The 2026 New York Gala
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 events brought together patrons, artists, collectors, and cultural figures from New York and Paris, including Cedrik Fouriscot, Consul General of France in New York, who addressed the room, in celebration of the Louvre’s enduring partnership with its American supporters.
Hosted by Christopher Forbes, Chairman of AFL, and Thomas E. Moore III, Executive Director, the gala honored Harry Nuriev, founder and creative director of Crosby Studios, with the 2026 Cœur d’Art Award. The evening also marked the inaugural presentation of the Cœur de Philanthropie Award, given posthumously to Patrick A. Gerschel (1946–2025) and accepted by his three children: Nathalie Gerschel Kaplan, Edouard Gerschel, and Karyn Gerschel Lamb.
The reception opened with a photo activation inspired by Nuriev’s practice of “transformism,” a method that typically involves applying his signature silvering effect to antique furniture and found objects. Silver-themed signature cocktails and sterling silver décor throughout the evening by Christofle helped set the tone for a night that bridged contemporary design and historical legacy. Guests enjoyed dinner and dancing overlooking the New York City skyline and a live and silent benefit auction led by Sotheby’s auctioneer Phyllis Kao. Auction highlights included experiences and objects from Air France, Ritz Paris, Ruinart, agnès b., Printemps New York, the evening’s Corporate Mécène, as well as Baccarat and Trudon. The evening featured a live band with dancing between courses and to close out the evening.
Following the live auction, a cash call resulted in a dozen benches in the Tuileries Garden being adopted by patrons, supporting the ongoing conservation of historic, 19th century benches in one of Paris’s most beloved public spaces.
Notable guests in attendance included Harry Nuriev and Ashlee Harrison, Cedrik Fouriscot, Consul General of France in New York, Fe Noel, Olivia Washington, Phyllis Kao, Printemps CEO, Thierry Prevost, Scott Rothkopf, David Cancel, Jani Gerard, Senior representatives from Cartier, Senior representatives from Ritz Paris, amd Senior representatives from Air France.