This historic armory is an established Philadelphia institution. It is home to the First Troop Philadelphia City Cavalry since 1900. Founded in 1774, The Troop continues to serve; this is an active armory for a Pennsylvania National Guard Cavalry Troop. Until the 1940’s, the Troop was mounted. As the army mechanized during World War II, the ring was paved, and horses replaced with mechanized vehicles.
Situated on 23rd Street, between Market and Chestnut, the Armory’s location is ideal, offering easy walking distances from rail and subway stations, including 30th Street Station. Commercial parking is available next door, and another lot a few blocks away. There is sufficient power and internet available for nearly all types of events.
Scheduling: This is a working National Guard Armory. One weekend a month, Troopers train here. We also hold our own yearly events like our Anniversary Dinner and our George Washington Dinner. That leaves the other weekends for rentals. The training schedule follows the Federal Fiscal Year; October–September, which we generally get in the Spring. Therefore we cannot book events too far out. Generally this doesn’t apply to weekdays.
The Ring: A versatile 13,000 square foot clear span space; perfect for corporate gatherings, markets, trade shows, galas, and weddings. The space easily transforms to suit your vision—a blank canvas. From elegant receptions with video walls and butlered hors d’oeuvres to more relaxed gatherings with sofas and food trucks. There is a projector and screen, plenty of power, and high speed Internet. Also included is the Officers Quarters; the formal entrance and library. Perfect for a green room or check-in.The are four bathrooms. Two are near the office (one is ADA compliant). A mens locker room and a ladies room are in the back basement. The ring has heating but not air conditioning.
The Dining Room and Museum: This room is well suited for lectures and dinners. About 100 fit comfortably for dinner, and 150 for a lecture. We have a state of the art projector and screen, microphone, etc. An elegant recently renovated 3,500 square foot dining room with private club details including wainscoting, gilded antique paintings, and crystal chandeliers. There are four large wood tables and 150 chairs. An adjacent commercial kitchen provides efficient servce from our caterers. The museum, one floor down, accessed by an elevator or the grand staircase has large ladies and gentleman’s rest rooms, and features the First City Troop’s unrivaled collection. This is also a perfect space for a reception. Guided tours are also available for a modest donation to the museum trust.
The Dining Room and Museum with Parking in the Ring: The ultimate private event; your event upstairs with private parking. With planning or a valet, the ring holds about 60 cars.
The Armory: Larger events may require all of the spaces. This arrangement is perfect for the main event in the ring, and separate receptions, break out sessions, or a VIP area upstairs.
Catering: Choose from our preferred list for a seamless and tailored experience. They handle all the details. Our carefully selected caterers have worked with us for years and know how to combine the uniqueness of our historic armory to create a truly unique and memorable event.
Parking and Valet Service: Let’s face it, this is the city, parking can be a problem. Street parking is increasingly scarce. Fortunately, we have several solutions. First is our location. 30th Street Station is a short walk away. There are two parking lots, one is next door. Taxis and ride share are also available. Second, the ring is an indoor private parking option which can fit 60 cars or more. Third, valet service is a great option. We have a partner who can park cars in the ring for your guests, or if your event is in the ring, they can provide service from the front door.
Weekends: We offer discounts for weekends to allow time to set up. Friday, Saturday, or Sunday are not available as individual days. A typical event may set up on Friday and run all day Saturday, with clean up and move out on Sunday. A wedding may set up Friday with a rehearsal dinner that night, the Wedding on Saturday, and a brunch for out of town guests on Sunday. If our schedule allows, you may have some deliveries the day before and pick ups the day after. We are as amenable as we can be, but another client may move in the next day after your event.