The National Arts Club

The National Arts Club, nestled in the historic Samuel Tilden Mansion on Gramercy Park South, stands as a vital cultural institution dedicated to celebrating and advancing the fine arts. Since its founding in 1898 by Charles De Kay—then an influential art critic and writer—the club has served as a dynamic gathering place for artists and patrons across all creative disciplines. From its inception, the club embraced inclusivity, offering full membership to women and welcoming artists of diverse backgrounds, a progressive ethos that continues to define its mission today.

Each year, the club presents more than 150 free programs, including exhibitions, concerts, readings, lectures, and performances, attracting a broad and engaged public. This commitment to accessibility ensures that the arts remain an active and enriching presence in New York City’s cultural life. The National Arts Club also fosters artistic dialogue on a global scale, forming partnerships with international institutions and inviting cross-cultural conversations that extend the reach of its programming beyond city limits.

Its landmark home, the Tilden Mansion, is itself a work of art. Designed by Calvert Vaux and adorned with stained glass by John LaFarge and Donald MacDonald, the building reflects the artistic ideals the club supports. Its ornate interiors have not only welcomed generations of creatives but have also become a favored location for major film and television productions, highlighting its enduring charm.

Over the decades, the club’s membership has included such luminaries as Frederic Remington, Cecilia Beaux, Augustus Saint-Gaudens, and Alfred Stieglitz. The Medal of Honor, awarded annually, recognizes figures of exceptional artistic achievement, from Toni Morrison and Roy Lichtenstein to Lin-Manuel Miranda and Ang Lee.

The National Arts Club remains a cornerstone of New York’s creative community, preserving its storied past while championing the evolving future of the arts.