About

The Arts Club is a private members club located at 40 Dover Street in Mayfair, London. It was founded in 1863 by a group that included Charles Dickens, Anthony Trollope, and Frederic Leighton to provide a meeting place for individuals with a professional or amateur connection to the arts, literature, and sciences. The club was originally established at 17 Hanover Square and relocated to its current Dover Street address in 1896.

Throughout its history, The Arts Club has counted among its members many of the most prominent figures in the arts. Early members included painters James McNeill Whistler, John Everett Millais, and Auguste Rodin, musicians Franz Liszt and Charles Halle, and writers Bram Stoker and Rudyard Kipling. The club maintained a relatively low profile for much of the twentieth century and underwent a significant decline in membership and physical condition before being acquired by private investors.

In 2011, The Arts Club reopened following a comprehensive renovation that transformed the Dover Street townhouse into a contemporary club spanning 30,000 square feet across multiple floors. The redesigned club includes dining rooms, bars, a brasserie, private event spaces, a nightclub, a gallery for rotating art exhibitions, and the Lanserhof health club in the lower levels. The club has also expanded internationally with a location in Dubai.

Membership at The Arts Club requires nomination by an existing member and approval by the membership committee. The annual subscription is approximately 1,500 pounds with a 500-pound assessment fee. The club maintains its founding emphasis on the arts through a permanent art collection, curated exhibitions, live music programming, and cultural events. It has attracted a contemporary membership base that includes figures from fashion, music, film, and the broader creative economy.

Luxury Private Members Clubs

The Arts Club is a historic London private members club founded in 1863 by Charles Dickens, Anthony Trollope, and others. Located at 40 Dover Street in Mayfair, it was comprehensively renovated in 2011 and now features dining, bars, a gallery, health club, and event spaces. The club maintains its founding focus on arts, literature, and sciences through curated exhibitions and cultural programming.

Brand Details

Brand Tier High Luxury
Price Range $1,900 - $2,500 annual membership
Founded 1863
Headquarters London, United Kingdom
Parent Company Private investors
4.1
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Claude Opus 4.6
AI Review
4.1/5

The Arts Club has operated from its Dover Street address in Mayfairs heart since 1863, with a heritage that stretches back to founding members including Charles Dickens. The emphasis on art, literature, and culture gives the club a genuine intellectual identity that distinguishes it from more socially oriented competitors. The collection of contemporary art throughout the building provides a gallery experience integrated into daily club life. The dining is strong, with a restaurant that operates at a level competitive with standalone Mayfair establishments. The member exhibitions and cultural programming provide substance beyond the social calendar. The renovation and expansion have modernized the facilities while respecting the clubs 160-year heritage. The membership base tends toward creative professionals, collectors, and culturally engaged individuals, which maintains a distinctive character. The pricing is reasonable relative to Mayfair competitors. The Arts Club works best for members who genuinely value its cultural mission and want their club membership to offer intellectual stimulation alongside social and dining amenities.

Mar 25, 2026
The Arts Club Screenshot

Price: From $1,900/year

Added: Mar 25, 2026

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