The Frick Collection’s Fellows, Young Fellows, and their guests gathered for the much-anticipated Spring Garden Party – a signature evening of art, music, and elegance that returned to the museum’s historic Fifth Avenue home for the first time since its multi-year renovation.
Ambiance at the Spring Garden Party; photo: Matt Borkowski/BFA.com
Set against the backdrop of the museum’s recently restored galleries and the rarely accessible Fifth Avenue Garden, the event offered a magical summer night filled with culture and conviviality. Guests sipped expertly crafted cocktails and sampled a delectable array of seasonally inspired hors d’oeuvres and desserts provided by Olivier Cheng Catering & Events, while the lively jazz sounds of The Flail quartet set the tone.
Guests enjoying a preview of the Frick’s special exhibition Vermeer’s Love Letters at the Spring Garden Party; photo: Matt Borkowski/BFA.com
One of the evening’s highlights was an exclusive preview of Vermeer’s Love Letters, the debut exhibition in the Frick’s newly unveiled Ronald S. Lauder Exhibition Galleries. For the first time, three masterpieces by Johannes Vermeer- Mistress and Maid (The Frick Collection), The Love Letter (Rijksmuseum), and Woman Writing a Letter, with Her Maid (National Gallery of Ireland) were shown together, offering a breathtaking glimpse into the artist’s nuanced portrayals of intimacy and communication. The show officially opened to the public the following day.
Attendees were also treated to an after-hours access to the museum’s permanent collection, now showcased in refreshed gallery spaces. Works by Bellini, Rembrandt, Fragonard, and Turner captivated viewers, along with just recently accessible second-floor galleries.
The decor, expertly executed by Stellar Style Events, complemented the grandeur of the evening, while the museum’s leadership and supporters including Axel Rüger, Anna-Maria and Stephen Kellen, and Annabelle Selldorf helped bring the celebration to life.
Larry Keigwin, Trustee Chuck Royce, Deborah Royce, John Updike Curator Aimee Ng, and Anna-Maria and Stephen Kellen Director Axel Rüger; photo: George Koelle
The evening was not only a celebration of art and history but also a triumphant return for one of New York’s most cherished cultural institutions. As twilight fell over Central Park and the garden sparkled under the June sky, guests toasted to a new chapter at the Frick, where tradition and transformation now go hand in hand.
Moments to remember:
Victoria Whipple and Catherine Gray; photo: Matteo Prandoni/BFA.com
Ingrid Abramovitch, Associate Director of Communications Heidi Rosenau, and Leah Singer; photo: Matteo Prandoni/BFA.com
Libby Lindsey and Host Committee member Alexander Hankin; photo: Matteo Prandoni/BFA.com
Alessia Fendi; photo: Matteo Prandoni/BFA.com
Associate Director of Marketing and Visitor Experience Alexis Light and Host Committee member Alexander Hankin; photo: Matteo Prandoni/BFA.com
Peter and Jamee Gregory and Trustee and Host Committee member Suzzara Durocher; photo: George Koelle
Anna Zaiachkivska, Anita Saggurti, Michael Espiritu, and Anastasia Koval; photo: Matteo Prandoni/BFA.com
Monica Elias; photo: Matt Borkowski/BFA.com
Sarah Lechevalier and Avishan Bodjnoud; photo: George Koelle
Associate Director of Development Angie Calderwood, Associate Curator of Decorative Arts Marie-Laure Buku Pongo, Erick Brocoy, and Aurela Dragani; photo: George Koelle