AFMO Annual Gala: A Weekend in Paris, October 18-21, 2018

This year’s “Weekend in Paris” celebrated “Picasso. Blue and Rose”, the stunning and moving exploration of the works of the young Picasso.

We welcomed over 90 weekend guests from October 18 – 21 and 180 for the gala evening at the museum; both events were sold out.

An elegant reception hosted by the U.S. Ambassador at her residence, the stunning mansion built by Visconti for the Baroness de Pontalba, opened our weekend.  Guests enjoyed hors d’oeuvres by Michelin-starred Chef Christopher Hache, of the Hotel de Crillon.

Friday morning was dedicated to behind-the-scene visits at the Musee de l’Orangerie, the Graphic Art and Photography Department at the Musee d’Orsay, the Orsay’s Drawings Collection at the Louvre, the private archives of Durand-Ruel, the first Impressionist art dealer, and the opening of the Iron Chest containing France’s most precious documents at the Hotel de Soubise, home of the National Archives.

Lunch – under the gaze of Voltaire in the Salon d’Honneur –  reunited all guests at the National Library.

Some of the Best Paris has to offer awaited us in the afternoon: We walked in the footsteps of Gabrielle Chanel when we listened to Justine Picardie, Editor-in-Chief of Harper’s Bazaar, UK talking about her book on the life of Coco Chanel over tea time at the Ritz and visit of her private rue Cambon apartment. Schiaparelli opened their doors to Elsa’s legacy right next door to the Ritz on Place Vendôme;  distinguished hosts received us at their private 17th century and neo-classical homes and collections.

Friday evening:  A private viewing of Picasso’s masterpieces at the Musée National Picasso-Paris and time to enjoy a favorite restaurant with new and old friends.

The recently opened Giacometti Institute or Rodin’s home and atelier in Meudon on Saturday morning?  A visit at the the Guttklein Fine Art Gallery or at Gagosian in the afternoon?

The Gala Evening at the Musée d’Orsay:   A private visit of “Picasso. Blue and Rose”, a cocktail reception in the presence of Minister of Culture Franck Riester and an exceptional dinner with Gabi Shafir, Executive Chef of the Royal Moroccon Family and Member of the Equipe de France de la Gastronomie et des Maitres du Service, who together with floral designer Cedric Tonnelier transformed the museum’s  Belle Epoque ballrom into a magic garden.

On Sunday, we say good-bye with a breakfast at the Bristol and a Jardin des Plantes garden tour with everybody’s favorite garden guide Amy Kupec-Larue.

Many guests already look forward to next year to celebrate art and friendship and the Musée d’Orsay.

Delia von Neuschatz accompanied us for the New York Social Diary; Barbara Gerber for France Magazine.

New York Social Diary: AFMO “A Weekend in Paris”

FranceToday: AFMO Celebrates “A Weekend in Paris”

Please enjoy their stories.

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 2019.

Thank you to our generous hosts for opening your doors!

Thank you to our sponsors Christie’s, Le Bristol Paris, Le Ritz Paris, Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel, Hôtel Lutetia, The New York Times, Champagne Bollinger, La Maison du Chocolat, Guttklein Fine Art Gallery, Gagosian Gallery, Schiaparelli Paris, Fondation Giacometti,

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