The Athenaeum

In Ancient Greece, the word Athenaeum referred to buildings dedicated to Athena, the goddess of wisdom, and in particular to a temple in Athens where poets, philosophers, and orators gathered to read and discuss their work. Over the centuries the term also has applied to numerous academies and learned societies. The first formal dinner was held on January 15, 1931, with Albert Einstein as one of the important guests. Three Nobel Prize winners, Albert Einstein, Robert A. Millikan, and A. A. Michelson, attended that dinner. Portraits of Hale, Noyes, Millikan, the Balches, and Caltech's past presidents hang in various rooms throughout The Athenaeum. For intimate gatherings to large scale events, each one of The Athenaeum’s meeting rooms and event spaces can accommodate and enhance the atmosphere of your occasion. Our Club features over 30,000 sq. ft. of total function space which includes 11,088 sq. ft. of event indoor space and 20,614 sq. ft. of event outdoor space – all with flexible room configurations that can cater to any type of event.