About Us
A Tradition of Belonging
Our historic Club is one of America’s oldest and finest private city clubs. Currently ranked number 12 on the Platinum Clubs of America list and recognized among the top Distinguished Clubs, The University Club provides our members and their families with congenial social gatherings, a rich variety of cultural, international, and educational programs, fine dining, superb athletic facilities, event space, overnight accommodations, and the opportunity to give back through our charitable foundation.
Our rich history begins with the founding of the Club in 1904. William Howard Taft, who later became President of the United States and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, was the Club’s first president. Today, our valued Club membership includes distinguished leaders in business, non-profit, government, and the arts, as well as ambassadors, justices of the Supreme Court, and clergy.
Our four pillars of fellowship, intellectual pursuits, fine dining, and athletics form the foundation of The University Club of Washington, DC.
Our members enjoy special dinners, time together on our rooftop deck, visiting with each other in our Founders Pub, events in our University Hall, and taking part in many of our “Clubs within the Club.” Our annual holiday tree lighting and Halloween party for families are just some of the special events we offer. Our members enjoy our New Year’s Eve dinner and celebration, black tie events, and many other programs and activities.
Our intellectual pursuits include programs and events that offer a rich variety of cultural, international, and educational activities, including a yearly Supreme Court Review, presentations by ambassadors and authors, and speakers who share their expertise on a range of subjects.
The culinary team creates exceptional meals for our members and guests. Chef Brandon takes a contemporary approach to cooking, emphasizing seasonal ingredients, refined techniques, and authentic flavors. Our dining venues include the elegant, more formal Taft Dining Room, our more casual Pershing Grille, and our Founders Pub. Food may be brought to our rooftop deck and our sports lounge, as well.
Our members have access to our superb athletic facilities, including a fitness center offering personal training and classes. We are the only private club in the area with two squash courts, a swimming pool, a day spa, and a multi-sport studio. Our squash program is run by a squash professional ranked by the Professional Squash Association. The University Club also partners with Squash On Fire.
The University Club founded the Tewaaraton Award, first awarded in 2001 and recognized as the pre-eminent lacrosse award. It honors the most outstanding male and female collegiate players and recognizes the Native American heritage of the sport of lacrosse.
We have event space for up to 300 people and a beautiful library where members can peruse books, read a newspaper, or work quietly on their laptops. Our business center is open throughout the day.
Our 59 well-appointed guest rooms are available for use by our members and members’ guests. We are located just three blocks from the White House near museums, monuments, embassies, and other cultural attractions.
Club members have access to over 250+ reciprocal clubs throughout the United States and around the world.
The University Club Foundation works with local charities to support our greater community and the educational needs of our employees and their families.
The Clubhouse
Nestled just three blocks away from the White House in the heart of the nation's capital, the clubhouse of The University Club of Washington, DC is affectionately known as the "Mansion on Sixteenth Street." Reflecting the timeless Parisian architectural style synonymous with Pierre 'Peter' Charles L'Enfant, the visionary behind Washington, DC's design, the building boasts a brick and brownstone exterior and a cobblestone circle drive that leads to its entrance on Sixteenth Street. Erected in 1921 during The Roaring 20s, this clubhouse was dedicated by the distinguished World War I hero, General "Black Jack" Pershing.
Encompassing approximately 96,000 square feet, the clubhouse spans across seven levels, featuring two distinct entrances. Within its confines, one can find three charming dining rooms, 59 comfortable overnight guest rooms, a well-equipped fitness center, a convenient business center, a library, a heated indoor swimming pool, two vibrant squash courts, a HD multi-sport and golf simulator studio, a full service day spa, and 13 private event rooms.
The University Club’s distinguished collection of art and artifacts adorns the walls and hallways. Notable acquisitions include Andrew Wyeth’s Ocean Inlet (Maine), Jabob Kainen’s The Secret Agent, Wolf Kahn's Early Blooming Fruit Tree, Edward Moran’s Steam Ships Sailing on New York Harbor, Lilla Cabot Perry’s The Cup of Knowledge, and Frederick William MacMonnies’ bronze sculpture, Pan of Rohallion.