Apr 19: A Night for the Louvre: The 2026 Joie de Vivre Gala at The Rainbow Room
- Upstairs NYC
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Updated: 19 hours ago
A night of quintessential French joie de vivre atop the Manhattan skyline.
Date & Time
Date: Sunday, April 19, 2026
Schedule: 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM: Cocktails, 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM: Dinner, Auction, & Dancing
Location
The Rainbow Room
49 West 49th Street, New York, NY 10112 (Rockefeller Center, 65th Floor) (map)
Overview:
Chairman Mr. Christopher Forbes and the American Friends of the Louvre (AFL) request the pleasure of your company for an evening that defines the New York social season. The 2026 New York Gala is more than a black-tie affair; it is a celebration of the enduring bond between the world’s most famous museum and the visionary leaders who sustain its legacy. This year, the spotlight falls on the transformative power of art and the quiet, steadfast strength of global philanthropy.
Honorees & Special Guests
Cœur d’Art Award Recipient: Harry Nuriev
The visionary founder of Crosby Studios, Nuriev is celebrated for his "Transformism" movement. Having recently made history with his Louvre Couture installation—the museum's first-ever exhibition dedicated to fashion—Nuriev stands as one of the few living artists to ever exhibit within the Louvre’s hallowed halls.
Cœur de Philanthropie Award (Posthumous): Patrick A. Gerschel
A tribute to the late financier and cultural titan who served as the inaugural Treasurer of AFL for over two decades. A Chevalier of the Légion d’honneur and a senior figure at Lazard Frères, Gerschel’s financial stewardship was foundational to the organization’s success.
Auctioneer: Phyllis Kao, Sotheby’s
One of the industry’s most dynamic auctioneers, Ms. Kao will lead an exciting live auction benefiting the American Friends of the Louvre.
Dress Code: Black Tie & Silver Accents
Beneficiary: American Friends of the Louvre (AFL)
Atmosphere: High-glamour, intellectually rigorous, and unmistakably French.
Key Takeaways
The Dress Code: Black tie with flourishes of silver. This is a deliberate nod to Harry Nuriev’s futuristic, metallic-heavy aesthetic—expect a room shimmering with avant-garde elegance.
Cultural Symbiosis: The gala highlights the "Louvre Couture" momentum, signaling a permanent shift in how the fine art world embraces the cultural impact of fashion.
Legacy of Leadership: The evening honors the transition from the foundational philanthropy of Patrick Gerschel to the modern, multidisciplinary influence of Harry Nuriev.
An Insider’s Tip:
The Rainbow Room's revolving floor and panoramic views are the perfect backdrop for the "flourishes of silver" required by the dress code. For those looking to impress, don't just stop at accessories; think structural silver elements or silk-threads that catch the light during the auction. Also, keep your eye on the Phyllis Kao-led auction—the items often include "money-can't-buy" access to the Louvre’s private vaults and restoration studios.
A Note for Our Inner Circle:
This gala is the unofficial "intellectual salon" of the Spring season. It attracts a unique demographic: Lazard-era financiers, contemporary architects, and the crème de la crème of the Sotheby’s and Christie’s collecting circles. Unlike more corporate galas, the AFL event feels like a private homecoming for those whose hearts are split between the Rive Gauche and the Upper East Side.
Official Info: https://aflouvre.org/event/the-2026-new-york-gala/
