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On a quiet corner just off Museum Mile sits an unassuming, 20th century, red brick mansion with copper-topped roof windows whose mission is to promote the Americas. Founded in 1965 by the Center for Inter-American Relations on the premise that “ignorance of our neighbors [is] neither sensible nor safe,” the not-for-profit Americas Society hosts art exhibitions, readings, concerts and public policy programs focused on the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, Latin America and the relations between these countries. A small three-room gallery on the ground floor constitutes the Society’s visual arts department. Exhibitions ranging from Pre-Columbian to contemporary works are open to the public free of charge. Concerts and book readings are offered, and past performances include concerts by opera tenor Placido Domingo and readings of poet Pablo Neruda’s work. The mustard yellow, checkered marble floor entryway is a good introduction to the building’s serene interior, but ask an attendant to sneak a peak at the Mexican and Incas rooms on the second- and third-floors where turn-of-the-century details meet traditional Latin American trimmings. — Chris Fichera

This cultural society, housed in a historic mansion, has a wood-paneled library with a barrel-vaulted ceiling that’s lovely for a ceremony, and the dining room holds 120 seated guests with dancing (the caterer must provide furnishings). A $5,150 fee buys eight hours, day or night (except in August).