On the evening of May 31, 2025, the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) Los Angeles transformed The Geffen Contemporary into a radiant crossroads of creative influence and cultural reverence. In partnership with BVLGARI, MOCA hosted its annual Gala, debuting a new “MOCA Legends” format to honor artist Theaster Gates, architect Frank Gehry, and philanthropist Wendy Schmidt—three visionaries who have each shaped the institution’s legacy in profound ways.

With more than 600 guests in attendance—from luminaries in the art world to Hollywood heavyweights and philanthropic leaders—the evening raised over $3.1 million in support of MOCA’s ongoing exhibitions, educational initiatives, and operational programming.

This year’s reimagined gala paid tribute to its honorees through personal introductions delivered by friends and fellow changemakers. Filmmaker Ava DuVernay reflected on Theaster Gates’ expansive artistic practice and his commitment to community-building through visual culture. Activist and actress Jane Fonda honored Wendy Schmidt, praising her pioneering work at the intersection of environmentalism and philanthropy. Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi acknowledged Frank Gehry’s indelible influence on Los Angeles, recalling his original renovation of The Geffen Contemporary more than 40 years ago.

Gehry, addressing the crowd, shared:

Schmidt echoed the sentiment of artistic discovery through curiosity: “I see art and science as two sides of the same coin. Each of them rests upon a single, necessary foundation: freedom of thought.”

Gates emphasized the power of artistic potential within communities: “Is it possible that we could take a moment to imagine the talent around us has the capacity to do greater than it does?”

The celebration began at the Aileen Getty Plaza with a cocktail reception and private viewing of Olafur Eliasson: OPEN, MOCA’s latest exhibition. As the sun set, the TAIKOPROJECT Japanese drum ensemble led guests in a ceremonial procession to the dining space, setting a reverent tone for the evening.

MOCA Board Chair Maria Seferian and Maurice Marciano Director Johanna Burton opened the program with remarks that reflected on the museum’s evolution and community role:

The seated dinner was followed by a high-energy performance from GRAMMY-nominated rapper Tierra Whack, who took the stage with tracks from her albums Whack World and World Wide Whack, including “MOOVIES,” “SHOWER SONG,” and “Hungry Hippo.” The night continued with a DJ set by Linafornia, providing a lively close to a night where art, music, and community converged.

As always, the MOCA Gala served as a reflection of the city’s cultural DNA. Notable attendees included Ava DuVernay, Jane Fonda, Sarah Paulson, Josh Hutcherson, Edythe Broad, David Alan Grier, Lisa Edelstein, and Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, along with MOCA’s leadership and trustees. Artists in attendance ranged from Olafur Eliasson and Henry Taylor to Refik Anadol, Alex Israel, and Mary Weatherford—demonstrating the museum’s strong ties to both established and emerging voices across disciplines.

Also present were many of the museum’s core patrons and supporters, including MOCA Board President Carolyn Clark Powers, Board Chair Maria Seferian, and Advancement Committee Co-Chair Terri Smooke, who continue to steward the institution’s mission and growth.

The 2025 MOCA Gala was more than an evening of celebration—it marked a thoughtful continuation of the museum’s commitment to dialogue, innovation, and public engagement. By honoring those who have transformed the cultural fabric of Los Angeles and beyond, MOCA reaffirmed its role not only as a guardian of contemporary art but as a living, breathing institution that evolves with and because of the people it serves.