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 100 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. 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 hours vary depending on the space and type of event. Set-up and clean-up must occur within the client’s paid contracted time. It is customary to allow at least two hours for catering set-up and one hour for clean-up. A typical time block for weddings is 3:30 p.m.-11:30 p.m., which includes two hours of set-up and one hour of breakdown. Failure to conclude at the contractually agreed time will result in appropriate fees defined by 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.com
MISSION BBQ: mission-bbq.comRecommended DJs:
Sara Sherr
No Macarena
Mike VeeRecommended florist:
NATURE’S GALLERY FLORIST: naturesgalleryflorist.comWhat is Fleisher’s alcohol policy?
Clients may bring or have purchased alcohol as defined by the rental contract. The sale of alcohol is not permitted (no cash bars). The last call must take place at least 30 minutes prior to the end of the event. Alcoholic drinks must be served by a licensed bartender/caterer and Fleisher must have a copy of their license on hand prior to the event.
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. During the school term, the Sanctuary is unavailable for client or vendor setup until 3 p.m. on Fridays and 3:30 p.m. on Saturdays. Rentals taking place in art studios are subject to program and class schedules.
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 your caterer. Clients and caterers 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 only during the event. These changing rooms are on the second, third, or fourth floors, accessible by elevator, and are used as active art studios.
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 rental coordinator 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. DJs and acoustic music are permitted, but live amplified music is not. 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 at the caterer’s agreed-upon exit time. 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. We have a wheelchair lift by the front entrance that the Event Staff will operate.
Am I responsible for clean up?
Fleisher will clean the space before your event, including sweeping, mopping, and detailing the washrooms. The client or caterer will be expected to clean and break down all event items 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 the catering staff. Fleisher strongly encourages the hiring or appointing a representative (i.e., wedding or meeting planner, caterer, 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.