Rites of Spring
American Friends of the Louvre hosted a gala dinner in New York this past April to celebrate the 30th anniversary of I.M. Pei’s Pyramid and modernization of the Louvre Museum. The gala followed a week-long series of events in Paris commemorating this milestone which will continue through the end of the year. The dinner was co-chaired by AFL Chairman Christopher “Kip” Forbes and board member Joan Kahn.
The black-tie event was held at Sotheby’s and featured cocktails along with champagne courtesy of Bollinger, and exquisite three course meal with wine provided by Château Boutisse, and a performance of popular French songs by renowned soprano Abigail Fischer. Ben Doller, Chairman Americas and Executive Vice President of Sotheby’s, conducted the live auction of art and luxury items and experiences whose proceeds will support the mission of American Friends of the Louvre. In addition, funds were raised for the Louvre Endowment Fund, supporting accessibility programs for visitors with special needs and conservation of the museum’s collections.
Honored guests included Mr. Pei’s son Didi and his wife Beatrice, daughter Liane and her son Matthew, and granddaughter Anna. Anne-Claire Legendre, Consul General of France in New York, was also present. AFL board members in attendance were Andy Barth and his wife Avery, Manuel Camelo, Fiona Cibani, and Hans and Françoise Miller. International Council and Chairman’s Circle members from across the U.S. were there to support the effort including Elizabeth Segerstrom and her guest Douglas Runte, Lizze Lynch and Bill Helvie, Naoma Tate, Sana Sabbagh, David Sadroff, Cynthia Friedman, Lysa and Greg Rohan, Bobbo Jetmundsen and Paul Yaworsky. Also participating in the festivities were artists Michael Halsband and Chellis Baird, Mike and Missy Perlis, Jean and Martin Shafiroff, and Allyson Tang.
American Friends of the Louvre (AFL) has entered its second decade as an important support organization in the United States for the Louvre Museum. Through the generosity of individuals, foundations and corporations, AFL has supported a variety of worthy projects at the Louvre, including educational tools for English-speaking visitors, gallery restorations, conservation of works of art, exhibitions and related publications, acquisitions and contemporary art programs. Through its partnership with the Louvre, AFL raises awareness of the museum’s collections and scholarly expertise and helps make its vast resources more accessible in the U.S. and around the world.