The 2025 New York Gala

On Sunday May 4, 2025, American Friends of the Louvre (AFL) held its annual New York Gala – their largest in history – at a sold-out Rainbow Room, where they honored Mathieu Lehanneur, an internationally renowned designer who most recently created the 2024 Olympic Torch and Cauldron. Lehanneur was presented with the American Friends of the Louvre 2025 Coeur d’art Award.

On Friday, the gala festivities kicked off with an invite-only pre-gala soirée at Mathieu’s pied-à-terre penthouse and duplex showroom. Guests indulged in hors d’œuvres and sipped champagne while exploring Mathieu’s designs and pieces.

Hosted by Christopher Forbes, Chairman of AFL and Thomas E. Moore III, Executive Director of AFL, the gala was themed around the springtime beauty of the Tuileries Garden and its iconic beds of tulips that remain visible throughout the season. Guests enjoyed magnificent views of the city over French 75 cocktails followed by a multi-course meal of chopped salad, filet mignon and espresso martinis. Featured speakers included His Excellency, Laurent Bili, French Ambassador to the United States as well as a special video message from President-Directrice of the Louvre Museum, Laurence des Cars. 

The evening continued with a benefit auction, led by Phyllis Kao, Vice President for Client Strategy at Sotheby’s, held to assist AFL’s mission to support the greatest museum in the world. Notable auction items included a luxury travel package featuring business class travel on Air France, luxury accommodations at the Ritz Paris, exclusive access to the Louvre Museum and multiple shopping sprees from Printemps New York and South Coast Plaza. The program capped with a paddle raise featuring the Louvre’s current Tous mécènes ‘Adopt a Bench’ campaign, allowing the donors to sponsor a bench of their choosing in the Tuileries Garden for ten years. It was a fitting tribute to the evening’s theme. Guests stayed busy on the dance floor till the last song, before departing with a gift bag complete with some sweet treats, tea and products from TWG Tea and Trudon candles. 

Notable guests included His Excellency Laurent Bili, French Ambassador to the United States; Cédrik Fouriscot, Consul General of France in New York; Mohamed Bouabdallah, Cultural Counselor of France in the United States and Director of Villa Albertine; Alton Murray, Deputy Commissioner of the New York Department of Cultural Affairs; Isan Elba; Anna Castellini; Zach Iscol and Meredith Melling; Chiwoniso Kaitano; Sharon Coplan Hurowitz; Rebecca Vanyo; Jeff and Samira Sine; Jenna Fagnan; Elizabeth Segerstrom; Tatyana Franck and Victoria Campofranco.