May 07th, 2024

The American Friends of the Louvre (AFL) hosted their annual gala on Sunday evening in New York City

The American Friends of the Louvre (AFL) hosted their annual gala on Sunday evening in New York City’s iconic Rainbow Room at Rockefeller Center. Since its inception, AFL has raised over 55 million dollars insupport of the Louvre’s mission, enhancing the museum’s accessibility, working to preserve and restore its collections, and advancing its world-class programming in Paris and around the globe.

It was Thomas E. Moore III’s inaugural gala as Executive Director of American Friends of the Louvre. Thomas was introduced to the podium by Christopher (“Kip”) Forbes, the Chairman of the Board, and followed by this year’s Gala Chairman, Darren Star, creator of “Sex and the City”and “Emily in Paris.”

A video featuring the cast of “Emily in Paris” kicked off the live auction, which included a luxury stay in Paris and private museum experience sponsored by Air France, the Ritz Paris and Musee du Louvre; as well as a journey to the Hotel Cipriani in Venice by way of the Orient Express, sponsored by the Belmond Group. A silent auction was sponsored by Ruinart, Met Opera, and Elizabeth Segerstrom, among others.

Gala attendees dined on Dover sole before dancing the night away to a live band. Notable guests at the gala included Mohamed Bouabdallah, Cultural Counselor of France in the United States and Director of Villa Albertine; Joan Kahn; Kay Unger; Naoma Tate; Dr. Andrea Achi; Chiwoniso Kaitano; Frances Lindemann; and Candace Bushnell, author of “Sex and theCity.”

Photo Credits: Annie Watt