News
STUDIOS Architecture Paris and Selldorf Architects Wins “Louvre Nouvelle Renaissance” Competition
May 18, 2026
The below press release has been translated to English. The original can be found here. Catherine Pégard, France’s Minister of Culture, has announced the winning team of the international architectural competition for the Louvre Nouvelle Renaissance: STUDIOS Architecture Paris and Selldorf Architects. The two main objectives of this grand undertaking are to repair and transform
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Living Bodies at the Musée du Louvre
May 8, 2026
This spring, the Musée du Louvre presents one of its most ambitious exhibitions of the season: Michelangelo and Rodin: Living Bodies, on view through July 20. Bringing together more than 200 works—from monumental marbles and bronzes to drawings and preparatory studies—the exhibition stages a compelling dialogue between two of the greatest sculptors in Western art. Separated
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A Sunny Southern California Séjour
May 8, 2026
The 2026 International Council and Chairman’s Circle domestic trip brought members to sunny Southern California for a richly curated program of art, architecture, and hospitality. Over several days, guests enjoyed private access to some of the region’s most distinguished museums, alongside rare visits to exceptional private homes and collections. The itinerary was complemented by memorable
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The 2026 New York Gala
April 23, 2026
American Friends of the Louvre hosted its annual New York Gala on Sunday, April 19, 2026, at a sold-out Rainbow Room atop Rockefeller Center. The celebrations began on Friday evening with a Pre-Gala Soirée hosted by Printemps New York in the landmark retailer’s historic Red Room, welcoming patrons and supporters ahead of Sunday’s benefit. Both
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A New Président-Director Arrives at the musée du Louvre
February 26, 2026
Yesterday—February 25, 2026—French President Emmanuel Macron formally appointed Christophe Leribault as President and Director of the musée du Louvre, following a proposal by France’s Minister of Culture, Rachida Dati, and endorsement by the President’s Conseil des Ministres. With this nomination, a new chapter begins for the Louvre—one grounded in continuity, confidence, and renewed ambition. A
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Statement Regarding the Resignation of Laurence des Cars
February 24, 2026
American Friends of the Louvre acknowledges the announcement that Laurence des Cars has submitted her resignation as President and Director of the musée du Louvre to French President Emmanuel Macron, and that he has accepted it. President Macron described her decision as “an act of responsibility” at a time when the world’s largest museum is
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Grand Patrons of the Louvre’s New Byzantine Department Gather
February 5, 2026
Earlier this week, a community of committed patrons gathered at the Louvre for a celebratory moment and presentation sharing project updates on the creation of the new Department of Byzantine Art and Eastern Christianities. Opening in 2028 in the heart of the Denon Wing, this historic undertaking will offer a powerful new narrative connecting Byzantine art,
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AFL Mourns the Loss of Patrick Gerschel
January 7, 2026
American Friends of the Louvre is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Patrick A. Gerschel, a founding figure of the organization who served as its inaugural Board Treasurer from 2002 through 2024. A distinguished financier, real estate executive, and cultural leader with deep ties to Lazard Frères and numerous international institutions, Patrick died on
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Renovated Spanish and Italian Galleries Reopen
December 2, 2025
The Louvre Museum and American Friends of the Louvre announces the reopening of the renovated rooms of Italian and Spanish paintings from the 17th and 18th centuries, where the artworks are presented in a redesigned museography. The arrangement has been modified based on acquisitions and loans made externally, but it has also allowed for a
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Fall Member Programming in Paris
November 4, 2025
Last month, American Friends of the Louvre opened Paris’ cultural season with a week of intimate artistic experiences and events designed exclusively for AFL members. The week began with a private preview of Eric Fischl: Couples at Skarstedt Gallery. Renowned for his naturalistic paintings, Fischl captures charged moments of everyday American life, reflecting on image culture, sexuality, and
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Jacques-Louis David’s Legacy at 200 and Other Fall Programming
November 4, 2025
This fall, the Louvre Museum is presenting a landmark series of exhibitions and programs, offering visitors a rare opportunity to engage with some of art history’s most celebrated works. Currently on view through January 26, 2026 is Jacques-Louis David, commemorating the bicentennial of the artist’s death. David is a towering figure in European art, and the
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The International Council Explores Japan
November 4, 2025
Every year, the International Council of the Louvre, AFL’s premier membership program, travels to far-reaching destinations in support of the Louvre’s mission. This year, members from cities as diverse as Los Angeles, Chicago, Paris, Mexico City, and Barcelona journeyed to Japan—the first time the group has visited the country. Over ten days, members explored the
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Statement Regarding the Robbery at the Louvre
October 20, 2025
Below is a translation of the statement released by France’s Ministry of Culture. The original press release is also attached. This is a developing story. If you have any questions, please contact us at jbell@aflouvre.org. PRESS RELEASE Ministry of Culture Delegation for Information and Communication Paris, October 19, 2025. Information regarding the burglary that occurred
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Trustee Emerita, Victoria B. Bjorklund, Presented with Insignia of Chevalier of the Légion d’Honneur
September 10, 2025
American Friends of the Louvre is honored to announce that Victoria B. Bjorklund, J.D., Ph.D., was presented with the insignia of Chevalier of the Légion d’Honneur on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, in recognition of her extraordinary contributions to French-American philanthropy. A trailblazer in nonprofit law, Victoria has been a steadfast supporter of American Friends of
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From the Bay to Paris…AFL on the Go!
July 24, 2025
International Council and Chairman’s Circle members kicked off the arrival of spring with a journey to the Bay Area, which highlighted extraordinary private collections and spectacular Northern California landscapes. Some extra-special moments included a private visit to the Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem Museum of Art at UC Davis, in the company of longtime
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Harry Fath Honored with France’s Chevalier dans l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres
May 5, 2025
The French government has bestowed the prestigious title of Chevalier dans l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres upon American philanthropist Harry Fath, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the arts and cultural preservation. The ceremony took place on Monday, May 5, 2025, at Villa Albertine in New York City. The insignia was presented by His Excellency
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Mathieu Lehanneur Receives the Coeur d’Art award as the 2025 New York Gala Honoree
May 4, 2025
On Sunday May 4, 2025, American Friends of the Louvre (AFL) held its annual New York Gala – AFL’s 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
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Major Expansion and Transformation Announced
February 27, 2025
Last Month, French President Emmanuel Macron and Louvre President-Directrice Laurence des Cars unveiled plans for a historic modernization project aimed at adapting the world’s most-visited museum to an increasingly global audience. With 30,000 visitors per day, the Louvre faces ongoing challenges of overcrowding. Called the Louvre Nouvelle Renaissance, this ambitious initiative will expand gallery space and introduce
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Cimabue and Couture Intersect at the Louvre
February 27, 2025
This winter, two landmark exhibitions have opened at the Louvre creating throughlines and connections between art from the Proto-Renaissance to the modern day. The first, Revoir Cimabue, is curated by Thomas Bohl and brings together some forty works by the 13th-century Italian master and his contemporaries. The second, Louvre Couture, curated by Olivier Gabet, stands at the intersection of
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AFL Inaugurates its Paris Office
February 27, 2025
American Friends of the Louvre has opened its first satellite office in Paris, marking a significant step in increasing its presence in France and strengthening its collaboration with the Louvre. The new office will improve AFL’s ability to facilitate VIP requests from visiting American patrons while also fostering a vibrant expatriate community among the more
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The 2024 Member Paris Pilgrimage
October 31, 2024
This month, International Council and Chairman’s Circle members attended the annual Paris Pilgrimage. Members enjoyed private access to public institutions as well as invitations to private homes and collections throughout the city. This year, the trip had several exceptional highlights. The group was invited to tour and explore the Musée du Louvre while it was
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Paris Celebrates Barbara Chase-Riboud With Major Exhibition
October 31, 2024
For seven decades, Barbara Chase-Riboud (b.1939), an American artist living in Paris, has created abstract art which conveys her singular perspective on memory, history, identity, and monumentality. This fall, eight Parisian museums are co-exhibiting Quand un nœud est dénoué, un dieu est libéré (Everytime a Knot is Undone, a God is Released), a landmark exhibition of works
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AFL Welcomes New Board Members
October 31, 2024
Earlier this year, Vladimir Jean-Fritzner Galiothe, Jake Lewtan, and Nesrine Methlouthi were all voted onto the Board of Directors with the latter two serving as the new Young Patron representatives to the Board. Vladimir Jean-Fritzner Galiothe was born in Haiti before immigrating to the U.S. when he was three years old. Despite being raised in
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Historic Renovations Funded by AFL
July 24, 2024
AFL is a proud sponsor of the restoration of l’appartement d’ete de la reine Anne d’Autriche—the summer apartments of Queen Anne of Austria—with a contribution of nearly $2 million. Lavishly decorated in the grand Italian tradition, these apartments were constructed in 1655 by the architect Louis Le Vau at the order of King Louis XIV, who
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Un Voyage aux Berkshires
July 24, 2024
Earlier this summer, AFL members journeyed to the rolling hills of the Berkshires where they toured cultural institutions, private collections, and historic properties. AFL members began their trip with a private tour of Edith Wharton’s summer home, The Mount. While best known for her depictions of Gilded Age New York, France appears often in her
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AFL Welcomes Staff Members
July 24, 2024
AFL is currently in a moment of exciting and dynamic growth. Earlier this spring, Joshua Bell started as the new Director of Development. He oversees membership and communications operations and supports the Executive Director with all fundraising initiatives. Frances Lindemann also joined the team as the inaugural Executive Assistant and supports the Director’s Office. Together,
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Join Us in Congratulating Lionel Sauvage!
May 20, 2024
Member of AFL’s Board of Directors Lionel Sauvage was recently awarded the prestigious distinction of Officier dans l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, a distinction bestowed by the French government to recognize individuals who have contributed to the enrichment of cultural life and the promotion of artistic values. The honor was bestowed on him by the Consul
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Recent and Upcoming Programming
May 20, 2024
From June 11-15, Patrons and select invited guests will travel to the Berkshires, a picturesque region characterized by rolling hills and lush forests located in western Massachusetts. A particular highlight for the group will be an invitation to the opening of the exhibition, Guillaume Lethière and his Worlds at the Clark Art Institute. Co-organized with the Musée
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Another Glamorous Gala in the Books!
May 20, 2024
Last month, we hosted our annual gala on a beautiful Sunday evening in New York City’s iconic Rainbow Room at Rockefeller Center. The sun was shining and so were our guests, all decked out in a black-tie array of spring colors. Everyone was excited to come together for our biggest event of the year and
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Art Zealous: American Friends of the Louvre’s Young Patrons Circle Hosts Annual Gala
April 26, 2017
Last night, the American Friends of the Louvre’s Young Patrons Circle hosted their annual spring gala at Forbes on Fifth, the private event space of Forbes Media LLC. The evening dubbed “The Astronomer’s Ball,” celebrated Johannes Vermeer’s masterpiece “The Astronomer” and the Louvre’s blockbuster exhibition Vermeer and the Masters of Genre Painting. The proceeds from the evening will support the mission
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