New York City has always been a magnet for artists, writers, musicians, and cultural visionaries. But beyond the galleries, studios, and concert halls lies a quieter, more intimate world — arts clubs. These are the rooms where creativity gets tested over conversation, where membership means belonging to something larger than yourself, and where the city's cultural legacy has been quietly shaped for over 150 years.
Whether you're a working artist looking for community, a traveler wanting to experience New York's cultural soul, or simply someone fascinated by the intersection of art and social life — this guide is for you.
Historic and Private Members' Clubs
1) National Arts Club
- Founded: 1898
- Location: 15 Gramercy Park South
Arguably the most iconic arts club in America. Housed in a breathtaking Victorian Gothic mansion overlooking Gramercy Park — designed by Calvert Vaux, co-designer of Central Park — the club features Tiffany stained glass, original artwork on every wall, and a dining room that has hosted presidents, Nobel laureates, and Pulitzer Prize winners.
Its galleries are periodically open to the public, making it one of the more accessible of the elite clubs.
- How to join: Two member sponsors, portfolio review, and committee approval required.
- Notable past members: Woodrow Wilson, Robert Frost, Frank Lloyd Wright
2) The Century Association
- Founded: 1857
- Location: 7 West 43rd Street, Midtown
One of the most intellectually prestigious clubs in the world, with membership capped at 2,500. Its Stanford White-designed clubhouse is a masterpiece of Italian Renaissance Revival architecture — inside, a library of rare books, a gallery of member artwork, and a bar where conversations routinely outlast the evening.
- How to join: Highly selective. Requires significant achievement in arts, letters, science, or public life, plus sponsorship from multiple existing members.
- Notable past members: Mark Twain, Frederick Law Olmsted, John Singer Sargent, E.B. White
3) The Salmagundi Club
- Founded: 1871
- Location: 47 Fifth Avenue, Greenwich Village
The oldest arts club in the United States. A working artist's home — warm, accessible, and deeply rooted in New York's fine arts tradition. Regular open exhibitions, sketch nights, and art auctions that welcome both members and the public.
- How to join: Portfolio review and two member sponsors required. More accessible than most elite clubs.
- Notable past members: William Merritt Chase, Childe Hassam, N.C. Wyeth
4) The Players Club
- Founded: 1888
- Location: 16 Gramercy Park South
Founded by legendary actor Edwin Booth, this is the spiritual home of American theater. The Stanford White-designed building preserves Booth's personal library and memorabilia upstairs as a museum. Downstairs, the club carries on its traditions — including the legendary annual Pipe Night, one of New York's most celebrated private club events.
- How to join: Open to theater, film, and TV professionals. Two member sponsors and committee approval required.
- Notable past members: Mark Twain, Frank Sinatra, Helen Hayes, John Barrymore, Al Pacino
5) Art Students League of New York
- Founded: 1875
- Location: 215 West 57th Street, Midtown
Not a traditional private club — something more democratic and more essential. Anyone can study here, at any level, with no application required. Choose an instructor, register, and show up. One of the most important art institutions in American history.
- How to join: No application needed. Register for classes directly at theartstudentsleague.org.
- Notable alumni: Georgia O'Keeffe, Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko, Norman Rockwell, Roy Lichtenstein
Modern Creative Clubs
1) Soho House New York
- Founded: 2003
- Location: 29-35 Ninth Avenue, Meatpacking District
The club that redefined modern creative membership. A rooftop pool, screening room, multiple dining spaces, and a global network of 80+ locations. The philosophy: you don't need to be famous — you need to be working creatively in film, art, music, media, or design.
Membership: ~$3,000–$4,500/year. Application-based.
2) NeueHouse
- Founded: 2013
- Location: 110 East 25th Street, Madison Square Park
A cultural workspace for creative professionals — part members' club, part gallery, part coworking space. Hosts artist talks, exhibitions, screenings, and live performances. Consistently rated one of the most beautifully designed workspaces in New York.
Membership: Application-based. Workspace memberships from ~$500–$2,000+/month.
3) Zero Bond
- Founded: 2020
- Location: 0 Bond Street, NoHo
Invite-only and deliberately small, Zero Bond has quickly become the club of choice for New York's media, fashion, and entertainment elite. A cinematic space — library, multiple dining rooms, private event spaces — with one of the most curated memberships in the city.
Membership: Invite-only. ~$3,000–$4,000+/year.
4) Spring Place
- Founded: 2017
- Location: 6 St. Johns Lane, Tribeca
A design-forward private club for cross-industry creative professionals. Particularly well-regarded in fashion, luxury, and the arts. A space where a designer, a gallerist, and a tech founder might share the same table — and often do.
Membership: Application-based. ~$3,000+/year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most famous arts club in NYC? The National Arts Club, founded in 1898 on Gramercy Park, is arguably the most iconic — counting presidents, Nobel laureates, and Pulitzer Prize winners among its members.
What is the oldest arts club in New York? The Salmagundi Club, founded in 1871 on Fifth Avenue in Greenwich Village, is the oldest arts club in the United States still in continuous operation.
Can non-members visit NYC arts clubs? The National Arts Club opens its galleries to the public during exhibitions. The Art Students League is open to everyone for classes. Most private clubs require a member escort.
What is the easiest arts club to join in NYC? The Art Students League requires no application at all — just register for a class. Among traditional membership clubs, the Salmagundi Club is notably more accessible than its peers.
Soho House or NeueHouse — which is better for creatives? Soho House is more lifestyle-focused — rooftop pool, dining, global access. NeueHouse is better if you need actual workspace alongside a curated cultural program. Both are application-based and equally legitimate homes for the NYC creative community.