Washington, DC, has long been home to an elite network of private clubs steeped in tradition, intellectualism, and exclusivity. But a wave of modern members-only spaces is challenging the old guard, catering to younger, more diverse professionals who crave social connection alongside prestige. At the forefront of this shift is Ned’s Club, a stylish new addition to the city’s club scene.
A New Kind of Exclusivity at Ned’s Club
Tucked near the White House, Ned’s Club welcomes members with an unexpected aesthetic: bold contemporary artwork, including Catherine Opie photographs of powerful women like Jane Fonda and Betye Saar, replacing the stately portraits of male titans found in more traditional clubs. Chief Art Director Kate Bryan describes the collection as a deliberate departure from the past, emphasizing a more dynamic and inclusive atmosphere.
Ned’s is more than just a gallery—it’s a vibrant social hub. With live music every night, an Italian American restaurant helmed by José Andrés protégé David Testa, and a curated collection of works from 47 female artists (alongside local DC talent), the club positions itself as the antithesis of DC’s buttoned-up establishments. “We’re here to be lively, playful, and welcoming,” says Joiwind Ronen, executive director of membership and programming.
The membership breakdown reflects that ethos, with a relatively even split among those under 40, in their 40s, and over 50. At $5,000 per year, Ned’s offers exclusivity, but with a decidedly modern twist. It also carries the pedigree of Soho House’s founders—though it operates as a distinct venture—joining sister locations in London, New York, and Doha.
A Growing Landscape of Private Clubs
Ned’s Club isn’t alone in its mission to reinvent the members-only experience in DC. Other recent entrants include:
Chief: An executive women’s network open only to senior female and nonbinary leaders, Chief provides a space for mentorship, networking, and professional advancement. With an annual fee starting at $5,900, its DC branch attracts professionals from top-tier firms like Accenture, LVMH, and Morgan Stanley.
The House at 1229: A Dupont Circle mansion transformed into a private club and civic organization for accomplished women, offering a mix of professional and social programming.
HQ DC House: A penthouse lounge designed as a community for Black professionals, launched by two corporate-world veterans.
The Gathering Spot: A networking hub with a strong emphasis on supporting Black entrepreneurs and creatives since its 2021 debut.
Each of these spaces brings a different focus, whether on career advancement, community-building, or cultural engagement. They share a common goal: to foster a sense of belonging among members historically excluded from DC’s traditional club circuit.
The Legacy Clubs: Still Thriving, Still Exclusive
For a sense of contrast, one need only look at the Cosmos Club, a storied institution founded in 1878 by early members of the National Geographic Society. The club has long been a bastion of Washington’s intellectual elite, with a membership roster that has included presidents, Supreme Court justices, and Nobel laureates. Its Beaux-Arts mansion on Massachusetts Avenue exudes old-world grandeur, offering lecture series, fine dining, and a meticulously maintained library.
Unlike the new generation of clubs, Cosmos operates as a nonprofit and does little to attract attention. Privacy is paramount. When contacted for comment, the club’s general manager, Mitchell Platt, responded succinctly: “One of Cosmos Club’s core principles is that privacy is valued. This will preclude our participation in your article.”
The contrast between legacy clubs like Cosmos and newcomers like Ned’s speaks to a broader cultural shift. The rigid formalities and exclusivity of traditional clubs—many of which long resisted admitting women and people of color—are giving way to spaces designed for a more socially conscious, experience-driven membership.
The Future of DC’s Private Club Scene
Whether these new clubs are truly reshaping Washington’s social fabric remains to be seen. The exclusivity factor still looms large, and the price tags ensure that access remains out of reach for many. But their emphasis on diversity, creativity, and connectivity signals an evolution in what it means to belong to an elite space in the capital.
As membership rosters fill up and waitlists grow, one thing is certain: Washington’s private club scene is undergoing a transformation—one that reflects a changing city and a new generation’s expectations of exclusivity.
