As temperatures dropped on Tuesday evening, the Guggenheim transformed its airy rotunda into a candlelit haven for its 2025 gala. The gathering—”Under the Oculus: A Celebration of Visionaries,”—honored artist Rashid Johnson, whose blockbuster solo exhibition “A Poem for Deep Thinkers” at the institution opened in April of this year, as well as the National Basketball Association and National Basketball Players Association. Guests flowed through the exhibition before returning to ground level for a seated dinner.
The Scene: The Guggenheim’s soaring rotunda served as an overnight hub for the sports, fashion, and art-world cognoscenti, who clinked glasses under the glow of Rashid Johnson’s career-marking solo exhibition. “This work and this life have always been relational, and tonight is a reminder of how deeply I am held. Thank you for believing in me and thank you for allowing me this moment to exist,” Johnson told the rapt crowd.
The Crowd: Guests included patrons Abigail and Joseph Baratta, Wendy Fisher, Francesca Lavazza, Janine and J. Tomilson Hill, and Katrin and Christoph Henkel; artists including Johnson, Sheree Hovsepian, and Carol Bove; NBA Commissioner Adam Silver; and gallerist David Kordansky.
Food & Drink: A seated dinner with a menu by Chef Marcus Samuelsson ushered guests through festive seasonal courses of roasted squash with whipped ricotta, miso-roasted sea bass, and apple gratin with a pink peppercorn crumble.
The Entertainment: Questlove and the Roots punctuated the evening with a full-band performance.
Cause for FOMO: A rare congregation of New York’s foremost art collectors, leaders, and insiders—one of the last before what remains of 2025 is whisked away by the holidays.
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