On December 1,1800, SÄLLSKAPET was founded in Stockholm, the Club's "Rules
and Regulations" were accepted, entered in the "Original Documents Book" and
duly signed by the 91 founding members. SÄLLSKAPET could consequently celebrate
its bicentennial in the year 2000.
SÄLLSKAPET chose its name from the Swedish expression for "society" or "social
gathering. The Club was founded as a "Gentlemen's club" and it has so
remained till this day.
Since March 31, 1870, SÄLLSKAPET resides at Arsenalsgatan 7, a building
which was purposely erected for the Club. The architect Johan Fredrik Åbom
was a successful Stockholm builder and he had impressed the Club's members
with his design of the banqueting hall at Hotel Rydberg, located on Gustaf
Adolfs Square, where the Club resided at that time. He was sub-sequently
requested to copy the banqueting hall in the new Club building. Today
the result of his efforts is our beautiful principal dining room. On March 31, 1877 SÄLLSKAPET acquired the building.
The Club houses one of the largest private libraries in Sweden, containing
more than 15.000 volumes in addition to a number of attractive lounge
rooms as well as games and billiard rooms.
H.M. King Carl XVI Gustaf is the Patron of SÄLLSKAPET. HRH Prince
Carl Philip, the Duke of Värmland, is a honorary member.
SÄLLSKAPET counts some 2.000 members. Some 30 current members have
belonged to SÄLLSKAPET for more than 50 years and benefit from a
life time membership. Currently new membership requests exceed available
openings.
SÄLLSKAPET represents a neutral position on issues concerning politics
and faith. The Club sees as its principal task to offer a welcoming environment
for social gatherings and to provide for the comfort of its members.
The Club offers its members participation in a wide range of special
interest societies, at lectures and in debates as well as the opportunity
to lunch and dine on the splendid premises. Seating capacity in the two largest diningrooms is max 150 and 80 resp.
SÄLLSKAPET has entered into a number of Reciprocal Agreements with
similar clubs around the world. |