A Look Back at 2025

A Celebration of Art and French-American Friendship

January

AFMO launched its 2025 events program in Paris with a final Patron Pass Tour of the Musée d’Orsay’s Caillebotte. Painting Men, prior to the exhibition travelling to the J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles. 

Next, our members explored how Tom Wesselman challenged traditional art norms through a before-hours visit to the Fondation Louis Vuitton’s temporary exhibition, Pop Forever. Tom Wesselman and More…. 

Finally, we invited our members to a guided visit of the Petit Palais’s temporary exhibition Bruno Liljefors. Wild Sweden, discovering an icon of late nineteenth century Scandinavian art.

All images © AFMO

  • "Caillebotte. Painting Men"

  • "Caillebotte. Painting Men"

  • "Caillebotte. Painting Men"

  • "Pop Forever. Tom Wesselman and More..."

  • "Pop Forever. Tom Wesselman and More..."

  • "Bruno Liljefors. Wild Sweden"

  • "Bruno Liljefors. Wild Sweden"

February

AFMO members were invited to a before-hours tour of the Musée d’Orsay’s Neo-Impressionist collection, rediscovering the movement led by Seurat and Signac which evolved from the Impressionist tradition. 

At the Grand Palais, our members stepped into the dreamlike world of Japanese artist Chiharu Shiota thanks to a guided visit of Chiharu Shiota. The Soul Trembles.

Our members also discovered a little-known facet of the Musée Marmottan Monet’s collections through our exclusive visit of the exhibition Trompe-l’œil, from 1520 to the present day. 

In Los Angeles, Board member Polly Levine invited a small group of patrons and friends to attend the opening of the Gustave Caillebotte. Painting Men exhibition at the Getty Museum. 

All images © AFMO

  • The Musée d'Orsay's Neo-Impressionist collection

  • The Musée d'Orsay's Neo-Impressionist collection

  • "Chiharu Shiota. The Soul Trembles"

  • "Chiharu Shiota. The Soul Trembles"

  • "Trompe-l’œil, from 1520 to the present day"

  • "Trompe-l’œil, from 1520 to the present day"

March

In March, graphic arts stole the show. AFMO patrons in Paris enjoyed a special visit to the Salon du dessin at Palais Brongniart, led by AFMO patron and art collector Ron Bornstein. The highly-regarded international fair showcases over 1000 exceptional artworks, from ancient drawings to contemporary works, and has gained a prominent position in the world of art collecting. 

Both an Avant-Garde patron tour and a Patron Pass Tour led our members through a visit of the Musée d’Orsay’s first exhibition devoted to the spectacular development of the illustrated color poster at the end of the 19th century: Art is in the Street.

The Fondation Custodia opened its doors to our members for a Patron Pass Tour of their collections and archives, allowing them to explore the largest center for art on paper in France. 

All images © AFMO

  • Salon du Dessin

  • Salon du Dessin

  • "Art is in the Street"

  • "Art is in the Street"

  • Fondation Custodia

  • Fondation Custodia

April

AFMO’s plentiful April events program began in Paris with a guided visit of the 27th edition of Art Paris at the newly-renovated Grand Palais. The 2025 edition of the fair explored two themes: Out of Bounds by curator Simon Lamunière and Immortal: A Focus on Figurative Painting in France by Amélie Adamo et Numa Hambursin.

Our Avant-Garde members then had the privilege of being the first to discover the Musée d’Orsay’s contemporary art exhibition, Lucas Arruda. Qu’importe le paysage, led by the artist himself. 

At the Centre Pompidou, our members were guided through a monograph dedicated to Suzanne Valadon (1865-1938), featuring the work of one of the most emblematic, daring, and important artists of her generation. 

The next Patron Pass Tour took our members through the Musée d’Orsay’s exhibition Christian Krohg (1852-1925). The People of the North. Through an in-depth overview of his artistic career, the exhibition highlighted Krohg’s links with the political and social struggles of his time. It revealed a humanist painter, seeking to awaken the viewer's awareness of certain moral and social issues.

In New York City, a private tour was organised of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection of 19th century European Paintings, highlighting Gustave Courbet, led by Kathryn Calley Galitz, art historian and curator. This was done in anticipation of the restoration of Gustave Courbet’s masterpiece, “Un enterrement à Ornans”, at the Musée d’Orsay.

Members were also invited to a talk, held at the Met, with Sylvain Amic and Max Hollein who discussed the Sargent & Paris exhibition. 

Following this talk, major patrons were invited to an exclusive cocktail hosted by AFMO patron and retired Board member Nancy Staniar and her husband Burt.

All images © AFMO

  • Art Paris

  • Art Paris

  • "Lucas Arruda. Qu’importe le paysage"

  • "Lucas Arruda. Qu’importe le paysage"

  • "Suzanne Valadon"

  • "Suzanne Valadon"

  • "Christian Krohg (1852-1925). The People of the North"

  • "Christian Krohg (1852-1925). The People of the North"

  • Gustave Courbet at the MET

  • Gustave Courbet at the MET

  • "Sargent & Paris" Conference

  • "Sargent & Paris" Conference

May

To celebrate the reopening of the Frick Collection, AFMO members were invited to an exclusive tour of this iconic New York museum. 

In Los Angeles, Diane Stewart and AFMO invited members to a lunch at the J. Paul Getty Museum, following which Scott Allan, the Department of Paintings’ curator, led them through a tour of the Caillebotte. Painting Men exhibition. 

Meanwhile, in Paris, members visited the Musée de l'Orangerie's spring exhibition, Out of Focus, another vision of art from 1945 to the present day. This exhibition focused on blurring as a key to understanding Monet’s work as well as a broader shift in modern and contemporary art.

Two more Patron Pass Tours of Art is in the Street were organised for members who had not yet seen as well as for those who wanted to see it again. 

On May 11, a group of patrons embarked on a six-day trip to Provence, in the footsteps of Paul Cézanne and Vincent van Gogh. They arrived first in Marseille, famous for its famous harbour and striking Mucem Museum,  before departing for the countryside, then wandering through the heritage towns and beautiful landscapes of Provence, Montagne Sainte-Victoire, Lubéron and Camargue. Guests enjoyed a private guided visit of Saint-Rémy de Provence, where Vincent van Gogh was hospitalised. They strolled through Arles, where Vincent lived and painted the famous Nuit étoilée, and were hosted to a private tour of the Fondation Luma. They wandered through Camargue and Les Saintes-Maries de la Mer where van Gogh spent a week in 1888. They stayed at Château La Coste where art, architecture, haute cuisine and art-de-vivre celebrate nature and beauty. In Aix-en-Provence, they enjoyed exclusive access to Cézanne’s atelier and his home while both were still being restored, and went for a private walk in the Bibemus quarry where he would come and paint, finding inspiration and peace in a small shack facing the Sainte-Victoire.

Later on in the month, a day trip was planned to Auvers-sur-Oise to continue the van Gogh pilgrimage. There, they visited the Maison du docteur Gachet as well as van Gogh’s studio, before being welcomed to lunch at La Guinguette de l’Auberge Ravoux by Monsieur Dominique-Charles Janssens, President of the Institut van Gogh.  

Finally, back in New York City, our members enjoyed a before-hours visit of Sargent & Paris led by exhibition co-curator Stephanie Herdrich, the Alice Pratt Brown Curator of American Painting and Drawing at The Met.

All images © AFMO

  • "Caillebotte. Painting Men" at the J. Paul Getty Museum

  • "Caillebotte. Painting Men" at the J. Paul Getty Museum

  • "Out of Focus, another vision of art from 1945 to the present day"

  • "Out of Focus, another vision of art from 1945 to the present day"

  • "Art is in the Street"

  • "Art is in the Street"

  • In the Footsteps of Cézanne and Vincent van Gogh

  • In the Footsteps of Cézanne and Vincent van Gogh

  • In the Footsteps of Cézanne and Vincent van Gogh

  • In the Footsteps of Cézanne and Vincent van Gogh

  • Auvers-sur-Oise

  • Auvers-sur-Oise

  • "Sargent & Paris"

  • "Sargent & Paris"

  • Frick Collection

  • Frick Collection

June

The month of June began with an exclusive guided tour of the Porte de Vanves flea market led by the renowned artistic tablescape designer Cecilia Fiorini, who introduced members to the elegant world of Parisian and Roman “arts de la table.” As they hunted for rare block-printed fabrics, beautifully embroidered linens, timeless rattan and bamboo furniture, and vintage cutlery and silverware, our members discovered the charm of the Parisian “puces”. 

On June 11, AFMO hosted its annual Springtime Open House at the Musée d’Orsay in celebration of French-American friendship. As part of the special evening, the guests enjoyed a private viewing of the Musée d’Orsay’s spring exhibition, Art is in the street.

Then, another Patron Pass Tour took members through the Musée d’Orsay’s exhibition Christian Krohg (1852-1925). The People of the North. 

By mid-June registrations to the annual Weekend in Paris fundraiser were closed.

Finally, to make the most of the lovely June weather, members joined us for a walking tour of Nouvelle Athènes, a district that in the Romantic age (1820-1848) was the heart of literary, musical, theatrical and artistic Paris. 

All images © AFMO

  • Porte de Vanves Flea Market

  • Porte de Vanves Flea Market

  • Open House

  • Open House

  • "Christian Krohg (1852-1925). The People of the North"

  • "Christian Krohg (1852-1925). The People of the North"

  • Nouvelle Athènes Walking Tour

July/August

Summer began with another Patron Pass Tour of Out of Focus at the Musée de l’Orangerie. 

Not long after, members were invited to visit the first exhibition dedicated to the Worth fashion house at the Petit Palais. This unprecedented retrospective featured more than 400 works, including clothing, accessories, objets d’art, paintings and graphics, forming an immersive fresco that highlights not only the creations of the House of Worth but also the illustrious names associated with the maison.

Later in the season, a Patron Pass Tour brought our members to the Musée Marmottan Monet to view the spring 2025 exhibition, Eugène Boudin, the father of Impressionism: a private collection which showcased collector Yann Guyonwarc’h’s unrivaled collection of works by Eugène Boudin.

All images © AFMO

  • "Out of Focus, another vision of art from 1945 to the present day"

  • "Out of Focus, another vision of art from 1945 to the present day"

  • "Worth"

  • "Worth"

  • "Eugène Boudin, the father of Impressionism: a private collection"

  • "Eugène Boudin, the father of Impressionism: a private collection"

September

AFMO’s autumn program kicked off with a walk through the Passage Couverts, guided by art historian Ingrid Held. Paris’s passages couverts (covered passages) emerged in the late 18th century as sheltered commercial spaces amid urban growth. These arcades provided refuge from unpredictable weather and chaotic streets, showcasing unique architectural treasures. Initially narrow corridors lined with shops, they evolved into elaborate arcades with mosaic floors, stained glass domes, and wrought iron gates.

AFMO then invited members to partake on a guided tour of the Fine Art Biennale (FAB) Paris at Grand Palais, the only general trade fair dedicated to Fine Arts in Paris, where they enjoyed a complimentary breakfast after having been welcomed by Louis de Bayser, President of the Salon du Dessin and FAB.

In New York City, our Young Patrons were invited to an exclusive cocktail held at the Slag Gallery in Manhattan.

All images © AFMO

  • Les Passages Couverts

  • Les Passages Couverts

  • Fine Art Biennale (FAB) Paris

  • Fine Art Biennale (FAB) Paris

  • Slag Gallery Cocktail

  • Slag Gallery Cocktail

October

The month of October began with two tours of the long-awaited Sargent. Dazzling Paris exhibition at the Musée d’Orsay, including one for our young patrons. This exhibition explores the formative decade that American painter John Singer Sargent spent in Paris, bringing together over 90 works to trace Sargent’s artistic development. 

Members then took a day trip to Aix-en-Provence where they had the privilege of visiting the beautiful exhibition Cézanne au Jas de Bouffan at the Musée Granet. The tour was led by the Granet chief curator Bruno Ely and followed by private visits of Cezanne’s by then restored and reopened Jas de Bouffan and Atelier des Lauves.

In partnership with AFMO, the American Library in Paris hosted a talk surrounding Berthe Weill. Art dealer of the Parisian Avant-Garde with Curators Lynn Gumpert and Sophie Eloy. This allowed attendees to explore the legacy of a pioneering art dealer who shaped modern art, and get a behind-the-scenes look at the Musée de l’Orangerie’s exhibition with their curators.

Our annual benefit weekend returned in October, with a diverse program of private conversations, experiences, and visits celebrating fine art, creation, savoir-faire, and heritage. The weekend opened on Thursday October 23 with an intimate cocktail and private viewing of the Orangerie’s collection, including the acclaimed autumn exhibition Berthe Weill. Art dealer of the Parisian Avant-garde. Participants chose from a diverse program of private conversations, experiences, and visits which celebrated fine art, creation, savoir-faire, and heritage. Guests were hosted at the Sénat for a private lunch and tour by the chair of the French-American friendship committee. On Saturday, patrons and art-lovers gathered at the Musée d’Orsay for an elegant cocktail reception and dinner inspired by the Sargent. Dazzling Paris. 

To find out more about the 2025 edition of AFMO’s Weekend in Paris, please click here.

Following the gala evening, on Sunday October 26, a group of our patrons embarked on a trip to the Champagne region. There, they discovered the jewels this region has to offer through exclusive visits of landmarks, such as the Cathédrale de Reims, artist’s studios, and ateliers, as well as champagne houses including an exclusive visit and dinner at Ruinart. 

All images © AFMO

  • "Sargent. Dazzling Paris"

  • "Sargent. Dazzling Paris"

  • Day Trip to Aix-en-Provence

  • Day Trip to Aix-en-Provence

  • "Berthe Weill. Art dealer of the Parisian Avant-Garde" Talk at the American Library in Paris

  • A Weekend in Paris

  • A Weekend in Paris

  • A Weekend in Paris

  • A Weekend in Paris

  • Trip to Reims

  • Trip to Reims

  • Trip to Reims

  • Trip to Reims

November

November began in Paris with another Patron Pass Tour of the monumental Sargent. Dazzling Paris exhibition. 

In New York City, members were invited to an exclusive tour of the Morgan Library & Museum, a New York cultural landmark, which houses one of the world’s most distinguished collections of manuscripts, rare books, drawings, and works of art. 

Members were also invited to view the Monet and Venice exhibition at the Brooklyn Museum. Not only was this the first exhibition dedicated to Monet’s paintings of this beautiful Italian city, it was also New York’s largest museum show dedicated to this artist in over 25 years, featuring more than 100 artworks, books, and ephemera.

Back in Paris, members were privy to an exclusive tour of ‘Paris Photo’, the world’s leading art fair dedicated to photography. Held at the Grand Palais, this fair celebrates the diversity of photographic practice, from historic works to cutting-edge contemporary creations, offering visitors an unparalleled view of the medium’s past, present, and future.

The Ecole des Beaux-Arts invited our patrons to an exclusive tour, offering a rare opportunity to explore the historic studios, collections, and architecture that defined the education of artists from Ingres to Degas, and discover the enduring legacy of the Ecole in shaping modern art.

To close the month, AFMO members were greeted by the Galerie Helene Bailly to discover Rethinking still life in the 20th century, an exhibition which took the viewer through a century of artistic transformations, from Auguste Renoir to Fernand Léger. 

All images © AFMO

  • "Sargent. Dazzling Paris"

  • "Sargent. Dazzling Paris"

  • "Renoir Drawings"

  • "Renoir Drawings"

  • "Monet and Venice"

  • "Monet and Venice"

  • Paris Photo

  • Paris Photo

  • Ecole des Beaux-Arts

  • Galerie Helene Bailly

  • Galerie Helene Bailly

December

AFMO’s 2025 program closed with a private tour of Sargent. Dazzling Paris, which closes January 11.

AFMO’s 2025 Year-End Appeal was in support of Provenance and Restitution, a five-year research project at the Musée d’Orsay. AFMO is proud to support a project that contributes to transparency, historical understanding, and the responsible stewardship of cultural heritage. A central focus of this initiative involves works known as the Musées Nationaux Récupération (MNR)—artworks recovered in the aftermath of World War II. Of the 60,000 works returned to France at that time, 224 remain in the care of the Musée d’Orsay and require further research.

To find out more about Provenance and Restitution, click here.

All images © AFMO