Beneath the grand chandelier of the Rockefeller Center’s Rainbow Room, guests gathered last Friday for the Swiss Institute’s 2025 Benefit Gala—an evening devoted to art, legacy, and the organization’s impactful reach. An acapella serenade opened the floor for an invigorated paddle raise, seated dinner, and night-long celebration with the Institute’s close-knit community of supporters.
The Occasion: The 2025 benefit unfolded with dynamic tributes and performances honoring artists Theaster Gates and Andro Wekua, patron Yan Du, Printed Matter (under Executive Director Lesley A. Martin), and the late curator Koyo Kouoh.
The Locale: Perched high above Rockefeller Center, the Rainbow Room—an Art Deco landmark known for its sweeping skyline views—glimmered with gilded elegance and well-coiffed attendees, the space adorned with sprays of florals by Audrey Stipanovich.
The Crowd: A constellation of art-world figures and cultural tastemakers rubbed shoulders at the gala, including honorees Gates, Wekua, Martin, and Du; arts leader Michèle Sandoz; collectors Eva Dichand, Carola Jain, and Maja Hoffmann; artists Chloe Wise, Sheree Hovsepian, Eliza Douglas, Tschabalala Self, Louisa Gagliardi, and Sarah Morris; photographer Billal Baruk Taright; Princess Maria-Olympia of Greece and Denmark; and auctioneer Simon de Pury.
The Entertainment: The New York Gay Men’s Chorus a cappella group, Tonewall, provided a whimsical melodic introduction to the evening. De Pury led the night’s art auction, featuring work by Wise and Sandoz.
Parting Gift: Guests departed with custom totes featuring keepsakes including a special keychain designed by Bagus Pandega—one you-had-to-be-there reminder of the evening’s artistry and fanfare.
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