The Whitney Museum of American Art traded its usual hush for a night of unbridled revelry for its annual Art Party last night. Bathed in dazzling lights and disco decadence, the institution pulsed with music, movement, and just the right amount of art-world mischief.
Joining CULTURED on the host committee were a dynamic group of young patrons, emerging artists, and tastemakers, with co-chairs including Steven Beltrani, Micaela Erlanger, Alexander Hankin, Christine Sun Kim, and
Tabboo!. Across the museum's levels, champagne flutes clinked as guests such as American fashion designers Cynthia Rowley and Wes Gordon, artists Christine Sun Kim and Salman Toor, fashion and beauty mogul Olivia Palermo, American fitness entrepreneur Tracy Anderson, and photographer Quil Lemons were whisked from one gallery to the next.
The evening served as a fundraiser supporting the Whitney’s ongoing work with emerging artists and Independent Study Program. Guests at the event were invited into a night of immersive experiences as they traversed the museum. One floor, infused with the rich, intoxicating aromas of Aēsop—one of the event’s sponsors—offered a sensorial break between rounds of margaritas. Meanwhile, another level showcased the "Edges of Ailey" exhibition, a poignant tribute to the legendary choreographer Alvin Ailey’s legacy, drawing attendees in before they hit the dance floor.
As guests flitted up and down, the museum’s elevator was transformed into a moving bar, courtesy of Maestro Doble Tequila, ensuring that the partying didn't stop for a second. And as DJ duo the Muses spun disco classics and modern beats, the dance floor became a glittering swirl of sequins, metallics, and effervescent energy.
By the time the night wound down, one thing was clear: On an otherwise ordinary Tuesday, the Whitney had wrangled the city’s creative set into a glittering, champagne-fueled soirée that wouldn't soon be beaten.
