Frequently Asked Questions

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At the time of its creation in 1903, women were fighting for their right to vote and for more equality in the workplace. Since then, the Lyceum has always aimed to be a place where women could have discussions on a broad range of cultural, scientific and societal topics, and where they could develop new friendships. As a result, the Lyceum Club is run by women, for women, and this founding principle is part of the DNA of the Lyceum. Nevertheless, some of the events organised by Lyceum Clubs across the world are at times open to partners, male friends, or to the general public. This is usually the case for events with guest speakers. For example, partners are welcome at the International Cultural Days and Congress.

In addition to show an interest in the arts, sciences, social concerns and in the pursuit of lifelong learning, holding a higher educational degree is another requirement for applying to the Lyceum. However, the President and the committee will also consider the applications of women on the grounds of particular achievement or talent (arts, music, sport,...), who would benefit from being a member of the Lyceum Club and who would contribute positively to the life of the Club, or whenever they believe there is a mutual benefit for both the Club and the applicant.

Non-political or apolitical means that we ask our members not to militate, promote their political ideas, or openly showcase their affiliation to a party. The same attitude is expected for religion. 

Nevertheless, keeping oneself informed and learning about a broad range of topics is at the core of the values of the Lyceum. Therefore the Lyceum can be a forum to provide insight and information to members across all subjects, and will always do so in a non-partisan way, leaving members free to draw their own conclusion. Speakers invited for talks always speak in their name; any views they express are their own and not to be misinterpreted or misrepresented as being endorsed by the Lyceum Club.

The International Lyceum Club of London is a British Club open to all nationalities. 

So far, more than eight nationalities are represented in the Club and this reflects the cosmopolitanism of London.

A certain formality is part of the ‘DNA’ of the Lyceum alongside Respect, Politeness and Care, and helps the club to align to the Club’s values worldwide. It ensures the development of friendly relations between members within the Club as well as between Clubs across the world. 

As a private club, the formality of the Lyceum Clubs is nothing exceptional, and forms a part of what makes the Club convivial to all its members.

There are three reasons for considering the Lyceum Club: the quality of its programme and its members, the friendly environment and its internationalism. We propose a curated and varied programme of events. We will soon start proposing Circles (regular activities of specific interest for members only) and talks with guest speakers. To join the Club we ask our future members to adhere to the aims of the Lyceum Club defined in our Constitution, to hold a Higher Education degree and to be willing to contribute to the life of the Club by participating in events. Like other private clubs, the Lyceum clubs across the world have a long tradition of having a formal membership process which has proved to be essential for creating a friendly space and making sure that our members are comfortable within the Lyceum world. It is part of the ‘DNA’ of the Club. Lyceum members would typically mention the quality of the programme, meeting like-minded women and friendship as the reasons for joining the Club.