PHOTOS: Inside the New Museum Spring Gala 2026

John Waters and Jeff Koons Yvonne TNT/BFA.com

After nearly three decades at the helm of the new museum, former director Lisa Phillips She deserved a send-off worthy of the institution, and in late April, on South Cipriani Street, she got one. At the New Museum’s Spring Gala, after a cocktail hour featuring DJ sets Armstrong stretchWhitney’s former manager Adam Weinberg And the artist Maya Lin Talk about Phillips’ unique, then legendary, contributions to the art world John Waters (Yes, John Waters) led the crowded room as he toasted. After the technical director’s statements Massimiliano GioniAuctioneer Phyllis Kao He led a lively paddle tour – which included much of Jack Pearson and Billy Sullivan’s work and editions of his books Rasheed Johnson and Cindy Sherman – who helped raise a large sum that will go toward supporting the museum’s mission.

The guest list reads like the syllabus in a master class in contemporary art. Myths Barbara Kruger, Marilyn Minter, Judy chicago and Joan Jonas Share a room with artists Dana Schutz, John Curren, Mickalene Thomas, Derek Adams, Hank Willis Thomas, Anne Imhoff and Derek Fordjouramong many other things. A large number of world-class museums and galleries also made a strong appearance, unsurprisingly, from the director of the Brooklyn Museum Anne Pasternak And former director of the Hammer Museum Anne Philbin To the Studio Museum in Harlem Director Thelma GoldenAmen Cecilia AlemanyShowrooms Jeffrey Deitch and Nicholas Vasil. Chairman of the Honorary Committee Chloe Sevigny (in a floral Chloé sheath that matched the floral tablecloths) he presided over a crowd that also included actors John Leguizamo and Matt Dillonwriter and critic Hilton Alesartist and founder of Pioneer Works Dustin Yellenfilm director Catherine Gund and diverse arts patrons and cultural philanthropists. Party chairs Charlotte Feng Ford, Shelley Fox Aarons, Mitzi Eisenberg, Patricia Blanchett, Stephanie Horton, Richard Mumby and Jimmy Singer Soros It kept the evening running easily.

The night concluded with a lively performance by the OG rock goddess Deborah Harrywhich seemed particularly appropriate because the New Museum under Lisa Phillips was never satisfied with only the good when the truly exceptional was available.