AFMO Autumn in Paris Gala

On October 19 – 22,  the American Friends Musée d’Orsay welcomed over 80 guests to walk with us through time and places and to discover private Paris homes, collections, and national treasures.

We honored our patron Jeffrey Katzenberg at a gala evening at the museum’s Belle Epoque ballroom.  Surrounded by 130 guests, former Minister of Culture Audrey Azoulay inducted him into the Legion of Honor.

We begin our weekend with a cocktail in celebration of Spencer Hays at the Guttklein Fine Art Gallery, remembering our co-chair and donor among his favorite artists.

A cocktail reception hosted by Minister of Culture Francoise Nyssen at her 17th century ministry overlooking the inner courtyard of the Palais Royal follows. We enjoy one of the irresistible signature dishes of the Bristol’s Triple Michelin-Stared chef Eric Frechon.

Dada Africa at the Musée de l’Orangerie and Gauguin, The Alchemist, at the Grand Palais, begin a day, that includes the Banque de France’s Golden Gallery, lunch at the Hôtel des Invalides,and a private look at our ambassadors’ portraits at the U.S. Embassy.  Difficult to choose between “The Art of Mixology” with famed bartender Colin Field at the Hemingway Bar and a privileged floral design atelier with Anne Vitchen, Dame des Fleurs , both of the Ritz Paris.

A cocktail reception at the stunning Marais home of Pilar and Pablo Molyneux, before guests explore Paris restaurants. . .

Saturday choices include:  Unseen art collections in the homes of Florence de Voldère ,Hélène Nguyen Ban,  and Florence and Daniel Guerlain, a private tour and brunch at Thaddaeus Ropac’s Pantin gallery, a walk through medieval Senlis with a visit of the cathedral, the art museum, and a light lunch at the château of Baroness von Hammerstein-Loxten. Diana Widmaier-Picasso guides us through Picasso and Maya:  Father and Daughter, at the Gagosian Gallery.

On Sunday, we say good bye with a breakfast at the Bristol and a Luxembourg garden tour with Amy Kupec-Larue.

Please enjoy Barbara Gerber’s article for France Today Magazine!

Thank You!

An immense thank you to our wonderful guests who come to Paris to enjoy art and friendship. We already look forward to welcoming you back in 2018.

Thank you to our generous hosts for opening your doors!

Thank you to our sponsors Christie’s, Le Bristol Paris, Le Ritz Paris, The New York Times, Champagne Bollinger, L’Arganique Beauté, Guttklein Fine Art Gallery, Thaddaeus Ropac Gallery, Gagosian Gallery.

And last not least, we acknowledge the leadership, collaboration, and friendship of Laurence des Cars, President of the Musée d’Orsay and the Musée de l’Orangerie , Cecile Debray, Directrice of the Musée de l’Orangerie, the administrators, curators, and all our wonderful colleagues at the museum, with whom we have the pleasure to work.

Thank you, Krystal, for beautifully capturing many special moments – www.krystalkenney.com

ALL PICTURES ©AFMO/Krystal Kenney