The Apollo Circle Benefit has "Une Nuit À Paris" at The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Once a year, New York City’s young art enthusiasts gather at the world-renowned Metropolitan Museum of Art for the annual Apollo Circle Benefit. Dressed in the finest gowns and spiffiest tuxedos, a night of fine art admiration, engaging and thought-provoking conversation, and a dance floor of dreams permeate the Met.
The Mets Apollo Club provides the city’s young art lovers a way to engage with peers sharing similar interests as they work to provide funding, allowing the Met to amplify its ability to showcase art that appeals to people of all backgrounds. The club aids in allowing incredible exhibits, including this year’s blockbuster Manet/Degas. Membership includes museum discounts, unique event invitations, studio tours, and more. Not to mention, membership in the Apollo Circle grants attendance to some fabulous fêtes, including the yearly black-tie Apollo Circle Benefit.
This year’s theme, “Une Nuit À Paris,” seemed only fitting as the city of lights provided the backdrop for the tumultuous, remarkable, and dramatic relationship that unfolded between Édouard Manet and Edgar Degas. Dually set against a late 19th-century Parisian backdrop, both artists can be accredited with helping define modern painting. The 162-piece gallery (81 from each artist so as not to create another point of contention) shows the parallels of each artist as they hang side by side and display the influences, analogies, and homogeny of the portraits. One of the most exciting pieces on display is Manet’s Olympia, which has crossed the pond for the first time in history. First met with public outrage and a need for protection by two armed guards, the piece is now considered one of the first modern paintings. The Met’s gallery is a must-see, and Apollo Circle Benefit attendees were able to get a private viewing.
Upon entry to the gala, VIP patrons climbed the iconic stairs brightly cast in purple and blue to the terrace to indulge in libations and light bites. Grandiose floral arrangements and bistro patio sets transported attendees to a Parisian wonderland. The Apollo Circle team shared words of thanks and appreciation before a history of the gallery and notes of its importance generated applause and the clinking of champagne glasses. Following the remarks, guests were encouraged to journey to the hall of Manet/Degas paintings, making their way through history while witnessing a significant artistic dialogue. The real party could begin once guests became full from soaking up artistic greatness and intellectual tidbits.
Making their way through Ancient Egypt, past the caricature artist sketching guests and offering a memento of the evening, the Temple of Dendur was the guests’ final stop. The ancient temple, completed in 10 B.C., was ablaze with colorful flashing lights while a boisterous beat filled the room, courtesy of DJ Mei Kwok. Attendees danced the night away, celebrating the hard work, passion, and success this year’s benefit accrued.
Once a year, New York City’s young art enthusiasts gather at the Metropolitan Museum of Art for the annual Apollo Circle Benefit. Dressed in the finest gowns and spiffiest tuxedos, a night of fine art admiration, engaging and thought-provoking conversation, and a dance floor of dreams permeate the Met. The Mets Apollo Club provides the city’s young art lovers a way to engage with peers sharing similar interests as they work to provide funding, allowing the Met to amplify its ability to showcase art that appeals to people of all backgrounds.
The club aids in allowing incredible exhibits, including this year’s blockbuster Manet/Degas. Membership includes museum discounts, unique event invitations, studio tours, and more. Not to mention, membership in the Apollo Circle grants attendance to some fabulous fêtes, including the yearly black-tie Apollo Circle Benefit.
This year’s theme, “Une Nuit À Paris,” seemed only fitting as the city of lights provided the backdrop for the tumultuous, remarkable, and dramatic relationship that unfolded between Édouard Manet and Edgar Degas. Dually set against a late 19th-century Parisian backdrop, both artists can be accredited with helping define modern painting. The 162-piece gallery (81 from each artist so as not to create another point of contention) shows the parallels of each artist as they hang side by side and display the influences, analogies, and homogeny of the portraits.
One of the most exciting pieces on display is Manet’s Olympia, which has crossed the pond for the first time in history. First met with public outrage and a need for protection by two armed guards, the piece is now considered one of the first modern paintings. The Met’s gallery is a must-see, and Apollo Circle Benefit attendees were able to get a private viewing.Upon entry to the gala, VIP patrons climbed the iconic stairs brightly cast in purple and blue to the terrace to indulge in libations and light bites. Grandiose floral arrangements and bistro patio sets transported attendees to a Parisian wonderland.
The Apollo Circle team shared words of thanks and appreciation before a history of the gallery and notes of its importance generated applause and the clinking of champagne glasses. Following the remarks, guests were encouraged to journey to the hall of Manet/Degas paintings, making their way through history while witnessing a significant artistic dialogue. The real party could begin once guests became full from soaking up artistic greatness and intellectual tidbits.Making their way through Ancient Egypt, past the caricature artist sketching guests and offering a memento of the evening, the Temple of Dendur was the guests’ final stop. The ancient temple, completed in 10 B.C., was ablaze with colorful flashing lights while a boisterous beat filled the room, courtesy of DJ Mei Kwok. Attendees danced the night away, celebrating the hard work, passion, and success this year’s benefit accrued.
Guests had a private viewing of the blockbuster Manet/Degas exhibit
Apollo Circe members pose for a picture
Guests admire Manet's Olympia, on display for the first time in the U.S.
DJ Mei Kwok had a set suitable for an all night dance party
A party is never complete without a photo booth
The Temple of Dendur marked the grand finale of a beautiful evening
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