of vows, memorials, and more. Our grounds also offer visitors a rare place of quiet repose, with spectacular views of the Hudson River and surrounding highlands.
How old is the building, and what makes it historically significant?
Like most American stories, ours begins with immigration. Of the multitudes who came to these shores between 1820 and 1860, a third were from Ireland. For those who found employment at the West Point Foundry in Cold Spring, a chapel was established to serve them and their families. Foundry owner Gouverneur Kemble donated land and funds for what would become the first Roman Catholic Church in the Hudson Valley.
Originally known as the Chapel of Our Lady, the building was constructed in 1833 in the Greek Revival style. Abandoned in 1906, it sat as a charred, weather-ravaged ruin for decades — until its restoration in the 1970s brought it back to life. It is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
In 1996, with funds from the estate of Hugh Holt, a balcony based on the original design was built and a tracker action pipe organ — custom-built by George Bozeman — was installed. The Chapel is also home to a magnificent antique Steinway Grand Piano, once owned by the Livingston family.
Today, The Chapel Restoration is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization guided by a clear mission:
- To maintain and preserve this historic landmark and Hudson River site
- To protect it as a place of quiet contemplation and repose
- To provide a setting for significant occasions and events
- To offer programs that enrich the cultural life of the community
What kind of programming happens at The Chapel Restoration?
Live music is at the heart of what we do. Our concert programming spans a wide range of genres — classical, folk, acoustic, Americana, world music, children’s programs, and beyond — with a strong emphasis on artists whose work rewards close listening in an intimate setting. One of our signature series is the Restoration Roadhouse, which brings roots music and a spirit of community to our stage on a regular basis.
Beyond our own programming, we host artist residencies, community events, and special collaborations throughout the year. With a capacity of up to 99 guests, every seat in the house is a good one — you’ll never feel far from the music.
What is it like to attend a concert here?
Attending a show at The Chapel is unlike going to a larger venue. The acoustics are extraordinary — the space was built for sound to carry and resonate, and that quality has only deepened with age. The intimacy means you’re genuinely *in the room* with the artist, not watching from a distance. Many of our audience members describe it as one of the most memorable concert experiences they’ve ever had, regardless of the genre.
We keep the atmosphere welcoming and unpretentious. Whether you’re a longtime follower of classical, jazz, or folk music or simply curious about live performance, you’ll feel at home here.
How can I find out about upcoming concerts and events?
The best ways to stay in the loop:
Our website: https://chapelrestoration.org
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chapelrestoration_coldspringny
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@TheChapelRestoration
We also recommend signing up for our email list through the website — that’s where our subscribers hear about new shows first.
Is The Chapel Restoration available for weddings?
Yes — and it is one of the most remarkable wedding settings in the Hudson Valley. The combination of historic architecture, being on the water’s edge, natural light, and an intimate scale creates a ceremony and celebration space that feels genuinely special. Couples who marry here often tell us the Chapel itself became a character in their day — something guests talk about for years.
We accommodate ceremonies up to 99 guests and intimate receptions, making it ideal for couples who want a meaningful, personal experience rather than a grand-scale production. Our team is happy to work with you and your vendors to bring your vision to life within this one-of-a-kind space.
To inquire about wedding availability, please reach out through our website at https://chapelrestoration.org/contact-us/
What other kinds of private events does the Chapel host?
Beyond weddings, The Chapel Restoration is available for private celebrations, milestone events, corporate gatherings, recitals, nonprofit events, and more. The building’s character lends itself to anything that calls for a setting with soul — whether that’s a birthday dinner, a fundraiser, an artist showcase, or a daytime meeting unlike any your team has had before.
Is The Chapel Restoration a nonprofit?
Yes. The Chapel Restoration is a nonprofit organization, and our work — from preserving the building to presenting live music to serving our community — is made possible through ticket sales, venue rentals, and the generous support of donors and members. If you believe in what we do, there are meaningful ways to get involved and help ensure this building and its programming continue to thrive for generations to come.
How can I support The Chapel Restoration?
There are several ways to be part of what makes this place possible:
Attend a show Buying a ticket is the most direct way to support our programming.
Spread the word Tell a friend, share a post, leave a review. Community word-of-mouth matters enormously to a venue our size.
Make a donation Contributions go directly toward preserving the building, compensating artists fairly, and expanding our programming. Visit https://chapelrestoration.org/donate/ to learn more.Book your event here Private rentals are a meaningful source of support that helps us sustain our mission year-round.