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Commodore John Barry Arts and Cultural Center Tickets

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About Commodore John Barry Arts and Cultural Center

The Commodore John Barry Arts and Cultural Center is a multi-room venue dedicated to celebrating Irish culture in Philadelphia. Located at 6815 Emlen St, this historic space hosts a range of performances—from intimate Fireside Room concerts to larger ballroom productions. Operated within The Irish Center, the venue supports cultural events, talks, dances, and commemorations, including notable Irish/Celtic gatherings and high-profile visits.

With a clear focus on accessibility and community, the center provides multiple seating configurations across its rooms, flexible event planning, and a supportive network to help you secure the right experience. Whether you’re attending a traditional music night, a dance gala, or a speaking event, you’ll find a straightforward, friendly ticketing approach here.

Getting there is straightforward from Philadelphia’s neighborhoods and beyond. The venue features an on-site garage underneath the ballroom with elevator access, making parking easy for guests. For those using public transit, nearby SEPTA stops at Carpenter Station and Mount Airy (Chestnut Hill East) serve the area, providing convenient options for visitors across the city. After events, you’ll find a range of dining and lodging choices nearby. We’ve highlighted connected options and partner recommendations to help you plan your visit with confidence.

  • Ballroom (550 seated, up to 340 with tables for dancing), Barry Room (up to 148; dancing ~100), Fireside Room (36-50; bar area up to 40; small concerts up to 140 total), Dining Room (30 seated; up to 95 theater-style).
  • On-site garage beneath the ballroom with elevator access for easy entry and exit.
  • Steps from Carpenter Station and convenient access via Mount Airy Station on the Chestnut Hill East line.
  • Within roughly 5–10 miles, look to Center City Philadelphia properties like The Rittenhouse, The Windsor Suites, Sofitel Philadelphia at Rittenhouse Square, and Kimpton Monaco Philadelphia for comfortable stays.
  • A range of restaurants nearby to suit pre-show dinners or post-event gatherings. We partner with trusted local spots to offer easy dining options for guests.
  • The center operates as Commodore Barry Arts & Cultural Center within The Irish Center, reflecting a 2016 shift to formalize nonprofit arts and culture programming while continuing a rich lineage of Irish/Celtic events, talks, and commemorations.
  • Hosted Gerry Adams, Bloody Sunday Remembrance Mass, Sam Maguire Cup visits, and other historic Irish/Celtic celebrations and lectures.

We’ve got you covered for a smooth experience—from researching event details to securing your seats. If you’re planning a visit, reach out and we’ll point you to the right room, seating arrangement, and nearby accommodations.

Good to know

Seating, Parking & Venue Information

  • Address: 6815 Emlen St, Philadelphia, PA 19119
  • Venue type: multi-room arts and cultural center focused on Irish culture (ballroom + smaller rooms)
  • Ballroom capacity: 550 seated theater-style; up to 340 with tables for dancing
  • Barry Room capacity: up to 148 people (dancing capacity around 100)
  • Fireside Room capacity: about 36-50 (plus up to 40 at the bar area; small concerts up to 140 total)
  • Dining Room capacity: 30 seated (up to 95 theater-style)
  • Parking: on-site garage underneath the ballroom with elevator access
  • Transit: near SEPTA Carpenter Station; Mount Airy SEPTA station (Chestnut Hill East) serves the area
  • Nearby hotels: Center City Philadelphia hotels within roughly 5–10 miles (e.g., The Rittenhouse, The Windsor Suites, Sofitel Rittenhouse, Kimpton Monaco) – good options for visitors
  • Notable events hosted: historic Irish/Celtic events, including the 50th-anniversary celebrations, Sam Maguire Cup visits, and rallies; venue has hosted Gerry Adams and other notable talks; Bloody Sunday Remembrance Mass (Feb 2026) and other concerts
  • Renaming/status: the center operates as Commodore Barry Arts & Cultural Center within The Irish Center; underwent a structural/organizational shift in 2016 to formalize the nonprofit Arts & Cultural Center