Last night, New York’s art scene gathered in grandeur, with the 2025 Whitney Gala marking not only a milestone anniversary but also a momentous celebration of culture and community. It was a night of opulence, as the gala commemorated a full decade since the Whitney Museum relocated to its vibrant new home in the Meatpacking District, along with celebrating the 10-year anniversary of the iconic Max Mara Whitney bag. At the heart of this event was not just a celebration of time but the spirit of giving back, which culminated in an astounding $6 million raised to support the museum. The Anna-Maria and Stephen Kellen Foundation hosted the evening, with notable figures like Judy and Leonard Lauder lending their names as honorary co-chairs. The evening attracted a glittering array of attendees including the likes of Leslie Bibb, Michelle Monaghan, Claire Danes, and Nicky and Kathy Hilton.
Honoring the Vanguard of Art
This year, the gala shifted its focus beyond celebration to pay homage to three titans of the art world, each leaving an unmistakable legacy. Celebrated artist Amy Sherald, curator and scholar Barbara Haskell, and devoted patron Richard DeMartini took center stage, reminding guests of the undercurrents driving contemporary artistic discourse. Against the backdrop of the Whitney’s iconic galleries, Sherald delivered a captivating address. Known for her poignant portrait of First Lady Michelle Obama, she spoke of her journey as an artist, stating, “Art has offered me not just a canvas, but a lens—a way to recount the stories of those unseen.” Her reflections on art’s transformative power seamlessly resonated with the gathered audience, creating an atmosphere of nostalgia and aspiration.
A Commitment to Inclusivity
The reflections carried deeper meaning when viewed through the lens of accessibility—a theme echoed robustly throughout the evening. Museum Director Scott Rothkopf revisited former First Lady Obama’s heartfelt acknowledgment of the barriers that often render museums as spaces detached from many communities. “For countless children across the nation, places like museums are often perceived as not belonging to them,” Obama had declared during the Whitney’s opening in 2015. Rothkopf’s reaffirmation of the museum’s commitment to inclusivity, through initiatives like Free Friday Nights and Free Second Sundays, wasn’t merely a reiteration; it was a rallying cry to remember art’s communal potential. The Whitney, known for celebrating American art, was positioned as a beacon for a new generation of artists and art lovers alike.
Shared Memories and a Vision for Tomorrow
Barbara Haskell’s heartfelt recounting of her five-decade journey with the Whitney brought the audience closer to the intimate fabric of the museum. “Every exhibit was an experiment, every moment a learning experience,” she fondly reminisced, appreciating the cultivation of both art and community involvement through unique endeavors, such as rooftop gardening. Her words reinforced the idea that, despite the museum’s growth, its essence remains deeply rooted in familial ties—a testament to the sense of belonging that the Whitney fosters.
The emotional crescendo of the evening arrived unexpectedly with a surprise performance from TLC, an explosion of energy that perfectly encapsulated the camaraderie and vibrancy within the room. As guests raised their glasses in celebratory unity, it became evident that the Whitney isn’t merely a museum. Rather, it is a moving space dedicated to embracing the evolving narrative of American art and culture.
With art at the center of the dialogues and performances throughout the gala, the anticipation of the future felt electrifying. The evening emphasized not just remembrance of the past but inspiring visions of what lies ahead. This gala was not only a reflection of accomplishments but a bold declaration—a commitment to ensuring that the doors of American art remain increasingly inclusive and welcoming for all.