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.
Rent the entire Museum exclusively for your special event.
Includes all exhibits Exclusive use of all public and private event spacesThe 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 separate street entrance
- 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
Preferred 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
Jeff Thomas Catering – jeffthomascatering.com | (859) 291-0286
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 one week. At the end of the week, the space will be released unless you have given your intention to book the event. No money is required in order to tentatively hold 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.
No, 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.
