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A large sculpture of Benjamin Franklin is in the center of the room, purple lights illuminate the space, beautifully decorated tables surround the statue, with the space ready to host an event

Unique Venues in Philadelphia

Play Video The Franklin Institute. Photo courtesy of the PHLCVB.
Date January 10, 2024

Unique Venues in Philadelphia

Forgo the corporate meeting spaces for something truly unique.

From spaces shared by the Founding Fathers to a room featuring a giant heart, in Philadelphia there are a variety of unique venues to suit every size, need, and budget. Explore these unexpected event venues.

The Franklin Institute

Neighborhood: Center City
Address: 222 N 20th Street

Inspired by the innovative spirit of Benjamin Franklin, The Franklin Institute is one of the top science museums in Philadelphia. Captivate your guests in a neoclassical dome anchored by the larger-than-life Benjamin Franklin National Memorial. Or have them mix and mingle in the presence of the institute’s Giant Heart. The world-renowned museum also features meeting spaces that include a planetarium, IMAX movie theater, and rooftop deck.

A large sculpture of Benjamin Franklin is in the center of the room, purple lights illuminate the space, beautifully decorated tables with elaborate floral centerpieces surround the statue, with the space ready to host an event as the tables are set for an elegant affair.

Photo courtesy of The Franklin Institute.

Philadelphia Museum of Art

Neighborhood: Center City
Address: 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway

Founded in 1876, the world-renowned Philadelphia Museum of Art showcases more than 2,000 years of human creativity, with special exhibitions and collections from Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Your guests will be in awe at the Great Stair Hall and Balcony, where grandeur meets intimacy in this dramatic space. It features a grand staircase and soaring walls graced by tapestries. Outside the main building, the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s Perelman Building and Rodin Museum provide a range of options for entertaining.

Blue lights illuminate the space, a state stands tall in the middle at the top of a staircase inside of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Tables, set for an elaborate affair with floral arrangements and candles, are at the bottom of the steps

Photo courtesy of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Dilworth Park

Neighborhood: Center City
Address: 1 S 15th Street (West side of City Hall)

Host your next networking or corporate event at the heart of Center City, adjacent to majestic City Hall, a National Historic Landmark. Dilworth Park is conveniently situated near the Pennsylvania Convention Center, major hotels, and the Avenue of the Arts. The park’s central location is a prime spot for networking events and corporate functions. Your attendees can enjoy the ambiance of dancing fountains and a café as they unwind and take in the energy of the heart of the city.

High top tables covered in red lines are placed within a few feet of fountains outside of City Hall in Dilworth Park. Attendees dressed in formal wear are off in the distance preparing for the start of a gala.

Dilworth Park. Photo by S. Negron.

Reading Terminal Market

Neighborhood: Convention Center District
Address: 12th and Arch Streets

Wow your guests with an event inside the city’s historic indoor food market. The iconic Reading Terminal Market, near the Pennsylvania Convention Center and Philadelphia Downtown Marriott, provides an exceptional venue for evening celebrations. Unlike traditional venues, guests can enjoy an interactive dining journey around the market, sampling diverse foods. In collaboration with the market’s merchants, various culinary tours and experiences are available for events.

Neon signs light up over stalls inside of the historic Reading Terminal Market. Shoppers are shown in the aisle, workers are behind counters serving customers.

Reading Terminal Market

The Deacon

Neighborhood: South Philadelphia
Address: 1600 Christian Street

The Deacon is situated within the historic Former First African Baptist Church, built in 1906, which held a vital role for over a century in Philadelphia’s Black community. Throughout its years, the church hosted various clubs, community groups, and prominent figures like Booker T. Washington, Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., and Thurgood Marshall.

In 2019, the church was revitalized into an innovative service hotel and event venue designed to cater to diverse occasions. Today, you can rent The Deacon as an event space for corporate gatherings and celebrations. Or, if you’re looking to host a retreat or an offsite over a few days, The Deacon has eight rentable bedrooms that surround a kitchen and communal space.

An indoor living space is shown with two couches, one blue, one yellow on either side of a wooden coffee table in the middle. There is a large planter to the left next to the blue couch. Beyond the sitting area, there is a counter with six bar stools pushed up against it. There is a kitchen area beyond it. Two light fixtures hang from the ceiling. A staircase is off to the right.

The Deacon. Photo by Heidi’s Bridge.

National Constitution Center

Neighborhood: Old City
Address: 525 Arch Street

Bring the Constitution to life by hosting your event at the National Constitution Center, where historic meets hip. Located along America’s most historic square mile, the center accommodates larger events effortlessly, featuring a grand hall, the Sidney Kimmel Theater, and a rooftop terrace. Your guests will engage with history as they interact with exhibits such as Signers’ Hall, a life-size replica of the Constitutional Convention.

There are large flags hanging down from the ceiling. A large group of people are shown mingling throughout the space. There are tables set up with floral centerpieces. There are large glass windows to the right letting in natural light. Outside, there are green trees.

National Constitution Center. Photo courtesy of the PHLCVB.

Moshulu

Neighborhood: Old City
Address: 401 S Christopher Columbus Blvd.

Take your guests aboard the world’s oldest and largest square-rigged sailing vessel still afloat. Docked at the Delaware River waterfront, the Moshulu is the only restaurant venue on a Tall Ship. The legendary ship was built in 1904, sailed during both World Wars, and was even featured in The Godfather Part II. Today, the vessel is an operating restaurant and event venue with unparalleled views of Philadelphia’s waterfront and skyline.

An outdoor sofa is shown on the deck of the Moshulu, a historic ship. The sofa has dark blue cushions. There are three yellow and white striped pillows on the couches. Off in the distance is a bridge. The sky above is a bright blue.

Photo by A. Guzy for Moshulu.

To help you find the perfect venue for your next gathering, use our venue search tool.

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