On the evening of March 31, 2025, the art world’s elite gathered in New York City for a momentous occasion— Frick Collection Opening Gala. This highly anticipated black-tie affair marked the return of the museum to its historic Fifth Avenue home after an extensive multi-year renovation. More than just a celebration of the institution’s revitalization, the night also paid tribute to Ian Wardropper, the esteemed former Anna-Maria and Stephen Kellen Director, who recently retired after a distinguished tenure.
Ian Wardropper, Axel Rüger, Betty Eveillard
The sold-out event, an exquisite blend of history, art, and philanthropy, raised an impressive $3.7 million. These vital funds will support the museum’s conservation efforts, educational initiatives, and exhibitions, ensuring the Frick continues to inspire generations to come.
An Evening of Elegance and Art
Guests arrived to a grand cocktail reception at 7:00 p.m., followed by a lavish dinner at 8:00 p.m. The ambiance was nothing short of magical, with floral arrangements adorning each dining space, inspired by the museum’s architecture and treasured artworks. Attendees had the rare privilege of an exclusive preview of newly unveiled second-floor galleries—open to the public for the first time in the museum’s history—alongside beautifully restored installations of the Frick’s legendary masterpieces. Adding to the grandeur, the evening’s menu was complemented by the newly released A. Overholt Monongahela Mash rye whiskey, a nod to the museum’s founder, Henry Clay Frick, whose grandfather established the iconic brand in 1810.
Ambiance in the West Gallery at The Frick Collection Opening Gala; photo: Matteo Prandoni/BFA.com
A Tribute to Leadership and Legacy
During the dinner, Elizabeth “Betty” Eveillard, Chair of the Frick’s Board of Trustees, took the stage to welcome guests. She spoke of the significance of returning to the museum’s historic setting and highlighted the evening’s true purpose: celebrating Ian Wardropper’s exceptional leadership. In recognition of his enduring impact, she announced the naming of the Ian Wardropper Education Room, a newly built space dedicated to expanding educational programming.
Following Eveillard’s remarks, the museum’s new director, Axel Rüger, honored his predecessor with heartfelt words of admiration. He underscored Ian’s unwavering commitment to education and accessibility, presenting him with a Christofle silver tray as a symbolic reversal of Ian’s usual role at the event. In response, Ian shared his reflections on the essence of the Frick experience—immersing oneself in art within the museum’s grand yet intimate spaces. He expressed gratitude to those who helped bring the ambitious renovation project to life and closed his speech with a triumphant sentiment: “Long live the Frick!”
An Artful Farewell
As the Frick Collection Opening Gala drew to a close, guests were treated to a whimsical dessert—a chocolate box shaped like an art shipping crate. Cracking it open with a gold hammer revealed an exquisite surprise: a selection of shortbread cookies, each designed to resemble a masterpiece from the Frick’s collection. As a final touch, attendees received a copy of Ian’s latest book, The Fricks Collect: An American Family and the Evolution of Taste in the Gilded Age, along with a bespoke box of Ladurée macarons.
“Special Delivery” dessert served at The Frick Collection Opening Gala; photo: Matteo
Prandoni/BFA.com
A New Era for The Frick Collection
The reopening of The Frick Collection on April 17, 2025, marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for this beloved institution. Thanks to Ian Wardropper’s visionary leadership, the museum has been transformed, ensuring that its world-renowned collection continues to captivate audiences in an enhanced and expanded setting.
With its Gilded Age charm now complemented by modern refinements, The Frick Collection reopens its doors not just as a museum, but as an enduring testament to art, scholarship, and timeless beauty.
An evening like this is only complete with some great looks. Who were some of the most stylish guests at the Frick Collection Opening Gala ?
Tina Raja and Thomas Woltz; photo: George Koelle
Associate Director of Marketing and Visitor Experience Alexis Light; photo: Matteo Prandoni/BFA.com
Gala Vice-Chair Barbara Reibel, Trustee and Gala Vice-Chair James S. Reibel, and Katherine Reibel; photo: George Koelle
Mercedes de Guardiola and Hannah Gräfin von Waldersee; photo: George Koelle
Jordan Roth, Ivy Getty, and Young Fellow Gala Co-Chair Laurence Ross Milstein; photo: Matteo Prandoni/BFA.com
Anna-Maria and Stephen Kellen Director Axel Rüger, Associate Curator of Decorative Arts Marie- Laure Buku Pongo, John Updike Curator Aimee Ng, and Associate Curator Giulio Dalvit photo: George Koelle
Tom Jonas and Madeline Bogert; photo: George Koelle
Katie Firth Bank and Nicholas Firth; photo: George Koelle
Young Fellow Gala Co-Chair Casey Kohlberg; photo: Matteo Prandoni/BFA.com
Trustee and Gala Vice-Chair Stephen A. Schwarzman, Gala Vice-Chair Christine Schwarzman, and honoree Ian Wardropper; photo: Matteo Prandoni/BFA.com
Krishen Sud and Martha Santaella-Sud; photo: Matteo Prandoni/BFA.com
“Special Delivery” dessert served at The Frick Collection Opening Gala; photo: Matteo Prandoni/BFA.com
