A Philadelphia Wedding Venue with Gardens, Galleries, and Ancient History

Penn Museum is a Philadelphia wedding venue in University City where garden ceremonies and gallery receptions share an address with thousands of years of history. Designed in the 1890s, the 300,000-square-foot building stands on the University of Pennsylvania campus, with exterior details including glass mosaics by the Tiffany Glass Company, sculptures by Alexander Stirling Calder, and marble medallions by John Ross of New York City.

Inside, collections gathered through more than 400 archaeological and anthropological expeditions give guests an opportunity to explore cultures from around the world during your celebration.

Event Spaces & Capacity

Couples can choose from galleries, gardens, and courtyards for each part of their wedding:

• Asia Gallery: Seats up to 300 guests beneath a 90-foot dome, surrounded by ancient Chinese art.

• Sphinx Gallery: Seats 120 guests or accommodates 175 standing, with the Sphinx of Ramses II as its centerpiece.

• Coxe Hall: Seats 175 guests or accommodates 225 standing. Soaring ceilings and polished terrazzo floors define the space; reservations are currently limited.

• Pepper Hall: Seats 80 guests or accommodates 160 standing, with high arched ceilings and grand wooden doors opening toward Warden Garden.

• Upper Baugh Gallery: Seats 120 for a reception or 130 for a ceremony. Large arched windows bring natural light into a space with marble, terrazzo, and glass floors.

• Rooftop Terrace: Accommodates 60 guests for an intimate celebration among colorful plantings and string lights.

• Warden Garden: An outdoor setting for ceremonies, cocktails, and receptions, framed by the museum’s historic architecture and Tiffany mosaics.

• Stoner Courtyard: Features Calder sculptures, a cobblestone walkway, and a central marble fountain. Garden and courtyard capacities depend on the event layout.

Catering

Catering by Restaurant Associates is Penn Museum’s exclusive caterer. Couples work with the team on their wedding menu and beverage service, from cocktail-hour selections to dinner.

Why Couples Love Penn Museum

Penn Museum hosts one wedding at a time. Evening weddings begin after the museum closes to the public, allowing the celebration to unfold across its distinctive spaces.

The appeal is the range of experiences within one property: outdoor vows, cocktails near ancient collections, and dinner beneath a historic dome. Each part of the evening can have its own atmosphere, with architectural details and museum collections giving guests plenty to explore along the way.

The museum is wheelchair accessible, and a parking garage is located next door. Indoor ceremony options provide an alternative to the gardens when weather changes the plans.

Picture your celebration at Penn Museum. Inquire through PartySpace to explore available dates and the spaces that fit your guest list.