5 Reasons Why Delhi Gymkhana Club Remains One Of India’s Most Talked-About Elite Spaces

The Delhi Gymkhana Club, founded in 1913, is one of India's most prestigious colonial-era institutions, known for its elite members and historical significance. Designed by Russell, it boasts a rich history, including pool funded by Lady Willingdon.

Image Credit : Delhi Gymkhana Club Website

About Delhi Gymkhana Club

One of the oldest, most prestigious, most architecturally significant social and athletic organisations in India is the Delhi Gymkhana Club, which was founded in July 1913 as the Imperial Delhi Gymkhana Club. The colonial-era club, which spans 27.3 acres at 2, Safdarjung Road in the high-security center of Lutyens' Delhi, has long been a major gathering place for the nation's business, military, political, and bureaucratic elite. But the ancient club has just reached a significant turning point.

Image Credit : Delhi Gymkhana Club Website

5 Interesting Facts About Delhi Gymkhana Club

How Was It Formed?

King George V's abrupt and unexpected declaration at the conclusion of the 1911 Delhi Durbar that Delhi would become the capital of British India instead of Calcutta is what gave origin to the club. There was an urgent need for a casual area to eat, socialise, and play sports due to the large migration of British military officers and civil staff to the new capital.

Name Changed Later

Initially called the "Imperial Delhi Gymkhana Club," it was founded on July 3, 1913, in the Coronation Grounds, the site of the Durbar. Sir Spencer Harcourt Butler served as its first president. Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru became the club's new vice-patron when it removed the word "Imperial" from its name following India's independence in 1947.

Image Credit : Delhi Gymkhana Club website

Delhi Gymkhana Club

Who Designed It?

The club was given a perpetual lease on 27.3 acres of property on Safdarjung Road when the capital changed. British architect Robert T. Russell built the main structure in the early 1930s. Connaught Place and the Commander-in-Chief's home (later renamed Teen Murti House, PM Nehru's official residence) are two more enormous Delhi icons that Russell is renowned for building.

How Club Got Its Swimming Pool?

Both the Gymkhana Club and the Viceregal House (now Rashtrapati Bhavan), which was still under construction, lacked a swimming pool in the early 1930s. The Viceroy's wife, Lady Willingdon, enjoyed swimming but became weary of having to wait on sluggish government contractors or utilise the private pools of rich residents. She personally donated ₹21,000 to the club to expedite development since she was eager to have her own area. The building still has an inscription honouring the "Lady Willingdon Swimming Bath."

One Of The Oldest Library

The club's library is just as ancient as the organization. It began with a little collection of 500 volumes in the early 1930s. With over 35,000 volumes and more than a thousand new books added to its shelves annually, it has developed into a vast haven for bibliophiles throughout the years.

The Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs issued an emergency lease termination and re-entry order on May 22, 2026, requiring the club to turn over the whole property to the government by June 5, 2026. The Center claimed that the prime land parcel is situated in a highly sensitive, strategic area and is vital to support public security initiatives integrated with adjacent government lands, establish governance facilities, and strengthen national defence infrastructure, citing urgent public purpose and national interest.