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New Museum Gala Raises $2.7M, Honors Outgoing Director Lisa Phillips

institutional · 2026-04-29

The New Museum's annual gala at Cipriani South Street on Monday honored outgoing director Lisa Phillips, who steps down after 27 years. The event raised a record $2.7 million. Guests including Jeff Koons, Chloë Sevigny, and Debbie Harry celebrated Phillips' tenure and the opening of the museum's second building, which hosts the exhibition 'New Humans: Memories of the Future.' A live auction featured works by Cindy Sherman and Rashid Johnson. Phillips emphasized ethical values and risk-taking in her farewell speech.

Key facts

  • The New Museum gala was held at Cipriani South Street on Monday.
  • The event honored outgoing director Lisa Phillips, stepping down after 27 years.
  • A record $2.7 million was raised.
  • The museum's second building recently opened, featuring 'New Humans: Memories of the Future.'
  • Artists in the exhibition include Sophia Al-Maria, Berenice Olmedo, and Jamian Juliano-Villani.
  • Guests included Jeff Koons, Chloë Sevigny, John Waters, Maya Lin, and Debbie Harry.
  • A live auction featured works by Cindy Sherman and Rashid Johnson.
  • Debbie Harry performed 'One Way or Another' and 'The Dream's Lost on Me.'

Entities

Artists

Institutions

Locations

  • Cipriani South Street
  • New York City
  • United States
  • Washington Square Park
  • Tompkins Square Park

Sources