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

The Frick Collection Reopens April 17

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Originally constructed in the 18th century, Palazzo Rosati embodies the classical style of Lombard architecture, characterized by its symmetrical façade, graceful proportions, and intricate detailing. Its soft hues of terracotta and cream harmonize with the serene landscape, creating an enchanting vista against the azure waters of Lake Como.

Palazzo Rosati has witnessed centuries of history unfold within its walls. Each room whispers tales of opulent gatherings, romantic intrigues, and cultural exchanges that have shaped the fabric of its legacy.

Adorned with frescoes, ornate furnishings, and exquisite artwork, the soaring ceilings and arched doorways evoke a sense of grandeur, while the sun-drenched salons and terraces offer panoramic views of the lake and surrounding gardens.

Today, Palazzo Rosati stands as a testament to the enduring beauty of Italian craftsmanship and the timeless allure of Lake Como. It serves as a luxurious retreat for discerning travelers seeking a glimpse into the region’s rich heritage and unparalleled natural splendor.

Whether basking in the splendor of its gardens, savoring exquisite cuisine overlooking the lake, or simply indulging in moments of quiet reflection, visitors to Palazzo Rosati are invited to immerse themselves in a world of sophistication, where the echoes of history blend seamlessly with the rhythms of modern life.

Special thanks to the whole family and especially to dear friend, Loris Diran who gathered us all on the occasion of his big birthday!

Ana, Sue, Tijana, Atalita, Antonio, Loris

Video transcribed:

Tijana Ibrahimovic: Hi guys I’m in Lake Como, Italy and I have a special treat for you. I’m going to show you around a beautiful palazzo where if you like you can actually stay!  Let’s go!

Loris Diran : Welcome to Palazzo Rosati, the home of the Rosati family and all of its descendants for almost 200 years. Come on in. Rosati was built in 1701 and is in near pristine condition, it truly exemplifies the architecture and style of the period in Northern Italy.

Here we have the upstairs rooms, portraits of my family line, the hallways. this is one of the great patriarch and some of the other people from different eras that are featured on the walls.

Mario Musa: The house was built in the end of 17th century, finished in 1701 you can still see the date on the main fireplace and bought by this gentleman who was my great great great grandfather in 1841. Ever since it has been within the family so what is special of this Palazzo is that it’s a sort of time a machine I would say because when you when you enter the salons, the rooms you really feel projected back into the at least 19th century. It has remained in the pristine condition of the house that this gentleman bought and decorated. My family used to come here every summer for the past I would say almost almost 300 years. We would open the house in June and close it in October when they would go back to Como the main town here. They would actually come up by boat every beginning of the summer with big boats loaded with all the personal things they needed for the summer vacation so what you really experience here is what we call in Italian “villeggiatura” so being in a place like this, spending the time with friends, indulging in good reads, in good food, good walks around. The other big advantage here is that the lake is very close but you’re not right on the lake so it’s very calm and tranquil so you can you have a lot of privacy. It’s a sort of very serene place where where to spend your your free time.

Lavinia Fattore: As we heard, Palazzo Rosati has a long history behind this house and I’m part of the family that spent a long time here. I think now we want also to have guests, not only our friends our family but we want to offer for events. Why? Because the kind of vibes, the kind of emotion you can experience in a place like this with such a historical background which can make a complete difference. What are the best kind of events we can organize here? First of all weddings. I have my personal wedding here, my sister too, my cousins too, and you can enjoy the garden, you can enjoy the view of the lake and you can enjoy our nice rooms inside with paintings, ancient paintings completely kept in their original situation. You can have a special dinner for instance having a great view of the lake, of the mountain,  sunsets so that is another nice experience.

Mario Musa: The ground floor areas, the the gardens, quite unique and memorable. Events we did it in the family, I personally got married here, my cousin got married here and all our guests have very fun memories of the uniqueness of an event organized here because it feels like home.

Federico Rovida: I’m attached to this house because of the long and huge family legacy it brings and as a new generation I hope, with both caring of this house and both as a professional I hope to cherish and enlarge the legacy this house will bring to the next generations.

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