The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center is a museum of conscience, an education center, a convener of dialogue and a beacon of light for inclusive freedom around the globe.
Our facility is located steps from the banks of the Ohio River in downtown Cincinnati, featuring spectacular city and riverfront views. The Freedom Center houses 7 versatile event spaces, including 3 premium options and 4 meeting-style rooms. We look forward to welcoming you to our venue! Every event we host helps us support our mission.
Event Spaces
The museum offers several spaces to choose from within the facility.
Please note: Some spaces are only available outside museum hours. All prices are for 4-hours of event activity, 2 hours of set up, and 2 hours of breakdown. Our open museum spaces (The Grand Hall and 3rd Floor & Eternal Flame Balcony) are flexible for use on Monday and Tuesday, as well as from 6:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m. Wednesday to Sunday. Our private spaces are available anytime during the day or evening till 12:00 a.m. The use of our in-house chairs and tables is included in the rental cost (set up of equipment is managed by contracted vendors).
The Grand Hall surrounds guests with Italian stone, a winding marble staircase, and floor-to-ceiling windows. At 6,816 SF, the Grand Hall is large enough to accommodate statement weddings or corporate meetings
Cocktail Reception: 400 maximum
Dinner Seating: 350 maximum
At 4,454 SF, our third floor space is ideal for cocktail receptions and after-dinner festivities. Step on onto the terrace and enjoy stunning views of the Ohio Riverfront and Roebling Suspension Bridge.
Cocktail Reception: 200 maximum
Dinner Seating: 125 maximum
The 300-seat Harriet Tubman Theater, featuring audiovisual equipment, a hardwood stage floor, and an in-house professional technical staff, is ideal for lectures, panel discussions, and more.
Seating: 300 maximum
Includes back stage, loading dock, green room and separate street entrance. Basic AV equipment is available from our inventory upon request. An additional charge will be processed for the use of our AV technician at the rate of $65.00 per hour.
Seating: 70 maximum
Picturesque views of the downtown skyline
Seating: 30 maximum
Ideal for breakout sessions
Seating: 100
Open office space for meetings, seminars and workshops
Seating: 80 maximum
Ground level with exterior access
AV Rental Pricing: We have a wide range of audiovisual equipment for your event's needs. Click here to view our AV rental pricing.
Past Events at the Freedom Center
Schedule a Tour
We would love to talk with you about your event and have you see our space so we can bring your vision to life. Schedule a Tour with Tiago Nunez our Event Sales and Operations Coordinator. For further questions and concerns, please email us at fcevents@nurfc.org or call (513) 333-7536.
Important Catering Info
Caterers are responsible for supplying all food, linens, non-alcoholic beverages, bartending services and the set-up and tear down of the event space. Please note: Bringing in or supplying outside alcohol is strictly prohibited. All alcohol must be provided by the Freedom Center. Bar offerings and pricing can be found here.
Required Caterers
The Delish Dish Catering & Events
delishdishcincy.com | (859) 250-0881
Elegant Fare Catering Cincinnati
elegantfare.com | (513) 552-1340
Eat Well Celebrations and Feasts
eatwellonline.com | (859) 291-9355
Seasoned Dish
seasoneddish.com | (513) 549-1281
Soleil Kitchen
soleilkitchen.com | (513) 545-1687
Village Pantry Catering
villagepantrycatering.com | (513) 965-0511
Private Events FAQ
We strongly recommend that you schedule an appointment with our events manager. Schedule your appointment today using our Event Rental Contact Form located at the bottom of this page.
If you have established that the space is available on the date you need, you may request that the event manager tentatively holds that space for you for two weeks. At the end of the two week time, the space will be released unless you have given your intention to book the event. Although no money is required in order to tentatively hold space for the first two weeks. Following the two week grace period, a safety deposit of 50% will be required to hold the space.
When you have booked your event with our event coordinator, you will be sent a contract outlining the details of your event. After a complimentary 1 week hold, a signed copy of the contract and 50% of the room rental is needed secure the space. The balance of the event cost is due 5 business days in advance of the event.
No, as we are a non-profit group ourselves. We do have a wide range of prices and rental options and will do our best to accommodate every group regardless of budget.
Private areas can be rented at any time. Areas that are open to the public during the day — the Grand Hall and 3rd Floor and Eternal Flame Terrace — are available for rental before business hours (6:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.) and after 6:00 p.m.
Room rental typically applies to a four-hour event, but if there are no other events booked before or after yours, we will work with you on extending that time. All events must end by midnight and bar must end 30 minutes prior to your event end time.
We require that you use one of our preferred caterers (see above) for all food and non-alcoholic beverage needs (exceptions are made for birthday/wedding cakes). Each caterer is dedicated to providing high quality and delicious menus, world-class service and superior hospitality for any occasion. Caterers will also provide staffing, linens, china, flatware, etc. as well as setup of the space.
We do not allow helium balloons, live plants, confetti, glitter or ice sculptures. We also do not allow candles with an open flame anywhere in the building (votives or hurricanes where the flame is below the top of the vase can be used). No items can be adhered/affixed to the building. All decor must be removed from the building the day of the event.
Yes. The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center has a wide range of audio/visual equipment. This equipment is conducive for a classroom or meeting setting. If you are interested in large scale presentation capabilities, we can accommodate those needs in our Harriet Tubman Theater. Outside AV companies are permitted with approval from your event representative.