Here’s a rare opportunity to tour the Cosmos Club’s gilded age Townsend Mansion, restored, and repurposed, to house the Club’s expanding needs, in 1952. Founded in 1878, the Cosmos Club’s members have been witness to the history, politics, and elite society of Washington D.C. Its eclectic membership has represented creative, intellectual, and scholarly disciplines, including presidents, vice presidents, Supreme Court justices, cabinet members, and Noble and Pulitzer Prize winners. The one-hour tour will be led by two docents.
DCV members will meet inside by the left side of the entrance lobby by 10:15 AM. Access is limited by a few entrance stairs, plus the mansion’s grand staircase.
The Cosmos Club has a dress code that attendees will be expected to honor. See below.
- Business casual attire is permitted throughout the Clubhouse prior to 5 pm. “Business casual” for men includes slacks, and collared, long-sleeved, tucked-in shirts that button down the center, and for women includes dresses, or slacks or skirts with
tops of appropriate formality.
- Athletic attire is not permitted. This includes sweat suits, yoga pants, athletic shorts, tee shirts, polo shirts, sneakers and baseball caps. The Club does not permit hats, jeans or other denim garments, cargo pants, shorts, leggings, flip flops or crocs.