TOUR PHOTOS
of
"EXPLORING THE COSMOS: An Architectural Tour"
Saturday, November 20th, 2004

On Saturday, November 20th, members of the ICA Mid-Atlantic Chapter toured the Cosmos and University Clubs and the Society of the Cincinnati in Washington DC. We experienced great spaces and had an opportunity to glimpse into the inner, behind-the-scenes working of three of the most prestigious social clubs in Washington. The fact that our group was small, enabled us to take our time and enjoy the spaces, their adornment and furnishings at some length.

The Cosmos Club was originally a house designed by Carrere and Hastings, which has incurred additions far beyond the extent of what served the original family. Nonetheless, the inherent elegance of the main spaces pervaded the tour. Our host at the Cosmos Club was member Laurence Aurbach Sr., notable for his involvement in the maintenance and development of the facilities. He guided us through some of the finer interior spaces in Washington, among them the mirrored ballroom, the long gallery and other spaces, commenting on the history of the building and the various works of art and memorabilia which adorn the spaces.

At the Anderson House, now the Society of the Cincinnati. Collections Curator Emily Schultz as well as a kind docent showed us the procession of well-proportioned and elegant rooms that are at the heart of the house. Anderson House was built by Little and Brown of Boston for formal social entertainment for a member of the Diplomatic Corps, and its major spaces are more intact and continue to serve in their original functions. These included the entry sequence and grand stair, a wonderful ballroom, and the gallery, dining room and drawing rooms adjacent.

Albert Armstrong, general manager of the University Club, hosted us in style through the various spaces of the building originally designed to house the Racquet Club. It was here that we were introduced to the inner workings of a modern club, complete with extensive food and beverage operations as well as recently modernized athletic and spa facilities. At the end of our tour he watered our group in the club lounge. The martini was excellent.

-Nir Buras