Issue link: http://www.wacmagazine.com/i/249166
SÄLLSKAPET Reciprocal Club Sällskapet By Michelle Van Slack, Director Member Services Sightseeing in Stockholm Fall in love with Sweden in this classic club K Michelle Van Slack is Director Member Services. Send her feedback on your reciprocal club visits at mvanslack@wac.net. nown as the "Venice of the North" because of its plentiful waterways, the city of Stockholm is home to one of our oldest reciprocal clubs. Since its founding in December of 1800, Sällskapet has been a well-loved institution. The name Sällskapet is derived from the Swedish expression for "society" or "club." Sällskapet has many beautiful and well-appointed rooms. Its reading room is said to have one of the largest private libraries in Sweden with more than 15,000 volumes. You'll find it a fascinating and appealing place to spend a quiet afternoon. The stunning main dining room is a replica of the banquet hall of the long-closed Hotel Rydberg, where Sällskapet rented an entire floor from 1857 until the completion of its current location in 1870. The tall ceilings are emphasized with gilded crown moldings, and the stunning crystal chandeliers are reminiscent of the WAC's own Czechoslovakian chandeliers in the Crystal Ballroom. Today, Sällskapet has about 2,000 members. They often meet in the well-stocked bar, which proudly serves Sällskapet's privatelabel sparkling wine, port, red Bordeaux, and aquavit. Members also have a personal wine cellar where they can store their own bottles. In 2005, smoking became prohibited in bars and restaurants in Sweden; therefore, the club opened a cigar room. Today, you'll find members puffing happily on Sällskapet–branded cigars. Sällskapet has been charming members of the social elite for more than 200 years. With a letter of introduction from Member Services, you, too, can experience the Swedish masterpiece. Sällskapet Arsenalsgatan 7 SE-111 47 Stockholm, Sweden 46.08.679.55.90 info@sallskapet.se WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE »» Glamour-seeking fashionistas do their high-end shopping at the bustling square of Stureplan, a 10-minute walk from the club. ACCOMMODATION »» Sällskapet does not offer hotel services, but reciprocal members are offered special rates at nearby Hotel Diplomat Stockholm (diplomathotel.com) or Hotel Esplanade (hotelesplanade.se). DRESS CODE »» Jacket and tie, or feminine equivalent, are required. »» Use of mobile phones is prohibited in all areas except the cloakroom, phone booth, and conference rooms. For reciprocal letters of introduction or more information, call Member Services at 206.464.3068 or email membership@wac.net. 10 | Washington Athletic Club Magazine | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2014