History
The Bohemian Club is a private men’s club incorporated on May 17, 1872 “for the association of gentlemen connected professionally with Literature, Art, Music, Drama and also those who, by reason of their love or appreciation of these objects and their interest in participating in Club activities, may be deemed eligible.” These four fields of interests are known as the “Four Pillars.” In the Club’s early years, its members’ interest in “the sciences” was also an expressed purpose of the Club, and that tradition has continued.
Club Membership Today
The Bohemian Club is proud of its history as a haven for artistic and intellectual practitioners.
Club membership is composed of professionals and semi-professionals in the arts as well as individuals with a purely avocational interest. The Club is social in nature and purpose with its focus on the fine and performing arts and literature. All members are strongly encouraged to participate in the activities of the Club, be it as a writer, a chorus member, a stagehand, or participant.
There are no restrictions as to race, religion, national ancestry, sexual orientation, or physical handicap. Aside from talent, interest, or the bent of patronage in the arts, the only requirement for membership is that applicants must be male and at least 21 years of age.
Today there are about 2,600 active members and a sizeable waiting list for admission.
The Club values ability or interest in the arts, true interest in the Club’s purposes and traditions, gentlemanly conduct, and willingness to participate and contribute to Club activities.
The Club is an equal opportunity employer.
Women and guests of Bohemian Club members are included throughout the year in selected events at the City Club and the Bohemian Grove.
The Club as a Refuge
One of the exaggerated notions about the Bohemian Club is that it is a gathering and decision-making place for national and international “power brokers.”
In fact, the Club is a refuge from decision-making and other pressures. The Club’s motto, “Weaving spiders, come not here,” conveys the Club’s character and purpose as a social, avocational organization. Conducting business is prohibited.
To Bohemians, any member who contributes to the Club’s purposes is “a celebrity.” What impresses the membership are gifts of talent, time, and the effort that members contribute to the Club’s own unique activities.
The membership comes from all walks of life, and the Club aims at all times to be a genuine home for artistic participation and appreciation, combined with good fellowship and generous spirit.
San Francisco and Sonoma
The current “City Club” in San Francisco was built in 1932 and contains dining rooms, a library, art gallery, a large theater, costume and scenery shops, and social rooms. In fall, winter, and spring, the City Club’s principal activities are weekly productions written, produced, and performed almost entirely by members and include a wide range of theatrical and musical presentations. The Club also holds monthly art exhibitions, classical music recitals, lectures, and readings of the works of well-known and emerging authors. There are also many scheduled and spontaneous performances by soloists and small musical groups, book discussion groups, science and health presentations, as well as art and photo exhibits.
Musically-talented members can participate in a 90-piece symphony orchestra, a 75-piece concert band, a 140-voice chorus, an 18-piece jazz band, and numerous smaller musical and vocal groups.
The Club also owns the Bohemian Grove which is a large, park-like camping retreat situated on the Russian River in Monte Rio, California, with outdoor theater venues. The Four Pillars focused events performed at the Bohemian Grove are the culmination of the creative and production process undertaken at the City Club during the year.