Ambiance in the James S. and Barbara N. Reibel Reception Hall at the Young Fellows Ball; photo:
George Koelle

Presented in partnership with designer Bach Mai and Bucherer Fine Jewelry, this year’s event embraced the enchanting theme “Porcelain Garden,” in celebration of the exhibition Porcelain Garden: Vladimir Kanevsky at The Frick Collection. On view through October 6, the installation features a commissioned series of lifelike porcelain sculptures displayed throughout the galleries—a tribute to the fresh floral arrangements that adorned the museum at its 1935 opening.

Adding to the evening’s prestige, designer Bach Mai served as Honorary Chair, while Paul Arnhold, Misty Copeland, Laurence Ross Milstein, Arielle Patrick, and Lola Tung acted as Benefit Chairs. For the first time, the event included a VIP Lounge, offering exclusive access and luxury gift bags to top supporters.

Honorary Chair Bach Mai; photo: Matt Borkowski/BFA.com

The 2025 Young Fellows Ball atmosphere was brought to life with vibrant music by DJs Angel + Dren, refreshments and hors d’oeuvres by Olivier Cheng Catering & Events, stunning décor by Stellar Style Events, and technical production by L&M Sound & Light. Guests enthusiastically interpreted the floral theme through fashion, donning flowing gowns, botanically inspired jewelry, and intricate embroidered menswear. Two immersive photo experiences, echoing the porcelain blooms on display, invited attendees to step into dreamlike garden scenes on each floor of the museum.

Gallery talk in the Library Gallery at the Young Fellows Ball; photo: Matt Borkowski/BFA.com

Gallery talks throughout the evening highlighted masterworks by Turner and Lawrence, Sèvres porcelain in the iconic Fragonard Room, and the newly opened second floor.

Support and Impact
The Ball raised over $500,000 in support of the Frick’s vital programming, including educational initiatives that reach public school students across all five NYC boroughs and online audiences nationwide. Additional support was provided by Good Twin, Silent Pool Gin, RéVive, Overholt, Mijenta Tequila, Macchu Pisco, Quinn Rosé, The Caviar Co., and Tito’s Handmade Vodka.

Associate Curator of Decorative Arts Marie-Laure Buku Pongo, Daniel Goldstein, YF Steering Committee member Bailey Foote, Anna-Maria and Stephen Kellen Director Axel Rüger, Associate Curator Giulio Dalvit, Benefit Chair Misty Copeland, John Updike Curator Aimee Ng, and YF Steering Committee member Alexander Hankin; photo: Matteo Prandoni/BFA.com

Young Fellows Steering Committee member Alexander Hankin and Associate Director of
Marketing and Visitor Experience Alexis Light; photo: Matt Borkowski/BFA.com

Benefit Committee member Brittany Beyer Harwin; photo: Matteo Prandoni/BFA.com

Natalie Dougherty, Hannah Gräfin von Waldersee, Benefit Committee member Christina Murphy, and Lizzie Asher; photo: Matteo Prandoni/BFA.com

: Benefit Committee member Sarah Godfrey; photo: Matteo Prandoni/BFA.com

Katherine Boulud and Benefit Committee member Kaleta Blaffer Johnson; photo: Matt
Borkowski/BFA.com

Benefit Committee members Benjamin Dean and Natalie Jackson; photo: Matt
Borkowski/BFA.com

Alexandra Moncure; photo: Matteo Prandoni/BFA.com

Benefit Chairs Laurence Ross Milstein and Misty Copeland; photo: Matteo Prandoni/BFA.com

About The Frick Collection
Now reopened following extensive renovations, The Frick Collection offers intimate access to one of the world’s premier collections of European fine and decorative arts, all housed in a Gilded Age mansion. Founded in 1935 by industrialist Henry Clay Frick, the museum has grown substantially and is also home to the renowned Frick Art Research Library, established by Helen Clay Frick.

About the Young Fellows
The Young Fellows is a vibrant group of supporters aged 21 to 45 who help sustain the Frick’s mission. Their contributions support conservation efforts, exhibitions, and public programs. Members enjoy exclusive access to educational and social events throughout the year.

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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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