Sharing Our Space at Reasonable Rates

Policy for live or recorded music at events, effective July 1, 2022
If the music at your event can be heard AT ALL outside of the building, all of the following apply:

  1. Per City requirements decibel level must be no more 5 dB above background levels as measured at our property line.  Background level is typically 65-67 dB  outside of the back door of the building
  2. Total duration of music must be no more than 120 minutes
  3. Music must end by 10 pm, or Saturdays 11 pm

If your music is not audible outside of the building, this does not apply

The Philadelphia Ethical Society is very fortunate to have a beautiful and historic building in a convenient and comfortable area of Center City Philadelphia, Rittenhouse Square.

In addition to having our humanist religious services and various classes here, we at the Ethical Society share our building’s variety of meeting and other event spaces with others. We make those spaces available at reasonable rental rates to families, cultural organizations, socially progressive groups, and others for events such as weddings, concerts, and conferences.

Up five steps from the sidewalk, the Rittenhouse Square entrance leads into our Lobby. From the Lobby, there is direct entrance to our Auditorium with a video projection system, and Steinway concert grand piano. Stairs from the Lobby lead up to the second floor with our Dining Room, Kitchen, and small group Meeting Rooms. Stairs down from the lobby lead to our lower level Community Room.

Availability Calendar

You may check the availability of your dates on our calendar here.  If a space shows as available, you may create a “skedda” account and enter your reservation.  No booking is final until approved by the office and payment is received.

If you have other rental questions, please contact us at rentals@phillyethics.org

Please continue down this page to learn more about our different rental spaces.

Rental Inquiry Form

    Our Distinct Rental Spaces Meet Your Needs

    • This bright and airy space with tall Palladian windows is recognized as an excellent acoustic recital hall, or we can transform it into a beautiful venue for your dinner party or other special event.
    • Set up for dining, this space is comfortable for 100 guests, with theater seating the room accommodates up to 180.
    • Rental includes all tables and chairs, and use of basic house sound system with microphones for announcements or background music.  A podium is available if desired.
    • Optional rental items include our Steinway nine-foot concert grand piano; or ceiling-mounted digital projector with large screen above the stage.
    • This room is wheelchair accessible by means of a custodian-operated lift at the Manning Street entrance, and there is an accessible restroom.    Regular accessibility is up 5 stairs from street level.
    • Base room rental is $96 PER HOUR for a day-time or evening recital or meeting, $120 PER HOUR on Saturday night.  Dinner parties, dances, and large shows start at $120 PER HOUR weekdays, and $140 PER HOUR on Saturday night. 

    • On the second level (accessible by stairs only) you will find our Dining Room (aka Assembly room). This space may be rented for day-time and evening meetings, with some weekly group availability.
    • Special event availability is limited to Saturdays and Sundays (all times available); and Friday nights for events beginning at 7 pm or later.
    • Comfortable seating for 100 guests, 100-plus for dances.
    • Usual set-up is 6 round tables with 7 chairs each, and 3-4 buffet tables.  Furniture may be cleared to the edges for dances, rehearsals, or workshops.
    • Rental includes tables and chairs, use of basic PA system for music play-back and announcements, lectern if desired, building wi-fi.   Portable digital projector available for add-on charge.
    • Conveniently adjacent to the kitchen for self-catering.
    • Room is air-conditioned.
    • Base rental for the Dining Room is $65 PER HOUR. 

    • These small-group meeting rooms on the 2nd floor overlook beautiful Rittenhouse Square.
    • Comfortably accommodate 12 to 16 around conference tables, or up to approximately 30 for an audience-style presentation.
    • Rooms have wi-fi and are air-conditioned.
    • Base rental is $80 for a 2-hour evening meeting (one time use).  Hourly rental is possible before 5pm, and discount is offered for a regular meeting series.

    • The Community Room, located on the lower level (below the Auditorium), is a warm, carpeted space for larger community meetings, children’s and movement classes, rehearsal space, and similar activities. 
    • This room has available wi-fi, a projection wall, rehearsal piano, and 60 padded folding chairs. 
    • Base rental is $80 for a 2-hour evening meeting (one time use).  Hourly rental is possible before 5pm, and discount is offered for a regular meeting or rehearsal series.

    •    We are sorry to say that we are temporarily suspending new bookings for wedding receptions. Our next door neighbor objects to late parties with loud DJ music. We are still available for events such as welcome or rehearsal dinners, and next day brunches. You are welcome to contact us to discuss your ideas.