The city is filled with tons of venues vying for your attention. Haute Living took the legwork out of the equation and curated a haute life of the most coveted memberships in New York.
The Norwood Club
At The Norwood Club it’s about who you are and who you know. Think of a more elite Soho House where members actually must be creative types to join. Their fees are relatively low ($1,750) compared to other clubs, but if you don’t have someone on the inside to recommend you, forget about it. So why go through all the trouble to get that coveted recommendation? Three lounge bars, a 45–seat screening room, event spaces, a walled garden and a restaurant might entice you. The club exudes an understated class filled with over the top and interesting people.
241 W 14th St
Guggenheim Patrons Circle
If you’re in the art world there are two things you appreciate most. First and foremost art, but in close second comes a good party. The Guggenheim Patrons Circle is an elite group of art collectors and philanthropists who involve themselves with the art and the party at the world-class Guggenheim. Benefits include, but are not limited to, invitations to exclusive events, passes to international art fairs, private art tours and skipping lines. It’s pretty fabulous. If for nothing else you should want to join to be a witness to the internationally famous and beautiful contemporary art their institution houses.
1071 5th Ave
The Whitney Contemporaries
The Whitney Museum has taken New York by storm with their brand new location. It is a modern architectural marvel with stunning contemporary art and amenities. Just being surrounded by their incredibly curated exhibitions is reason enough to join The Whitney Contemporaries. However, there are many other reasons one might join. Other benefits include getting private collection tours, visits to artist’s studios, gallery walks, invitations to contemporary art fairs and more. The Contemporaries bring in a group of respectable art lovers who are as interesting as the work itself.
99 Gansevoort Street
Soho House
Soho House is the internationally renowned go-to for the young and fabulous. Although, they are not ageist, the old and fabulous are most definitely present as well. You can find celebs from Kendall Jenner and Nicole Kidman to Robert De Niro and Adrian Grenier relaxing at the Soho House. They are known for throwing wild yet classy events with only the best music and brands to back them. They now have locations around the world and for a slightly higher fee you can gain membership access to all 14. The original was in London, but now Soho House’s can be found in Istanbul, Berlin, LA, Miami and obviously New York City. The rooftop pool in their Meatpacking location is the hot spot to be this summer, and every other summer.
29-35 Ninth Ave
The National Arts Club
If you want to be surrounded by beautiful art with the comfort of no crowds, this could be your spot. The National Arts Club is located in a landmark building in Gramercy Park. Other than an extensive collection of American art, the club boasts a dining room and bar, squash courts, a swimming pool and more. It attracts everyone from art lovers to those who just simply enjoy the finer things in life. Here you can relax knowing you don’t have to sit up in a suit and tie, although you do have to be sporting presentable attire. It’s a perfect blend of art and activities for those who want it all.
15 Gramercy Park S
MoMa Benefactors
The MoMa memberships might be the most interactive of all. This is not just because you will even get your own designated telephone assistance line, but they offer a plethora of customized services just for members. With this membership you will attend fabulous events like their Benefactor Luncheon and opening night receptions for all major exhibitions. It will also give you unobstructed access to the who’s who of the art world. From collectors to dealers and artists alike, you will find them all at the MoMa.
11 West 53rd St
The Core Club
Invitation only. Which makes sense with a roster like Bill Clinton and fashion designer Tory Burch. The six-floor Core Club is for the 1% who can afford five-figure annual fees. It is the most expensive members club on our list, and perhaps in the city. It has been dubbed a ‘portal to power’ by The New York Times and for very good reason. The discrete club is located in an unmarked office building in Midtown.
66 E 55th St
The Century Association
When you have a legend like Mark Twain endorsing a club, you know you want to be a part of it. Twain deems The Century Association as “the most respectable club in the United States.” Founded in 1847 the members only club has attracted the likes of Toni Morrison, Henry Kissinger and former Mayor Bloomberg. Needless to say it’s an upscale, smart and sophisticated crowd. The club began as a high-end hangout for artists and writers and has maintained this base with the majority of members finding success in media, advertising and journalistic industries. Enough success to fork over around $2,000 in dues annually.
7 W 43rd St
Metropolitan Club
You do not talk about Metropolitan Club. Unless you’re inside in which case, no cellphones are allowed. The famous J.P. Morgan himself was the first president of this club, formed in 1891. It is a gorgeous space with gorgeous suits. Which is the only thing you’re allowed to wear here unless you’re a woman. Then you are allowed to wear appropriate dresses and dressy pantsuits. It’s all worth it to have access to the gorgeous historic building and the legendary people who frequent there.
1 East 16th St
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Met membership is really a membership to all of the best museums in the nation. Not only because they bring in art that has been in the top museums, but because their membership actually gives you access to over 15 museums around the country. Beyond this you get access to private previews of exhibitions and discounts at all on-site establishments. If you think about it you are actually getting more than 15 memberships for the price of one. Which is a reasonable price of $600 annually. Not too bad if you ask us.
1000 5th Ave
