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Since its founding in 1916, The Arts Club of Washington has promoted and celebrated a vast array of the visual, performing, and literary arts in the nation’s capital.
LEARN MOREThe Arts Club of Washington has long held a distinctive profile in Washington, D.C., nationally and internationally. Founded in 1916 by a group of prominent local artists and modeled on New York’s National Arts Club and the Chelsea Arts Club in London, The Arts Club of Washington was the very first in the city to have women in leadership roles and as members from its start.
Its arts-focused, innovative, and bohemian character draws free-thinkers from around the capital region and across the globe from its historic home, the center of which is an historic Federal-era mansion that once served as the residence of President James Monroe—and for a time, his official presidential residence.
The creative, warm and welcoming spirit of the organization endures as part of an ever-evolving and important legacy. We welcome those who engage in the arts (both professionally and for the love of it), or simply celebrate the many forms of artistic expression that the organization presents, to consider the many benefits of membership and to join us as a unique part of our nation’s history.
LEARN MOREThe Arts Club of Washington is a 501(c)3 nonprofit arts organization, as well as a nexus for programming that spotlights the full range of the arts.
The Club is an active museum, and welcomes visitors to four gallery spaces, free weekly concerts, events focusing on literature, dance, and theatre, as well as studio classes in visual arts.
The Club’s mission also includes promoting the importance of historic preservation through the ongoing restoration and preservation of the club’s headquarters, which encompasses a significant 19th-century structures designated as National Historic Landmarks (the James Monroe House) and listed on the National Register of Historic Places (the General Robert MacFeely House).
LITERATURE | The Marfield Prize Public Reading | 20 May | 6:30 PM | LEARN MORECLOSE |
Event Overview:The Marfield Prize Public ReadingOPEN TO THE PUBLIC Wednesday, May 20th, 2026, at 6:30 pm Please join us as the Arts Club of Washington hosts a public reading honoring Christopher Gorham, author of "Matisse at War" and the recipient of The Marfield Prize national award for arts writing. The evening's program includes an interview, Q&A, and a reading of selections of the winning book. A reception with the author will follow the reading. The book will be available for purchase and a book signing will follow the reading. RSVP required 6:30 pm Doors open 7:00 pm Reading 8:00 pm Reception Christopher C. Gorham is a lawyer, educator, and acclaimed author whose books include Matisse at War and the Goodreads Choice Award finalist, The Confidante. He is a frequent speaker at conferences, literary events, colleges, and book club gatherings. He lives in Boston, and can be found at ChristopherCGorham.com and on social media @christophercgorham Discounted parking available after 6 pm (free with membership card).
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DINNER | The Marfield Prize Award Dinner | 21 May | 6:30 PM | LEARN MORECLOSE |
Event Overview:THE MARFIELD PRIZE AWARD DINNER Honoring Christopher Gorham OPEN TO MEMBERS & GUESTS Thursday, May 21st, 2026 at 6:30 pm $85 / person Please join us as the Arts Club of Washington hosts the Marfield Prize Award Dinner honoring Christopher Gorham author of “Matisse at War” and the recipient of The Marfield Prize national award for arts writing. The evening's program includes an interview featuring Peter Marks, former theater critic at the Washington Post, an award presentation, and a reading of selections of the winning book. 6:30 PM: Doors open 7:00 PM: Program and Award Presentation 7:45 PM: Dinner Christopher C. Gorham is a lawyer, educator, and acclaimed author whose books include Matisse at War and the Goodreads Choice Award finalist, The Confidante. He is a frequent speaker at conferences, literary events, colleges, and book club gatherings. He lives in Boston, and can be found at ChristopherCGorham.com and on social media @christophercgorham Dress Code: Business A reservation is required for dinner by 8 pm the day before. Due to the construction of the kitchen we can only accommodate 60 guests. Once we reach our maximum capacity, we regrettably will not be able to accommodate additional guests. Please RSVP early! Discounted parking available after 6 pm (free with membership card). Photo credit: Joshua Pickering
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DINING | DINING - Lunch | 22 May | 12:00 PM | LEARN MORECLOSE |
Event Overview:DINING - LunchFriday, May 22, 2026 Lunch seating - 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm OPEN TO MEMBERS & GUESTS ONLY Lunch $45* per person * price includes tax & gratuity Enjoy a three-course gourmet meal with fellow members in The Arts Club of Washington dining rooms. Dress Code: Business Casual RSVP required no later than the previous day by 5 pm We offer lunch service with reservations, service will be cancelled if there are no reservations. Price includes non-alcoholic beverages, coffee & tea. RSVP online or call (202) 331-7282 ext 2 or email dining@artsclubofwashington.org Lunch service is an exclusive member benefit available for members and their guests. Charge will be applied to the host's account. For private events and parties of 9 or more please contact the General Manager at 202-331-7282 ext 110 or yann@artsclubofwashington.org
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