MoMA’s 2025 Party in the Garden: A Celebration of Art, Legacy, and Community
On the evening of June 3, 2025, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City came alive with celebration, color, and cultural resonance during its annual Party in the Garden. This year's sold-out event held profound significance as it honored Glenn D. Lowry, the outgoing David Rockefeller Director, who has led the institution for three transformative decades. Artists, patrons, and luminaries such as Michael Bloomberg, Marina Abramović, and Mark Bradford gathered in a vibrant display of admiration and unity, commemorating Lowry's immense contributions to the art world.
A Tribute to Glenn D. Lowry’s Leadership
The evening centered around celebrating Glenn D. Lowry’s vision and dedication. Under his directorship, MoMA expanded not just in size but in soul—welcoming diverse voices, contemporary perspectives, and groundbreaking exhibitions. During the event, MoMA President Sarah Arison and Chair Marie-Josée Kravis paid eloquent tribute to Lowry’s legacy, highlighting his bold curatorial decisions and global outreach. When Lowry himself took the stage, he reflected on the spirit of collaboration and creative energy that defined his years at the museum. His words were humble yet profound, underscoring a career rooted in passion and progress.
An Evening of Art and Elegance
Surrounded by current exhibitions from visionaries like Jack Whitten, Otobong Nkanga, and Hilma af Klint, the celebration unfolded across MoMA’s iconic spaces. The garden, reimagined as a lush Eden, welcomed guests for a cocktail hour amid sculptures and blooming greenery. Later, dinner took place in the main lobby, transformed into a gallery of its own. Tables were adorned with vibrant arrangements inspired by artist Odili Donald Odita’s bold murals. Color-blocked lamps, flickering candles, and rose-strewn centerpieces added warmth and charm, transforming the museum into a living, breathing canvas.
Fashion and Festivity
The dress code for the night was “Festive,” a cue that guests embraced with creativity and flair. Women floated through the garden in flowing floral gowns, intricate appliqués, and glittering embellishments. Men chose summer suiting in breezy linens and soft wool, infusing color and ease into traditional formalwear. After a rainy spring, this event offered the city’s fashion-forward crowd their first true moment to unveil summer style, and the result was a parade of personal expression and seasonal freshness.
A Night of Music and Celebration
Once the dinner concluded, the celebration didn’t end—it evolved. The after-party kicked off in the garden, drawing a younger, energized crowd. The transition from elegant dining to lively dance floor was seamless, aided by a performance from singer Role Model and electrifying sets from DJs Rae Sada and Gale Scott. The garden pulsed with music and laughter, echoing the spirit of a Montauk summer soirée. It was an atmosphere of joyful release, as guests danced beneath the stars surrounded by art and one another.
Supporting MoMA’s Mission
Beyond the glamour and celebration, the Party in the Garden serves a higher purpose—it’s a crucial fundraiser that supports MoMA’s core operations. Proceeds from the night go directly into the museum’s general operating fund, sustaining its award-winning education initiatives and supporting the preservation, study, and exhibition of its vast collection. This year’s event received generous support from designer Tory Burch, whose presence and designs added to the evening’s elegance. Her contribution not only shaped the fashion of the night but also reflected a deeper commitment to supporting the arts.
Looking Ahead
As Glenn D. Lowry prepares to conclude his remarkable tenure, the 2025 Party in the Garden stands as a milestone moment—a symbolic farewell and a celebration of his enduring influence. It marked both an end and a beginning: a look back at a legacy built on inclusion, innovation, and integrity, and a look forward to MoMA’s next chapter. The night reaffirmed the museum’s role as a cultural beacon, a gathering place where art, community, and celebration converge. As MoMA evolves, it carries forward the spirit of leaders like Lowry, whose vision helped shape its world-renowned presence.
