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6331 Lancaster Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19151

History

Designed by notable turn-of-the-century Philadelphia architect Charles Barton Keen, Ivy Hall is a splendid mansion in the scenic Overbrook section of Philadelphia, a short distance away from the Main Line, a quick walk from the Regional Rail, and only 20 minutes from Center City. Since its construction in 1904, Ivy Hall has been regarded as both an icon of the area’s history and a remarkable location for meetings, assemblies, office functions, and much more.

Ivy Hall contains all the luxuries of a modern venue while still embracing its status as a piece of Philadelphia history. The mansion is equipped with a prep kitchen and service kitchen off of a large formal dining room, making it the ideal location for catered affairs. It also features a gorgeous ballroom that is perfect for a variety of functions such as recitals, art exhibits, and educational lectures. In order to provide maximum accessibility, a majority of the rooms are wheelchair accessible.

Testimonials

We have attended many events at Ivy Hall and were so impressed with its Old World charm and elegance that we decided to hold our wedding reception there as well. The staff is warm and friendly and go to great lengths to ensure a great event.
– Maggie O

Ivy Hall is a breathtaking venue that boasts culture and class. The overall allure is its Arts and Crafts interiors with incredible collections of antiques and art that the owners have curated over the years. I had my wedding photos taken there because it has the elegance and beauty that I was trying to capture.
– Gina C

Ivy Hall was the perfect setting for our training class of 40 students. We used both the front patio area as well as the ballroom for most of our seminar. All the participants kept talking how impressed they were with the venue. We plan to come back again.
– Bob T

history

Guests of Ivy Hall will also be impressed by the rich history and provenance behind the building. Ivy Hall was commissioned by the Hon. Charles Young Audenreid (1863 – 1930), a judge of the Court of Philadelphia. When running for Mayor of Philadelphia, Judge Audenreid enlarged the house with the classical ballroom on the second level and a large reception room on the first. The Audenreids were great benefactors of what was then known as the German Hospital of Philadelphia, now Lankenau Hospital and Medical Center.

The second owner of the home was the redoubtable Madame Florence Cowanova, who opened what was to become the premier dance school on the Main Line. She named the house Ivy Hall after the London home of her friend, famed Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova, which was named Ivy House. Madame Cowanova taught hundreds of students a variety of dance styles over the years. Some of the more notable students include Academy Award winner Grace Kelly and renown comic actress, Imogene Coca. When you step foot in Ivy Hall, you’re also stepping into an integral part of Philadelphia history.

Ivy Hall was acquired by the non-profit International Institute for Culture and was magnificently restored under the direction the renowned classical architect Alvin Holm, A.I.A.

Contact
HOW TO REACH US

Want Ivy Hall to be the location for your next big event? Contact us through our online form, or give us a call at 215-877-9910.