On Saturday night, the National Academy of Design marked its 200th birthday with a night out at the Morgan Library & Museum. Artists, architects, and cultural leaders gathered to celebrate the Academy’s enduring legacy, while welcoming a new generation into the fold.
The Scene: The extravaganza honored the country’s oldest artist-led organization, while ringing in the 2025 class of honorees, who were elected by their peers for achievements that have pushed the design and architecture fields forward. This year’s “Academicians” included artists Tacita Dean, Nanette Carter, Sheila Hicks, and Nina Yankowitz, as well as architects Trey Trahan, Julie Snow, and Kim Yao.
The Locale: Against the backdrop of the Morgan Library’s Beaux-Arts interiors, guests mingled amidst the storied literary annals and selection of Renoir drawings on display before heading to the theater for the evening’s main attraction.
The Crowd: Those crowded into the theater seats included National Academy of Design Executive Director Gregory Wessner; artists Carl E. Hazlewood, Nanette Carter, Polly Apfelbaum, Sky Pape, and Tacita Dean; architects Adam Yarinsky, Hilary Sample, Mia Lehrer, Michael Meredith, and Stephen Cassell; curator Corinne Erni; and gallerist Emily-Jane Kirwan.
Memorable Moment: The celebratory evening commenced with an induction ceremony for the 2025 Academicians. After each was introduced to the audience, they were given an invitation to contribute a representative sample of their practice to the Academy’s ongoing collection—ensuring the organization will continue to define design and architecture for another 200 years.
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