American Friends of Versailles Gala Raises $3.5M for Salon de Diane Restoration
On Monday evening, the Palace of Versailles hosted the 'Legacy of Light' gala, organized by the American Friends of Versailles, which successfully raised $3.5 million for the restoration of the Salon de Diane. Celebrating America's 250th anniversary and its partnership with France, the event welcomed 280 attendees dressed in black tie and exquisite jewelry. Notable guests included Grand patrons David and Sybil Yurman, France's Minister of Culture Catherine Pégard, and Prince Charles and Princess Camilla de Bourbon des Deux-Siciles. The evening featured a dinner in the Galerie des Batailles, a live auction, and a fireworks show. A standout item was David Yurman's Liberty Cable bracelet, fetching $260,000. Additionally, the Gallery of American Independence, a temporary exhibit known as 'the American wing,' will open on July 4th.
Key facts
- The gala raised $3.5 million for the restoration of the Salon de Diane at Versailles.
- David Yurman's Liberty Cable bracelet sold for $260,000 at auction.
- The event celebrated America's 250th anniversary and the Franco-American alliance.
- Becca Cason Thrash has raised over $135 million in her career, about a third in France.
- A marriage proposal occurred during the fireworks display on the Grand Terrace.
- The Gallery of American Independence will open on July 4th at Versailles.
- Alicia Bryan is president of The American Friends of Versailles.
- Cameron Silver attended, citing philanthropy as a cultural responsibility.
Entities
Artists
- David Yurman
- Sybil Yurman
- Catherine Pégard
- Prince Charles de Bourbon des Deux-Siciles
- Princess Camilla de Bourbon des Deux-Siciles
- Diana Widmaier Picasso
- Emmanuel Perrotin
- Hugo Marchand
- Cameron Silver
- Peter Brant Jr.
- Becca Cason Thrash
- Alicia Bryan
- Lucas Somoza
- Marissa Everhart
- Shannon Ralston
- Gillian Sarofim
- Saskia Connery
- John Goodman
- Walt Fortney
- Grant Wood
- Chase Musslewhite
- Victoria Del Bono
- Christian Louboutin
- Alexis Mabille
- Antonin Tron
- Oscar de la Renta
- Galliano
- Charles Le Brun
- Sandrine de Montmort
- Marie de Noailles
- Baronesse Louise de Rothschild
- Amin Jaffer
- Richard Makin-Poole
- Fabrizio Casiraghi
- Fortuné Penniman
- Prince Charles-Henri de Lobkowicz
- Philip Risalvato
- Stephane Gerschel
- Tracey Amon
- Harry Nuriev
- Jean-Joseph Pani
- Lily Sciorra
Institutions
- The American Friends of Versailles
- Palace of Versailles
- Louvre
- Quai d'Orsay
- Hôtel de Talleyrand
- Chateau de Champlâtreux
- Dior
- Balmain
- Valentino
- The Row
- Oscar de la Renta
- Alexis Mabille
- The Zanzibar Collection
- Baraza Resort and Spa
- Christian Louboutin
- Airelles Le Grand Contrôle
- Vogue
Locations
- Paris
- France
- Palace of Versailles
- Salon d'Hercule
- Salon de Diane
- Hall of Mirrors
- Galerie des Batailles
- Grand Terrace
- Galerie Basse
- Captain of the Guard's apartment
- Quai d'Orsay
- Hôtel de Talleyrand
- Chateau de Champlâtreux
- Milan
- Italy
- Texas
- United States
- Egypt
- Nile
- Zanzibar
- Airelles Le Grand Contrôle