Envision yourself as Carrie Bradshaw for a night, enjoying a glamorous evening out on the town. You’ll break in a pair of brand-new Manolo Blahniks while revelling in an atmosphere of art, sculpture, live music, and delectable food. At MoMA’s Party in the Garden, some of the most prominent figures in the art industry mingle at the bar, while Hollywood’s elite share laughter in the crowd. To add to the grandeur, you’ll be impressed by iconic sculptures by Picasso, Rodin, and Alexander Calder throughout the venue.

The Party in the Garden is an annual fundraising gala that has been held by the Museum of Modern Art in New York City for over two decades. This prestigious event is one of the most important fundraisers for the museum, raising millions of dollars through silent auction to support MoMA’s exhibitions, educational programs, and the conservation of the museum’s collection. The event features a cocktail reception, a dinner, and a live auction of artworks by famous artists, collectors, and galleries. The attendees of the party include high-profile figures from the art world, celebrities, and philanthropists who support MoMA’s mission of collecting, preserving, and presenting modern and contemporary art to the public. Guests don their best attire and the food is under the delegation of some of the best chefs in New York. Undoubtedly an extravagant affair, the garden appears an unending sea of flowers while past culinary highlights of burrata and halibut give a nod to seasonal flavours.

AN ARTISTIC LINEAGE

The first Party in the Garden took place in 1971 and was organized by the MoMA’s Junior Council, a group of young art enthusiasts who wanted to support the museum’s mission. The event was held in the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Sculpture Garden, a beautiful outdoor space that is in the heart of the museum, and it featured live music, dancing, and a silent auction. The proceeds from the event went to support the museum’s programs and exhibitions.  In 2013, the Party in the Garden underwent a major transformation, with a new format that featured a cocktail party and a seated dinner for VIP guests. While many things have changed and evolved throughout the many installations of this elegant affair, its iconic venue remains unchanged.

ESTEEMED HONOUREES

The upcoming Party in the Garden will celebrate the contributions of several noteworthy individuals. Barbara Chase-Riboud, an accomplished visual artist, sculptor, bestselling novelist, and award-winning poet, will be among those honored. Also in attendance will be Ed Ruscha, an influential figure in the Pop Art movement. The event will also recognize Marlene Hess for her exceptional charitable work, which benefits homeless women and children in New York City. Additionally, Darren Walker, the President of the Ford Foundation, will be acknowledged for his efforts in issuing a $1 billion social bond to assist non-profit organizations affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

MoMA makes a point to honour those who have positively impacted the community around them, be it through their art or simply through their desire to help people. Among the past honourees were Linda Goode Bryant, filmmaker, activist, and the founder of the influential Just Above Midtown (JAM) gallery, Wolfgang Tillmans, a German photographer and the first non-British person to be awarded the Tate annual Turner Prize, as well as Mellody Hobson, a strong proponent of financial literacy and investor education on a national level. Additionally, MoMA honoured Hobson’s husband, the great George Lucas- who gave us Han Solo and our beloved Indy.

A DELECTABLE FÊTE

This dinner is not a by-product of the main Party, but rather an event of its own. The tables are lined with hand calligraphed number cards, the foliage presented on the table not only ties the whole room together but seems as though is in itself luminous. Over the years, MoMA’s Party in the Garden has featured food from some of the most renowned chefs and caterers in New York City. The event’s food and beverage program is carefully curated to reflect the museum’s commitment to innovation and creativity. Some of the notable food vendors and caterers that have supplied food for MoMA’s Party in the Garden include Danny Meyers and Abigail Kirsch. The food is carefully centred around creating an unforgettable experience for the guest. One can expect the food to be as exquisite as is the surrounding of the meal. The venue is almost magical; you are dining amongst literal works of art and the highly anticipated headliner is just coming up the stage. It’s a successful cosmopolitan evening.

A MUSICAL CONCLUSION

A gala after-party is ensured post-dinner and it would not be a cliché to say that the atmosphere is electric. In past years, the event has featured performances by artists such as Patti Smith, The Roots, and Vampire Weekend, among many others. However,  performances by Anderson Paak and Michaël Brun take the cake as people were seen dancing and drinking till the early hours of the morning after a thorough serenading by Silk Sonic’s Paak. This year’s musical talent hasn’t been announced yet, but guests can expect a diverse and exciting lineup of musicians showcasing some of the best talent in the music industry.

All things considered, MoMA’s Party in The Garden is not something to be missed. It checks all the boxes for an art, food, or music lover. An evening spent in Bradshaw’s shoes is an evening spent validating our inner youth. All in all, it’s the ultimate New York City experience.