The Most Exclusive Private Clubs in New York City

New York City's private clubs represent bastions of exclusivity in an increasingly accessible world. These institutions, some dating back over a century, offer their members privacy, prestige, and access to networks of influence that money alone cannot buy.

The Metropolitan Club

Founded in 1891 by J.P. Morgan after a friend was rejected from another club, The Metropolitan Club occupies a stunning Stanford White-designed building on Fifth Avenue. The club's opulent interiors feature marble columns, ornate ceilings, and priceless artwork.

Membership remains highly selective, with candidates requiring sponsorship from current members and approval from the membership committee. The club attracts leaders from finance, law, and business, offering them a refined environment for dining, networking, and conducting business away from public scrutiny.

The Century Association

Established in 1847, The Century Association focuses on arts and letters, bringing together accomplished individuals from creative and professional fields. The club's building on West 43rd Street houses an impressive art collection and library.

Unlike purely social clubs, The Century emphasizes intellectual exchange and cultural appreciation. Members include artists, writers, architects, and patrons of the arts. The club hosts regular exhibitions, lectures, and performances, maintaining its founding mission to cultivate a love of arts and letters.

The Core Club

Representing a modern take on the private club, The Core Club opened in 2005 in a Midtown Manhattan skyscraper. The club spans multiple floors and offers state-of-the-art facilities including a spa, wine cellar, and private dining rooms.

Membership requires a substantial initiation fee and annual dues, along with sponsorship and approval. The club attracts successful entrepreneurs, executives, and professionals seeking a contemporary alternative to traditional clubs. Its emphasis on business networking and modern amenities appeals to a younger generation of achievers.

The Union Club

As New York's oldest social club, founded in 1836, The Union Club embodies old-money discretion and tradition. Located in a landmark building on East 69th Street, the club maintains strict privacy and traditional values.

Membership typically passes through families, with many members representing multiple generations of affiliation. The club's understated elegance and emphasis on privacy make it a favorite among those who prefer to avoid publicity while enjoying the company of peers from similar backgrounds.

Soho House New York

While technically part of an international chain, Soho House New York has become a hub for the creative class. The club occupies a former warehouse in the Meatpacking District, offering members a more casual and contemporary environment than traditional clubs.

Membership focuses on individuals working in creative industries including film, fashion, media, and advertising. The club's rooftop pool, screening room, and restaurant attract a younger, more diverse membership than traditional establishments, though exclusivity remains a core principle.

Why These Clubs Matter

Private clubs serve multiple functions beyond simple socializing. They provide neutral ground for business discussions, offer privacy in an age of constant connectivity, and create communities of accomplished individuals who share common values and interests.

For members, these clubs represent more than just amenities and dining options. They offer access to networks of influence, opportunities for mentorship and collaboration, and connection to institutions with rich histories and traditions. In a city as large and impersonal as New York, private clubs create intimate communities where relationships can develop over time.

The exclusivity that defines these institutions also ensures their continued relevance. In a world where money can buy access to most experiences, private clubs remain one of the few domains where wealth alone is insufficient for entry.