The National Arts Club - New York, New York

ALBERTO CUBO

Club privado de finales del s. XIX abierto al público, con interesantes exposiciones de arte.

D M

We had such a bizarre encounter with a strangely hostile receptionist. A sign said “Please register,” so we stopped and asked if we needed to register to see the exhibit. She said “No, just go up.” We saw areas roped off with signs saying “members only,” but there was no sign or rope at the stairs, and interesting art on the walls, so we went up some of the stairs to see it. As we were coming down, the receptionist called to us and angrily said the stairs were private and should have been roped off, and “don’t let it happen again!” I didn’t like being spoken to like an unruly child (I am a mild-mannered woman in my 50s and was with two other adults) but politely explained that there was no rope, but now we knew and would stay off them. We were a little offended by her tone, but thought the matter was resolved. Later, as we started to leave, she stopped us again, now raising her voice to say, “I very clearly told you to stay only inside the gallery upstairs, but you went behind the rope….” It’s one thing to be scolded for a misunderstanding, but another to be confronted a second time with a false version of what happened. If she had actually warned us, we would certainly not have set foot on those stairs, and we would never have crossed a rope! We tried to say this, but she cut us off, almost shouting “No! I very clearly told you!” and “I need you to leave now!” as we were walking out the door. In many years as a patron of the arts, I have visited all kinds of exhibit spaces as a member, guest, and speaker, and have never encountered aggression like this. Perhaps she got some satisfaction out of pretending to throw out a group of scofflaws. If you visit, watch your step!

Scott Laine

The first and most important thing to know is that the galleries are OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. You don’t need to be a member or pay to visit and view art.

This beautiful building is actually two buildings that were combined by the former governor of NY, Samuel J. Tilden.

The members club is one of the oldest in NYC and has featured many famous artist as members. If you are able to get invited my a member to dine or have a drink I would put it on your vision board for the year. It really is a special place.

Cleo B

The art is beautiful but this was the most malicious customer service I’ve ever experienced. The woman behind the desk yelled at us for being in an area that there was no indication we shouldn’t be in, and then half an hour later brought it up, speaking to us extremely harshly as if we were little children. We were all looking at each other in shock, because we had been very polite to her. I told her she should put a sign up in the off limits area, and she said “I’m going to need you to leave” as we were halfway out the door. She was also very snippy with a patron in front of us. Will not be coming here again :(.

Marion Keller

Le bâtiment est magnifique, plein d'histoire, aussi bien en facade qu'à l'intérieur. L'entrée est libre pour la visite de l'exposition temporaire au RDC. Au premier, l'accès est réservé aux membres du club. Un endroit impressionnant !

Edonis Bacaj

I had a pleasurable experience at the National Arts Club. The art was beautiful and I experienced great service from the workers. The lady at the front desk was very helpful and kind. Everywhere I went, I was met with smiles. Please go when you can!

Catherine Shalen

My son and I saw a very pleasant exhibition of American impressionist painters. The building is a pretty old house, a bit musty. The most interesting bit is that such old member clubs still exist, complete with member only dining rooms. Righ next door is another one, the Players, club. I would have loved to know who the members are, but the guard at the door just said: " All kinds ". It was the last hour of the last day of the impressionist exhibition, so I think he wanted to home. go

Kiariladyboss

I absolutely loved the tour at The National Arts Club thanks to Open House New York weekend. Chien was very knowledgeable and i enjoyed learning more about Samuel Tilden’s house