The Athenaeum is a private members' club in London, founded in 1824. Our nearly 2,000 members are drawn from a wide range of professional worlds including literature and the arts, education, the church, business, law, medicine and healthcare, public service, politics, science, architecture, engineering and technology.
Members come to exchange ideas, to read or research, to listen to talks by leading experts in their field or to meet friends or colleagues over lunch or dinner. They also come to enjoy concerts, talks, quizzes and films.
The Clubhouse is located at 107 Pall Mall, at the corner of Waterloo Place. It was designed by Club member Decimus Burton in 1830 in the Neoclassical style. A gilded statue of Athena, Goddess of Wisdom, looks out from a front balcony as the Club’s tutelary spirit and guide.
Chairman's welcome
When it was founded, in 1824, the Athenaeum broke the mould. The original members of this ‘new kind’ of non-partisan club, with its close connections to the learned societies, were nominated and elected because of their achievements rather than their background, family connections, professional or political affiliations.
The Athenaeum has often been called “the club of the mind”. As we celebrate our Bicentenary this year, it is fitting that this distinctive characteristic prevails today. Our members prize it as a club that encourages debate and challenge, stimulates understanding of diverse points of view and experiences, nurtures civilised conversations and cherishes companionship.
We have a very active programme of events covering a wide variety of topics and interests including music, literature, art and current affairs. The Club has an extensive Library which is available for members to use.
True to the vision of our Founders, membership of the Athenaeum is open to all, regardless of background.
Sir Philip May
Members Spotlight
The Club has played host to just over 20,000 members since it was founded 200 years ago. They share in having contributed significantly to society through their involvement in their chosen sphere. This gallery features some of our extraordinary current members, alongside their comments about life at the Club. Below, another gallery showcases a selection of our most celebrated members of the past.