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About Kislak Center

The Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts is a versatile event and exhibition space located on the 6th floor of the Van Pelt–Dietrich Library Center at 3420 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104. As part of Penn Libraries’ Special Collections, it serves as a high-quality venue for lectures, exhibitions, and intimate performances, with standout spaces like the Class of 1978 Orrery Pavilion and the adjacent Goldstein Family Gallery. This page provides practical details for planning a visit, including seating, parking, transit options, and nearby lodging and dining to help you secure your seats without the fuss.

Whether you’re attending a Music in the Pavilion concert, a From the Kislak Stacks lecture, or a rotating exhibition, we’ve got you covered with reliable, user-friendly information and trusted partner recommendations to enhance your visit.

Accessibility and convenience are priorities at the Kislak Center. The Class of 1978 Orrery Pavilion offers seating for 140, and the Kislak Center Seminar Rooms accommodate 14–20 attendees each, making the space suitable for both larger events and intimate talks. Parking is available nearby in campus garages (Chestnut 34, Nursing, Walnut 32/38/40) with evening and weekend access per Penn Parking rates. For those traveling by public transit, SEPTA connections at University City and the 34th Street transit hub provide easy access via SEPTA’s Travel Center at the Penn Bookstore. Nearby hotels include The Inn at Penn, a Hilton Hotel, and the Sheraton Philadelphia University City Hotel, offering convenient lodging for visiting guests. We highlight affiliate partners for curated dining and lodging options to help you plan with confidence. For official spaces and events, stay updated with the Penn Libraries and Kislak Center pages and follow related social channels.

Good to know

Seating, Parking & Venue Information

  • Location: Class of 1978 Orrery Pavilion is on the 6th floor of Van Pelt–Dietrich Library Center, 602 Van Pelt-Dietrich Library Center; overall address is 3420 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6206.
  • Capacity: Orrery Pavilion seats 140; Kislak Center Seminar Rooms 625–627 seat 14–20 each.
  • Venue type: part of Penn Libraries’ Special Collections and a multidisciplinary event/ exhibition space (Goldstein Family Gallery is on the same floor).
  • Notable spaces: Goldstein Family Gallery (604) and reading/seminar spaces on the 6th floor; Class of 1978 Orrery Pavilion is a primary event venue.
  • Parking: nearby campus garages (Chestnut 34 Garage, Nursing Garage, Walnut 32/38/40 Garages) with evening/weekend access per Penn Parking rates.
  • Transit: accessible via SEPTA with University City connections; SEPTA Travel Center @ Penn Bookstore; nearby 34th Street and University City transit options.
  • Nearby hotels: The Inn at Penn, a Hilton Hotel (3600 Sansom St); Sheraton Philadelphia University City Hotel (3549 Chestnut St).
  • Notable events hosted: Music in the Pavilion concerts, From the Kislak Stacks lectures, and rotating exhibitions (e.g., Revolution at Penn? exhibit).
  • Renaming/history: officially named the Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts in 2013–2014; no demolition reports and it remains in active use.