Sällskapet

Sällskapet is an exclusive gentlemen's club in Stockholm, providing club facilities to a constitutionally limited number of members and their invited guests. The success of private gentlemen's clubs in London during the eighteenth century led to a group of Swedish socialites seeking similar facilities in their capital. A total of 91 founders established Sällskapet, which opened on 1 December 1800. The club's membership remains male only, though members may bring female guests into the clubhouse daily after 3 pm. On 31 March 1870, Sällskapet relocated to a new purpose-built clubhouse in central Stockholm, on the opposite bank of the river from the Swedish Parliament and the Royal Palace. The King of Sweden, Carl XVI Gustaf, is a member and patron of the club. Prince Carl Philip Duke of Värmland is an honorary member. The main clubhouse has attractive lounges, games rooms, and a billiards room, as well as coffee rooms, dining rooms, and facilities for private study and work. The library houses a collection of over 15,000 books, and is one of the largest private collections in Sweden. Sällskapet is politically and religiously neutral. The club's primary purpose is to provide its members and their guests with a pleasant ambience for social gatherings. In addition, the club offers a diverse programme of activities, talks and discussions, as well as the option of enjoying lunch or dinner on its stunning premises, which were designed by leading nineteenth-century architect Johan Fredrik Åbom.