Rental event frequently asked questions
Who should I contact for a rental or tour?
For rental and event inquiries, please e-mail rentals@fleisher.org.
What is the maximum capacity for an event in the sanctuary?
We can host up to 115 guests seated, 130 guests cocktail style.
How should I pay my rental fee?
The client agrees to pay Fleisher the rental fee in the amount and on the date outlined in the contract. Payment can be made by check or credit card through the online portal. A $500 nonrefundable deposit is required upon signing of the event contract. The balance is due 14 days prior to the event.
What do our rental hours include?
Rental times depend on the space and type of event, and both setup and cleanup must happen within the contracted rental hours. Weddings typically run from 3:30 p.m.–11:30 p.m., including two hours for setup and one hour for breakdown. Standard event rentals include a 5-hour time block, which covers both setup and cleanup.
If you need extra time, just reach out to the Events Manager to discuss options and rates. Please note that events must end within the agreed rental period—going over may result in additional fees as outlined in the contract.
What vendors does Fleisher work with?
Fleisher’s preferred caterer is 12th Street Catering; however, clients are welcome to use a caterer of their choice.
Additional recommended caterers:
CHEF’S TABLE: cateringphiladelphia.com
FRIEDA: friedaforgenerations.com
HARDENA: hardenaphilly.comBar Service:
SWIG: swigevents.comPhotographers:
PEACH PLUM PEAR PHOTO: peachplumpearphoto.com
SHANNON COLLINS: shannoncollins.comHotel:
YOWIE HOTEL: helloyowie.com/hotel
Get 15% off individual rooms and room blocks when you book with Fleisher.Recommended DJs:
Sara Sherr
No Macarena
Mike VeeFlorists
NATURE’S GALLERY FLORIST: naturesgalleryflorist.com
HANA FLORAL DESIGN: hana-floral-design.comWhat is Fleisher’s alcohol policy?
Clients may bring or serve alcohol in accordance with the rental contract, but the sale of alcohol, including cash bars, is strictly prohibited. All alcoholic beverages must be served by a RAMP-certified bartender or caterer who holds liquor liability insurance, with Fleisher named as an additional insured and a copy of the insurance on file before the event. Additionally, last call for alcohol service must occur at least 30 minutes before the event concludes.
When can my vendors and guests be present onsite?
As an art school, Fleisher’s educational and community programs are constantly changing. Thus, all vendor or guest logistics are defined by the event contract. Generally, we recommend anticipating one to two hours for setup and one hour for cleanup, but we strongly encourage clients to consult with their caterer and other vendors to determine the exact timing they’ll need for setup and breakdown. Rentals taking place in art studios are subject to program and class schedules.
Standard event rentals are for a 5-hour time block, inclusive of setup and cleanup, while wedding rentals allow for an 8-hour time block, also inclusive of setup and cleanup. If additional time is needed, please speak with the Events Manager to discuss rates for extended time.
Can we decorate?
To preserve our historic space, decorations may not be placed, fixed, or adhered to walls or ceilings. Candles, fire, smoke machines, glitter, and confetti are not permitted in the space. For the effect of candlelight, we suggest electric votives.
Is furniture included?
Yes, please see Fleisher’s furniture list here.
Additional items may be rented through other vendors. Clients and vendors are responsible for the acquisition, delivery, safe operation, removal, and all costs associated with additional rental equipment. Rental equipment delivery and pickup must be executed as defined in the event contract.
Is there a changing area?
Fleisher can provide clients access to an art studio during the event for an additional fee. These changing rooms are located on the second, third, or fourth floors, are accessible by elevator, and are used as active art studios. Please note that they can only be used when classes are not in session.
Can we store items in advance?
For weekday events, the client may drop items off the day before the event and must pick them up the night of or the following day.
For weekend events, the client may drop items off the Friday before the event and must pick them up the following Monday.
What exhibition will be in the gallery?
Our gallery space is an excellent option for small events and cocktail hours. Please review the exhibition schedule with the Events Manager to understand what will be on view. We also remind you to ensure guests maintain the utmost respect for our permanent and temporary art exhibitions. If an exhibition is installed, food and drink may not be served or dispensed in the galleries.
Is live music allowed?
Fleisher’s Sanctuary is a beautiful venue for live bands, performances, and DJs. Fleisher reserves the right to finalize the approval of music vendors. We have a limited selection of AV equipment. Please contact the Events Manager for more information.
As a courtesy to our neighbors, music must end by 9:00 p.m. on weekdays and 10:00 p.m. on weekends.
What outdoor space is available?
Guests are welcome to use Fleisher’s Bootsie Weiss Children’s Garden for their outdoor needs.
Adjacent to Fleisher Art Memorial is city-managed Palumbo Park. Palumbo Park is open to the public. For formal set-up requests, clients must complete a permit through the city of the Philadelphia. Download a permit application. Music cannot be amplified in Palumbo park.
Can guests park nearby?
When events occur during Fleisher educational and community programs, the 42-space parking lot is first come, first served. The municipal lot and street parking surrounding Fleisher is limited to 2-3 hours, depending on location. Please advise guests of these regulations.
Fleisher’s parking lot will be locked promptly following the end of the event. There is usually ample on-street parking if a car needs to be left overnight. The clients may organize valet service, but it is not provided by Fleisher and is prohibited during events that concur with Fleisher programming.
Is the space ADA-accessible?
Yes! Fleisher is fully ADA-accessible. We have a wheelchair lift by the front entrance, which our Event Staff will operate to assist guests.
Additionally, ramps are available throughout the building to ensure smooth navigation, and all bathrooms are designed for accessibility.
If you have any specific accessibility needs or questions, please reach out to our Events Manager.
Am I responsible for clean up?
Fleisher will handle all pre-event cleaning, including sweeping, mopping, and thoroughly detailing the washrooms to ensure the space is ready for your event. However, after your event, the client, caterer, and other vendors are responsible for restoring the space to its original condition. This includes removing all decorations, personal belongings, catering equipment, and trash, as well as addressing any spills or messes made during the event. All cleanup expectations are outlined in Fleisher’s rental contract.
Do I need to hire an event planner or coordinator?
Fleisher will have event staff members on-site during your event to answer any venue-related questions, provide general assistance, oversee the building, and support vendor load-in. Fleisher strongly encourages the hiring or appointing a representative (i.e., wedding or meeting planner, trusted friend, or family member) to manage details during the event.
What if I need to cancel?
In such a case, the client may reschedule the event to another date mutually convenient to the parties, applying the portion paid to the rescheduled event. In all other cases, the client will forfeit the rental deposit. Fleisher requests cancellations be made as soon as possible so we can open the date up to our waiting list.