Cosmos Club? Private Clubs in DC?

[Anonymous]

I was walking up Massachusetts Avenue today and saw the building for this “club”. I had to google it and was surprised. I didn’t realize these still existed in DC or ever did. I thought these type of places went out of fashion in the 60s.

[Anonymous]

There's a bunch of them, though a number of them are pretty loose on who they let in now, since the membership is dying off. Also places like Kosmos make big $$ from renting out the place for weddings and events, and they'll rent to anyone I think.

[Anonymous]

Cosmos Club from what I’ve heard is for intellectuals. Army Navy for conservative, traditional types. And University club if you’re a massive new money douche.

[Anonymous]

Average age at the Cosmos club is in the 70's. A colleague is a member and always trying to get me to go. I have been a few times for meetings and dinners and also attended a wedding there. Overall it is a dour place with a lot of history but seems not many young people want to socialize that way anymore. Back in the day it was a place where DC intellectuals and many writers gathered.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There's a bunch of them, though a number of them are pretty loose on who they let in now, since the membership is dying off. Also places like Kosmos make big $$ from renting out the place for weddings and events, and they'll rent to anyone I think.

Anyone can rent, but you must have a member "vouch" for you and initiate the application process.

[Anonymous]

A colleague is a member of the Cosmos Club. He is on the older side, yes, but he is extremely intelligent and highly regarded in our field so I don't imagine it being full of airheads who think life is about good plastic surgeons and St. John suits.

A friend is a member of City Tavern Club in Georgetown. Like University Club, its membership skews younger, but the members tend to be preppy/conservative, while University Club members are flashy. (Or douchey, as another poster eloquently said.) I have acquaintances at University Club; I have hung out at both and I prefer CTC.

[Anonymous]

There is also the Metropolitan Club, and for women there is the Sulgrave Club. I know people who are members of the various clubs. One benefit is reciprocity in other cities, and many of these clubs have sleeping rooms.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There is also the Metropolitan Club, and for women there is the Sulgrave Club. I know people who are members of the various clubs. One benefit is reciprocity in other cities, and many of these clubs have sleeping rooms.

Sulgrave closed five years ago!! It's a luxury apt. building now.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Didn't realize that these places still existed. I looked at some pictures of Cosmos Club. Gorgeous interior.

I'd never heard of some of the others mentioned. I live in what is considered a desired suburb and don't know anyone who belongs to places like these. I am surprised they still exist.

[Anonymous]

I'm in my 40s. I've been to the Cosmos club a dozen or so times for dinners, talks, and events. I even spoke at an event there once. My husband and I have had folks offer to sponsor us to join, but we haven't made the leap. I actually kind of like it there, and I've met some really interesting people - but the pace is a little staid for where we're at in life and I just don't think we'd go there often enough for it to be worthwhile. My husband, who is decidedly more intellectual, is definitely more tempted. Maybe when we hit retirement and want to read the paper and eat popovers more often?

[Anonymous]

I had walked past the Cosmos Club when I lived in that area and wondered about it. Then I had an older male colleague who came out of retirement to do consulting who belonged there. He was a super nice guy and well-regarded in his work, similar to what others have said. I don't know anything else about it other than he was still active there as of a few years ago.

[Anonymous]

I like the Cosmos, and it has reciprocity with some nice places abroad. But it now skews very old.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Didn't realize that these places still existed. I looked at some pictures of Cosmos Club. Gorgeous interior.

I'd never heard of some of the others mentioned. I live in what is considered a desired suburb and don't know anyone who belongs to places like these. I am surprised they still exist.

Well. To be fair, these are all in the city. In the suburbs there are country clubs. These are basically country clubs, but with way less space/amenities. I can only speak to University Club because I went with a former boss. But they have like, a pool, a gym, and a squash court. And a bar that serves food. They do not have a ton of amenities, tennis, golf, etc. like country clubs. Obviously, because they don't have a ton of space.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There is also the Metropolitan Club, and for women there is the Sulgrave Club. I know people who are members of the various clubs. One benefit is reciprocity in other cities, and many of these clubs have sleeping rooms.

Sulgrave closed five years ago!! It's a luxury apt. building now.

Sulgrave Club is very much open. I am a member.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There is also the Metropolitan Club, and for women there is the Sulgrave Club. I know people who are members of the various clubs. One benefit is reciprocity in other cities, and many of these clubs have sleeping rooms.

Sulgrave closed five years ago!! It's a luxury apt. building now.

Sulgrave Club is very much open. I am a member.

My bad. I was thinking of Washington Club.