This year was the 100th Anniversary of the NYC Armory Show
Last week was New York City’s annual Armory Show, one of the best-known contemporary and modern art fairs. It is one of NYC’s defining art events of the year and happens every March on Piers 92 and 94 in Manhattan. While we still celebrate art from centuries past, the Armory Show puts that aside while it showcases the most important art from the 20th and 21st century. It has become internationally known and celebrated for its program of arts events and exhibitions throughout Armory Arts Week.
This year’s show began on Thursday, March 7th, and ended on Sunday the 10th. Hundreds of dealers and customers filled the many galleries and sites located on the piers. Entertainers performed all week, with Solange Knowles performing at the Museum of Modern Art. Celebrities like Beyoncé, Jay-Z, and Jessica Biel all peeked their heads in for the performances and art.
Andy Warhol’s Mao paintings
Some of the week’s events were open to any who purchased tickets. Tickets ran from m$10 for students all the way up to $60 for a four-day “Run of Show Pass.” And while the majority of events were open to anyone with a ticket, some were exclusive only to a select handful of dealers, collectors, and curators.
“Chosen,” and exclusive event, took place on Monday, March 4th, and showed off a Lucian Freud painting worth $30 million. On Tuesday evening, the art show officially kicked off with a showing of Andy Warhol’s “Mao” paintings, Jean Arp’s totemic sculpture, and more. The event served as a fundraiser for the Henry Street Settlement, which offers social services, arts, and healthcare programs to New York residents.
The event was attended by some of New York’s best-known business executives, such as KKR’s co-CEO Henry Kravis, Estée Lauder billionaire Ronald Lauder, and more. Guests of the event raised approximately $1 million for the Henry Street Settlement.
The Mugrabi family owns one of the largest Andy Warhol collections in the world.
Image: Tina Barney / NY Times
But while the performances and shows are all spectacular, by the end of the week there are many who are glad it’s all over. Alberto Mugrabi’s family owns one of the largest Andy Warhold collections in the world.
“There have been a million parties,” he said. “It becomes too much.”
Mugrabi was exhausted after all the week’s events. “The best thing I’ve done was staying at home and watching a Mets game,” he said.
Click the link to read our full profile on Henry Kravis.