The Frick Collection welcomed distinguished guests, art enthusiasts, philanthropists, and cultural leaders to its highly anticipated Autumn Dinner 2026 on October 20, 2026. Held in the museum’s historic mansion at 1 East 70th Street in New York City, the black-tie gala honored acclaimed architect Annabelle Selldorf, whose vision guided the institution’s ambitious, multi-year renovation completed in 2025.
Anna-Maria and Stephen Kellen Director Axel Rüger delivering remarks in the West Gallery; photo:
Matteo Prandoni/BFA.com
The elegant evening marked the first Autumn Dinner held inside the historic mansion since the completion of the renovation, which represented the most comprehensive upgrade to the institution in 90 years. The gala raised an impressive $2.8 million, providing essential support for The Frick Collection and the Frick Art Research Library, including conservation initiatives, educational programs, and special exhibitions.
An Elegant Evening Surrounded by Art and Architecture
The celebration began with a cocktail reception at 7 p.m., followed by a seated dinner. Guests gathered in several of the museum’s first-floor galleries, dining among masterpieces by celebrated artists including Johannes Vermeer, Rembrandt van Rijn, and J. M. W. Turner.
The evening’s décor complemented Selldorf’s refined architectural sensibility and the museum’s beautifully renewed interiors. White and silver place settings, elegant brown table linens, and low floral arrangements created a sophisticated atmosphere that allowed the historic surroundings and extraordinary works of art to remain the focal point.
Olivier Cheng Catering & Events provided the catering, while Marfala created the event décor. The combination of exceptional art, thoughtful design, and elegant hospitality reflected the Frick’s distinctive position at the intersection of art, architecture, and New York cultural life.
Gala Honoree Annabelle Selldorf delivering remarks; photo: Matteo Prandoni/BFA.com
Annabelle Selldorf Honored for Her Visionary Work
Elizabeth M. Eveillard, chair of The Frick Collection’s Board of Trustees, opened the dinner with welcoming remarks and expressed her gratitude to Selldorf for her extraordinary contribution to the institution.
Eveillard praised the architect as the ideal choice to lead the renovation, emphasizing the importance of preserving the cherished character of the 90-year-old museum founded by industrialist and art collector Henry Clay Frick.
Before dessert, Axel Rüger, the Anna-Maria and Stephen Kellen Director of The Frick Collection, thanked the evening’s supporters and reflected on the renovation’s achievements. Among the project’s milestones was its LEED Silver certification, recognizing its commitment to sustainability. Rüger also highlighted an unprecedented year of museum attendance and public engagement following the institution’s reopening.
Gala Co-Chair Betty Eveillard, Gala Honoree Annabelle Selldorf, and Anna-Maria and Stephen
Kellen Director Axel Rüger; photo: Matteo Prandoni/BFA.com
Rüger celebrated Selldorf’s international accomplishments, including her work on major cultural institutions and her latest high-profile project: the Louvre Nouvelle Renaissance initiative in Paris, which includes plans for a new museum entrance and a dedicated gallery for Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa.
Selldorf was formally recognized as The Frick Collection’s 2026 honoree and presented with a commemorative silver tray. In her acceptance remarks, the architect expressed appreciation for everyone who contributed to the renovation, including her team at Selldorf Architects and the executive architects at Beyer Blinder Belle. She acknowledged the collaborative nature of the ambitious undertaking, observing that a project of this scale requires not simply a village but an entire city.
Reflecting on architecture’s ability to influence how people experience the world, Selldorf emphasized that successful design extends beyond appearances. For her, architecture can create a sense of welcome, encourage empathy, and transform the way people relate to their surroundings.
Annabelle Selldorf’s Global Architectural Legacy
Born and raised in Cologne, Germany, Selldorf is the principal and founder of Selldorf Architects, an internationally recognized firm known for its thoughtful approach to cultural, residential, commercial, and civic projects.
Her work for The Frick Collection demonstrates her ability to balance contemporary design with historic preservation, modernizing the museum’s facilities while respecting the character of its distinguished Gilded Age mansion.
Selldorf’s cultural projects span some of the world’s most respected museums and institutions, including the National Gallery in London, the Art Gallery of Ontario, The Wallace Collection, the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the Clark Art Institute, the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, and Neue Galerie New York.
Beyond the cultural sector, the firm has undertaken significant public and civic projects, including the Sunset Park Material Recovery Facility on Brooklyn’s waterfront and wastewater management buildings along the Gowanus Canal. Selldorf’s professional achievements have earned her widespread recognition and was also named to the TIME100 list of the world’s most influential people in 2025 and the TIME100 Art List in 2026.
Sarah McNear, Director Emeritus Ian Wardropper, and Gala Co-Chair Margot Bogert; photo:
Matteo Prandoni/BFA.com
Supporting the Future of Art and Culture
The Frick Collection’s Autumn Dinner 2026 brought together the worlds of art, architecture, philanthropy, and cultural preservation for an evening celebrating both an extraordinary individual and a historic institution.
The event was chaired by Margot and Jerry Bogert, Elizabeth M. and Jean-Marie R. Eveillard, Jane and Michael Horvitz, and Christine and Stephen A. Schwarzman. Vice-chairs included Barbara and Brad Evans, Karen Z. Gray-Krehbiel and John H. Krehbiel Jr., Jane Moss and Ravenel Curry, Barbara and James Reibel, and Tavitian Foundation, Inc. Young Fellow gala co-chairs were Casey Kohlberg, Laurence Ross Milstein, Anita Saggurti, and Alexa and Marc Suskin.
Peter and Jamee Gregory and Gala Co-Chairs Jane and Michael Horvitz; photo: Matteo
Prandoni/BFA.com
Gala Vice-Chairs Barbara and Jay Reibel; photo: Matt Borkowski/BFA.com
Peter and Jamee Gregory and Gala Co-Chairs Jane and Michael Horvitz; photo: Matteo
Prandoni/BFA.com
Barbara de Portago and Ralph and Ala Isham; photo: Matteo Prandoni/BFA.com
Peter Jay Sharp Chief Curator Aimee Ng and Associate Director of Marketing and Visitor
Experience Alexis Light; photo: Matt Borkowski/BFA.com
Julie Tobey, Trustee David Tobey, and President Emerita Helen Clay Chace
Associate Director of Development Alan Lane and Young Fellows Steering Committee member
Bailey Foote; photo: Matteo Prandoni/BFA.com
Paul Henkel and Sophia Herring; photo: Matteo Prandoni/BFA.com
Proceeds from the $2.8 million benefit will help sustain the museum’s exhibitions, conservation work, educational initiatives, and the resources of the Frick Art Research Library, reinforcing the institution’s mission to make exceptional art and scholarship accessible to the public.
Housed in one of New York City’s last great Gilded Age residences, The Frick Collection opened to the public in 1935 following Henry Clay Frick’s bequest of his home and art collection. Today, its holdings encompass European paintings, sculpture, and decorative arts spanning the Renaissance through the late nineteenth century. The Frick Art Research Library, founded by Frick’s daughter Helen Clay Frick, remains an important resource for students, scholars, and the wider public.
With its successful renovation and the continued support of its philanthropic community, The Frick Collection enters a new chapter while preserving the intimate atmosphere and artistic excellence that have defined it for generations.