Welcome to First Unitarian Church - PA, a renowned historic venue in the heart of Philadelphia. Located at 2125 Chestnut Street, this adaptable space offers a grand Sanctuary with 700 seats, plus Griffin Hall (~150 seats), a Chapel (~50 seats), and the Parish Room for receptions. Whether you’re planning an indie concert, a fringe festival performance, a civic event, or a community gathering, we’ve got you covered with flexible spaces and a connection-friendly approach. Secure your seats or space today and rely on us as your trusted partner in the ticket and venue experience.

This page provides practical details to help you plan: seating configurations, parking options, transit access, and nearby hotels and dining to make your visit convenient and enjoyable.

Seating and spaces: The Sanctuary seats 700 and is ideal for larger performances and concerts. Griffin Hall offers about 150 seats for more intimate shows, while the Chapel seats around 50 for small ensembles or lectures. The Parish Room is perfect for receptions, meet-and-greets, or casual gatherings surrounding events. Each space can be configured to fit your event needs, and our team can help you secure the right setup.

Parking: On-site underground parking is available with limited spaces. Parking placards may be issued for event attendees. For additional options, Greenfield Elementary School parking on Sansom Street (between 22nd and 23rd) provides convenient overflow space during busy periods.

Transit: Public transit is easy to navigate. SEPTA buses 21, 42, and 9 serve the area, and trolleys 10, 11, 13, 34, and 36 frequent nearby corridors. The Broad Street Line is accessible at Walnut/Locust stations, making the venue reachable from across the city.

Nearby hotels and dining: After the show, consider staying nearby at top-rated hotels within walking distance or a short ride, including The Rittenhouse Hotel, Motto by Hilton Philadelphia Rittenhouse Square, Sonesta Philadelphia Downtown Rittenhouse Square, and The Westin Philadelphia. For dining, there are numerous options within walking distance featuring a range of cuisines and price points. We partner with trusted hotels and eateries to help you plan a seamless stay—just ask and we’ll point you to our recommended options.

Notable history: The venue is a historic church and community space that has hosted a diverse array of events, from indie and alternative concerts historically organized by groups like R5 Productions to the Philadelphia Fringe Festival and other cultural and civic happenings. It remains a staple in Philadelphia’s arts and community scene, offering a reliable home for performances, receptions, and gatherings.

Good to know

Seating, Parking & Venue Information

Address: 2125 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19103.
Venue type: Historic church and community event venue (Unitarian Universalist) with multiple rentable spaces.
Sanctuary capacity: 700 seats.
Other spaces and capacities: Griffin Hall ~150 seats; Chapel ~50 seats; Parish Room for receptions.
Parking: Limited on-site underground garage; parking placards available; Greenfield Elementary School parking (Sansom St between 22nd & 23rd) as an option.
Transit: SEPTA buses 21/42/9; trolleys 10/11/13/34/36; Broad Street Line at Walnut/Locust.
Nearby hotels: Several options within a short walk/ride, including The Rittenhouse Hotel, Motto by Hilton Philadelphia Rittenhouse Square, Sonesta Philadelphia Downtown Rittenhouse Square, and The Westin Philadelphia.
Notable events hosted: Indie/alternative concerts historically run by groups like R5 Productions; used for Philadelphia Fringe Festival, and other cultural/civic events.
Renamed/demolished: Not demolished or renamed; still the First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia at 2125 Chestnut Street.