The Most Exclusive Members-Only Clubs In Manhattan

2. The Century Association

The Century Association was established in 1847 by William Cullen Bryant, a poet and long-time editor of the New York Evening Post, to promote interest in the fine arts and literature. Consequently, the clubhouse, which is also the oldest surviving, is home to a notable art collection and acts as a venue for the contemporary art pieces of their members. The clubhouse also contains the Century Center for the Performing Arts, a 248 seat theater, ballroom, and studio. Location: 43rd Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenue Membership: The club intended to have only 100 men who were artists, literary men, scientists, physicians, officers of the Army and Navy, members of the Bench, Engineers, Clergymen, and merchants, but those restrictions evolved to consist of mainly businessmen, lawyers, and doctors, and then women in 1988. Notable Members:Fredrick Law Olmsted (designer of Central Park), Franklin D. Roosevelt, Michael Bloomberg, Jackie Onassis, and Toni Morrison. [Photo via]