I like to think that the fall colors held on just one more day for Allison and Dave’s National Arts Club wedding. The next morning the leaves were on the ground as the NYC Marathon wove through the city, but autumn stood still on that sleepy, sweet November Saturday.
I loved working at the National Arts Club. Everything about the space spoke to my favorite type of aesthetic: old New York vibes, dreamy dark interiors, gorgeous art, even down to the Gramercy Park neighborhood itself. Add to that lovely human beings like Allison and Dave and their group of warm, kind family and friends and it all came together to be the perfect fall Manhattan wedding.
About the National Arts Club
The National Arts Club is a private club on Gramercy Park South in Manhattan, New York City. It was founded in 1898 by Charles De Kay, a literary and art critic for “The New York Times,” with the aim of stimulating, fostering, and promoting public interest in the arts and to educate the American people in the fine arts.
Since the early 20th century, the club has been located in the historic Tilden Mansion at 15 Gramercy Park, once the home of Samuel J. Tilden, the former governor of New York and the Democratic candidate for the presidency in the disputed election of 1876. The building itself was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1976.
The National Arts Club has a rich history of supporting the arts and has been a gathering place for artists, patrons, and arts enthusiasts for over a century. Members have included such luminaries as Theodore Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, Augustus Saint-Gaudens, Robert Frost, and Margaret Bourke-White. The club offers a range of activities including exhibitions, theatrical and musical performances, lectures, and readings.
Throughout its history, the National Arts Club has been known for its commitment to the arts across a wide range of disciplines, including visual arts, literature, film, architecture, and more. Its galleries are open to the public, and the club is known for its generous scholarships and awards in various fields of art.
The National Arts Club continues to be a vibrant cultural institution, hosting art exhibitions, theatrical performances, lectures, and award ceremonies. It has kept its mission to promote public interest in the arts and has remained a central fixture in New York’s cultural scene.
About Gramercy Park
One important note: you cannot get a key into Gramercy Park for photos. I know. It’s heartbreaking. The park is private and access is extremely limited. Budget your portrait time accordingly and know that the interior spaces more than compensate.
The National Arts Club interior
The National Arts Club in New York is quite simply a wedding photographer’s dream. The interiors are truly magical, and a dream to photograph.
Here are some details about the interiors of the National Arts Club:
- Grand Gallery: Upon entering the club, members and guests are often struck by the Grand Gallery. It serves as an exhibition space and features rich wood paneling, stately columns, and an opulent coffered ceiling, adorned with intricate designs that add to its grandeur. This space hosts rotating art exhibitions, showcasing both contemporary artists and historical works.
- Dining Room: The club’s dining room is a space of old-world elegance, often highlighted by a large fireplace, wood paneling, and historic artwork adorning the walls. The ambiance is one of classic refinement, befitting the club’s commitment to tradition and culture.
- Library: The library within the club is a reflection of the institution’s literary roots, filled with shelves of books that cover a range of subjects within the arts and culture. The room’s decor is conducive to contemplation and study, featuring comfortable seating, rich wooden bookcases, and decorative elements that speak to the club’s intellectual pursuits.
- Bar: The bar area of the National Arts Club is often described as intimate and inviting, with wood accents, stained glass, and artwork that creates a warm atmosphere for socializing and enjoying the club’s many offerings.
- The Grand Staircase: An architectural highlight is the grand staircase, which leads members and guests to the upper floors. It is a focal point for its craftsmanship and for displaying the club’s commitment to beauty and art.
- Tiffany Room: One of the most notable interior spaces is the Tiffany Room, which features stained glass and other decorative elements designed by the famous artist Louis Comfort Tiffany. The room embodies the Gilded Age’s opulence and attention to artisanal detail.
- Period Rooms: Many rooms within the club are preserved to reflect certain historical periods, with appropriate furnishings and artwork. They are often used for specific events, meetings, or performances and maintain an aura of being transported back in time.
- Ceilings and Chandeliers: Throughout the mansion, the ceilings and light fixtures contribute to the aesthetic of each room. Hand-painted ceilings and ornate chandeliers are common, enhancing the club’s artistic environment.
If your wedding is at the National Arts Club, I’d love to hear about it.
