NAWA HEADQUARTERS MOVES TO HISTORIC ARTS BUILDING
The National Arts Club in the Historic Tilden Mansion
NAWA headquarters is now located in the prominent National Arts Club landmark building at 15 Gramercy Park South, Room 301, New York, NY 10003. Our new office space is located on the third floor of this iconic building overlooking Gramercy Park.
The initial connection began with the involvement of Judi Gilden, active member of NAWA and NAC; the support and recommendation from former Executive Director Susan G. Hammond; the negotiating efforts of President Natalia Koren Kropf and her husband Eric H. Kropf, Vice-President Jill Cliffer Baratta, Executive Director Biana Kovic and the legal advice of Mark Altschul. This was finalized by the approval of the entire NAWA Board of Directors who voted unanimously on the move and were supporting advisors throughout the process. NAWA is extending its gratitude to all those who have facilitated the office transition during the hazardous times of global lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Founded in 1898 by Charles DeKay, a literary and art critic for the New York Times, the National Arts Club was first located on West 34th Street. The club quickly outgrew its original location, causing a search to begin for a larger, more suitable space.
Interior images of the staircase and parlors
The former home of Samuel Tilden, twenty-fifth governor of the state of New York at 14/15 Gramercy Park would provide such a space, becoming the National Arts Club’s permanent location. Governor Tilden had redesigned the mansion to combine two buildings, 14 and 15 Gramercy Park which were both built in the 1840s. The redesign included stained glass panels by John LaFarge and an exquisite stained-glass dome created by glass master Donald MacDonald in what was originally the library. Sculptures, elaborate bookcases, door framings, and solid wood banisters completed the look of his stately home.
In 1906, the mansion was acquired by the club with the help of Spenser Trask. The building was declared a New York City Landmark in 1966 and designated a National Landmark in 1976.
Today, the National Arts Club houses its own art collection and has four gallery spaces which host exhibitions year-round. Numerous programs, private events, art classes and presentations are held at the club each year. It also has a restaurant and bar open to members and guests. The building has been utilized for prominent films and television productions.
Recently expanded Gallery Space
It is fitting that our historic organization, the National Association of Women Artists, established in 1889, has found a wonderful home joining forces with the historic National Arts Club.
