On Monday evening, the New Museum gathered a constellation of artists, curators, collectors, and cultural figures at Cipriani South Street for its 2026 gala—this year serving as a tribute to outgoing Toby Devan Lewis Director Lisa Phillips, who helmed the institution for over three decades.
The Occasion: The New Museum’s annual spring benefit celebrated Phillips’s tenure, honoring her leadership as the institution reopens its doors this season following a lengthy renovation. In addition to the remodel, Phillips oversaw the opening of the museum’s first building in 2007, co-founded the creative incubator New Inc in 2014, and organized blockbuster shows including those of Paul McCarthy and John Waters.
The Locale: With scenic river views on one side, and a skyline featuring the Financial District’s cadre of skyscrapers on the other, Cipriani was uniquely situated to put on a show of its own just outside of the ballroom.
The Crowd: Cultural mainstays and tastemakers on hand included actor Chloë Sevigny; arts leaders Thelma Golden, Yvonne Force Villareal, Isolde Brielmaier, Salome Asega, Bridget Finn, and Noah Horowitz; artists Hank Willis Thomas, Derrick Adams, Marilyn Minter, Rashid Johnson, Leo Villareal, Miles Greenberg, and Anne Imhof; auctioneer Phyllis Kao; designer Jonathan Cohen; and editor Stefano Tonchi.
The Entertainment: Over dinner, Blondie’s Debbie Harry took to the stage, launching into an energized performance that had gathered attendees setting down their drinks to cheer along with gusto.
Parting Gift: A technicolor seat-back detached into a commemorative tote for eagle-eyed guests, providing a memorable take-home totem from the night’s festivities.
What You Missed: Waters delivered an irreverent toast that captured both the room’s humor and passion, followed by remarks from architect Maya Lin and Whitney Museum director Adam Weinberg. The live auction, helmed by Kao and featuring works by Jack Pierson and Billy Sullivan, alongside editions by Johnson and Cindy Sherman, drew spirited bidding from the crowd.
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