An Exceptional Weekend in Support of the Musée d’Orsay
- Isabelle Karamooz
- 22 hours ago
- 2 min read
Last October, the 2025 American Friends of the Musee d’Orsay (AFMO) annual benefit weekend unfolded as an inspired celebration of transatlantic culture bringing France and the United States together through art, friendships, shared experiences and a common commitment to cultural stewardship. Over the course of several meticulously curated days, masterpieces and moments of rare access created the setting for meaningful connections and cultural exchange. From the first gathering to the dinner, the program reflected AFMO’s singular ability to create moments that are both intellectually rich and designed to foster connection.
The weekend began on an intimate and evocative note at the Musée de l’Orangerie. Guests gathered for a private cocktail and viewing of Berthe Weill. Art Dealer of the Parisian Avant-Garde, an exhibition, honouring the visionary gallerist who championed artists such as Picasso and Modigliani long before they were celebrated names.
Photos: François Xavier Watine. WebStyleStory
The following day offered a rare and distinguished privilege with a private luncheon at the Palais du Luxembourg Sénat. Steeped in republican history and timeless elegance, the venue brought a sense of occasion and understated elegance to the gathering. As evening fell, guests reconvened for a cocktail reception hosted by the U.S. Ambassador, a warm and gracious celebration the enduring friendship between France and the United States.
Throughout the weekend, visitors experienced Paris from a perspective reserved for few, behind the scenes and beyond the usual landmarks. Guests enjoyed privileged access to Notre-Dame de Paris, artist studios, savoir-faire ateliers, and immersive gastronomic workshops; each visit offering a glimpse into the living heritage and lifestyle behind French excellence. Stops at Art Basel and Fondation Cartier anchored these experiences within the global contemporary art scene.
The weekend reached its crescendo with a spectacular gala evening at the Musée d’Orsay. Guests were granted private access to Sargent. Dazzling Paris, an exhibition celebrating John Singer Sargent’s extraordinary mastery of light, texture, and portraiture. A cocktail was held beneath the museum’s soaring nave, while dinner, conceived by Alain Ducasse’s team, took place in the museum’s restaurant, where art, cuisine, and conversation came together in unforgettable harmony.
Inspired by Sargent’s brilliance, the evening was a tribute to artistic excellence and the enduring power of cultural exchange. In every detail, the 2025 AFMO benefit weekend reaffirmed a simple yet profound truth: when art brings people together, it does far more than decorate walls, it builds bridges.
Header Photo Credit: François Xavier Watine. WebStyleStory
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