Glen Foerd on the Delaware
Est. Prior to 1930
5001 Grant Avenue, Philadelphia, PA, United States
Up to 400 guests
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A beloved host to galas and events since the late 1800s, this historical riverfront estate rests on 18 acres. 
Wander through the formal rose garden below the big Eastern sky and feel the romance around you.
The Lowdown
Type
Art GalleryBallroomEstate / House / Mansion / VillaHistoric BuildingMuseum
Views
BayGardenHistorical MonumentLandscaped Grounds
Style
Art Deco
Classic
Elegant
Garden Party
Glamorous
Best type of Celebrations
Charity Event
Corporate Event
Product Launch
Dinner Party
Rehearsal Dinner / Welcome Reception
Reunion
Social Event
Wedding Ceremony
Wedding Reception
Anniversary
Engagement Party

Venue Setting

The stately porte cochere welcomes you through Glen Foerd’s front door, where you’ll enter another world of stately elegance and refined beauty. It’s your mansion for the day, and your guests will be awestruck at the living history around them. They’ll admire the artwork in the second floor gallery, the beautifully furnished rooms and architectural details, the sweeping staircase and stunning stained-glass window overhead. Grab a glass and wander the grounds, taking in the riverfront view and the classic gardens on the 18-acre estate. Then enjoy dinner and dancing on the riverfront, in a fully customizable event structure that’s nestled between the mansion and the river. Years later, your photographs will tell the story of your most memorable day ever.

Capacity

Seated
350
Buffet
350
Standing
400
Fees
(Prices listed here are estimates only & are subject to change)
Price range

Does this include catering fees?

No

Estimated price per head

from $153 to $195

Insurance

Additional Insurance May Be Required Depending On The Event

Connect
Request a Venue Tour
Call: 215-862-9809 ext. 107
Event Logistics and Amenities
(Essential event logistics and amenities to ensure a seamless and memorable experience for you gathering)
Celebrations hosted here since
Prior to 1930
Curfew
11 PM
Venue spaces
Indoor & Outdoor Venue Spaces Available
Catering
Client Must Use The Catering Provided By The Venue
Alcohol
BYO Permitted – You Can Bring Your Own Alcohol
Music
Indoors & Outdoors
Smoking
Designated Smoking Areas Only
Kid Friendly Events
Yes
Handicap Accessible
Yes
Amenities
  • Bridal Suite/Changing Rooms Onsite
  • Street Parking
  • Valet Parking
  • Wifi
  • Ample Parking Onsite
  • Dining Chairs
Venue Features
The scene:

The Glen Foerd estate was established by Charles Macalester, Jr. Born in Philadelphia in 1798, he was a respected businessman and broker. In 1850, Macalester purchased 1,000 acres in northeastern Philadelphia and divided, plotted and sold off large lots of his land. Holding onto one section of the land for a summer residence, he built a three story Italianate riverfront house and called it Glengarry, after his family’s Scottish ancestral home. In addition to the mansion, the estate consisted of a stone gas house, ice house, Gothic-style gatehouse, a sixty foot high stone water tower, five large greenhouses and riverfront cupola.

Glengarry was the scene of many gala affairs. During the summer, heads of state and other dignitaries traveled from Washington, D.C., where Macalester maintained a residence, as guests of Macalester and his daughter, Lily Macalester Laughton, a famous Washington hostess.

In 1895, the mansion was purchased by Robert and Caroline Foerderer. After purchasing the estate, Foerderer hired architect, William McAuley of Philadelphia, to handle extensive renovations to the mansion. The house was enlarged and enhanced with Classical Revival additions. A carriage house and garden house was added at this time, and the gas house was converted for use as a boat house. Everything was planned to enhance the uniqueness and beauty of the home and to accommodate entertainment on a grand scale. As a final touch, they changed the name of the estate to Glen Foerd, a merger of Glengarry and the Foerderer name.

Standout venue features:
Winter weddings at Glen Foerd take place in the warm, welcoming mansion – host to lavish parties since the 1800’s. With a second-floor art gallery, sunlit porches, elegant dining room and cozy basement rathskellar, guests can easily transition from ceremony to cocktails, to dinner and then dancing and maybe an after-party. Prepare in the second-floor bridal suite, with its river views and floor to ceiling windows that fill the room with natural light. The mansion easily accommodates up to 120 guests and is beautifully decorated for the holidays. Enjoy a fully-customized celebration under the stained-glass skylights and romantic chandeliers, with outstanding food and service at a reduced cost.
Extra perks:

Catering fees Includes:

• Riverside Pavilion with white reception chairs, 60-inch round tables, dance floor,

custom-made bars and five service tables. Ask for our list of elegant upgrades and

custom finishes

• Custom menu with a cocktail hour; sit-down or stations-style dinner; dessert

station and butlered desserts, artisan coffee and tea station; non-alcoholic

beverages, bar mixers and bar fruit

• Rental china, flatware, glassware, linens and additional service tables

• Event staff for set-up, event service and breakdown

• Full event coordination: event timeline; coordinating vendors; alcohol purchase

and returns; ceremony coordination; event layout and execution plan;

ceremony rehearsal

• Service charge and sales tax

Food Restaurants, Cafes, Bars, Lounges
This section provides insights into our diverse culinary and social offerings.
Best of Philly Caterer 2013

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Glen Foerd on the Delaware
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