There are some places you step into and you’re instantly whisked into a bygone time. The National Arts Club in Gramercy Park is one of those . I visited this legendary private clubhouse during Open House Weekend last year and was impressed with intricately carved fireplaces, period furniture, and pieces from the permanent collection. The Club was founded in 1898 by Charles de Kay. An art and literary critic who worked for 18 years for the New York Times, de Kay was also an ardent fan of fencing, founding the Fencer’s Club in New York. In March of 1898, de Kay called together a number of civic leaders and men prominent in the art world who supported the idea, elected the first officers and incorporated the Club in 1899. A show of American gold and silver work in October 1899 was the first exhibition held at the National Arts Club.
