Museum · Gramercy-Flatiron
The National Arts Club
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The National Arts Club is a private membership organization dedicated to the appreciation of the arts, located in a landmark brownstone at 15 Gramercy Park South in New York City. Founded in 1898, it occupies the former home of Samuel J. Tilden, a 19th-century governor and presidential candidate. The club's interior features ornate Victorian and Gothic Revival architecture, with grand rooms filled with art, sculptures, and period furnishings. While primarily a private club, it occasionally opens its doors to the public for art exhibitions, lectures, and special events. Visitors can admire the historic building's facade and the serene Gramercy Park across the street (though the park is private and key-access only). The club's mission is to stimulate public interest in the arts, and it hosts exhibitions by emerging and established artists. If you have an opportunity to attend a public event, it offers a glimpse into New York's cultural elite.
Don't miss
- Historic Tilden Mansion with Victorian and Gothic Revival architecture
- Rotating art exhibitions open to the public (check schedule)
- Elegant interior rooms with period details
- Located on Gramercy Park, one of NYC's only private parks
- Cultural events including lectures, concerts, and film screenings
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit The National Arts Club
You don't need a tour to visit — entry is free. A tour is worth it if you want transport, a guide, or to combine The National Arts Club with nearby sights in one day. That's what these do well.
Cheapest way inNew York City One World Observatory Admission Ticket4.3★ · 2,682 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$30 per personSee dates →
Best full dayNYC Bus Tour of Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens: Art, Food & Sports4.9★ · 4,184 travelers~6 hoursFree cancellationFrom$69 per personSee dates →
Private & flexible"The Met" Metropolitan Museum of Art Exclusive Guided Tour5★ · 929 travelers~3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$133 per personSee dates →Good for
How travelers rate it
Know before you go
- Public access is limited to exhibitions and events; the club is otherwise private.
- Check the club's calendar for public programs before visiting.
- The building is a historic landmark; photography may be restricted inside.
- Gramercy Park is private; you cannot enter without a key from a resident or club member.
A bit of history
The National Arts Club was founded in 1898 by Charles de Kay, a literary and art critic, to promote the arts. It moved into the Tilden Mansion in 1906, a designated National Historic Landmark built in the 1880s for Samuel J. Tilden.
Common questions
Can anyone visit The National Arts Club?
The club is private, but it hosts public exhibitions and events that are open to all. Check their schedule.
Is there an admission fee?
Exhibitions are typically free. Some special events may have a fee.
How do I get there?
Take the subway to 23rd Street or Union Square, then walk east to Gramercy Park.
What is the architecture like?
The Tilden Mansion features Victorian Gothic and Moorish Revival styles, with intricate woodwork, stained glass, and a grand staircase.
Can I see Gramercy Park?
You can view the park from the gate, but entry is restricted to key holders.
Are there guided tours?
Occasionally, the club offers tours during open house events. Check their website.
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