In the spirit of Benjamin Franklin, Philadelphia’s historic Franklin Institute has been on a mission to inspire a passion for science and discovery since its founding in 1824. Along with earning the distinction as the most visited museum in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and a top-five tourist destination in the City of Philadelphia, The Franklin Institute is a premier conference and event space serving corporate events, weddings, and other social gatherings throughout the year.
To further elevate the brand, The Franklin Institute and Levy, the industry leader in creating world-class hospitality at cultural destinations and attractions across the country, have partnered to create “Seravezza Events,” which will serve as the exclusive hospitality team of the Institute. Seravezza will craft a food and beverage identity grounded in the museum’s rich history of inquiry and discovery that guests will experience at the museum’s café and Eatery as well as through the meetings and events hosted at the museum.
Seravezza Events will bring the museum’s mission into its food and beverage story. The Seravezza name comes from a noted marble-producing region of Italy. It also represents the type of marble that the Institute’s 20-foot tall statue of Benjamin Franklin is crafted. Seravezza is meant to signify the vision for sophisticated yet adaptable hospitality. Catering for corporate meetings and conferences, as well as weddings, galas, and other celebratory occasions, will treat guests to memorable epicurean experiences, with fresh local ingredients and modern presentations in a one-of-a-kind setting.
The Eatery, the museum’s central food destination, is newly redesigned with a modern aesthetic and a renewed focus on sustainability. Guests will find locally sourced food options and an array of signature choices, while The Café will offer a smaller selection of convenient options and specialty items.
Choosing which unique space to utilize within the Institute will be the most difficult decision when planning your event.
You can dine under the watchful gaze of the Benjamin Franklin National Memorial, the only national monument outside of Washington, D.C. that allows food and beverage. The room is inspired by the Roman Pantheon, and has an 82-foot tall domed ceiling and gold gilded Oculus.
Pepper Hall is the original reading room for the first Patent Library in the United States featuring exquisite details such as the hand-stained ceiling, antique wooden floors, built in mahogany bookshelves and breathtaking views of the museum district.
Fels Planetarium is the second oldest planetarium in the country and a location where planners can customize the content and lighting on an overhead dome theater which is a fitting way to enjoy a night under the stars.
The latest addition is the LEED-certified Elaine Levitt and Joel Gershman Education and Conference Center located in the Nicholas and Athena Karabots Pavilion, which features state-of-the-art meeting space surrounded by a tranquil terrace and rain garden.
The core mission of Seravezza Events will be elevating The Franklin Institute as a premier destination for events of all types and sizes while also providing opportunities and support for local businesses. Through a strategic partnership with Thompson Hospitality, Seravezza will create a community outreach plan to showcase Philadelphia-based minority and women-owned businesses and create a diverse and inclusive workplace.
As you consider your next event, look towards the endless possibilities offered at The Franklin Institute, and allow the skilled culinarians and hospitality innovators at Seravezza Events to elevate your experience.
Contributing Writer: Kristi Fogarino | Director of Events & Catering, The Franklin Institute
As the most visited museum in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and a top-five tourist destination in the City of Philadelphia, The Franklin Institute is one of the leading science centers in the country, and serves as both a prominent educational and cultural resource, as well as a premier conference and event space.