The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) is gearing up for its highly anticipated annual Gala on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA in Los Angeles’ vibrant Little Tokyo. This year’s event, presented in partnership with luxury brand BVLGARI, promises to be a landmark occasion as MOCA introduces its new MOCA Legends format. The evening will honor three transformative figures—Theaster Gates, Frank Gehry, and Wendy Schmidt—whose contributions have shaped MOCA’s legacy as a global leader in contemporary art.
Honoring MOCA Legends
The 2025 Gala marks the debut of the MOCA Legends initiative, a new tradition celebrating individuals who have profoundly influenced the museum’s mission and the broader cultural landscape. This year’s honorees are:
Theaster Gates, an artist whose multidisciplinary practice spans sculpture, performance, and urban planning. Gates’ 2011 solo exhibition at MOCA Geffen was a milestone, and his work continues to redefine how art engages with community and history.
Frank Gehry, the legendary architect whose 1983 renovation of The Geffen Contemporary pioneered adaptive reuse and set the stage for MOCA’s bold exhibitions. Gehry’s innovative designs, from dynamic buildings to sculptural furniture, remain iconic.
Wendy Schmidt, a philanthropist whose transformative support has fueled initiatives like the Eric and Wendy Schmidt Environment and Art Prize, launching at MOCA in 2025 with projects by artists Cecilia Vicuña and Julian Charrière.
As MOCA Board President Carolyn Clark Powers notes, “We’re proud to position the MOCA Gala moving forward as a platform to recognize legends like Theaster, Frank, and Wendy, who have radically transformed everything we do.”
A Night of Art and Celebration
The Gala will bring together artists, philanthropists, and luminaries from the entertainment and fashion worlds for an unforgettable evening. Guests will kick off the night with a cocktail reception in the Aileen Getty Plaza, where they can experience a special viewing of Olafur Eliasson: OPEN, an immersive exhibition exclusive to the event. The evening will culminate in a seated dinner, accompanied by a performance from GRAMMY-nominated artist Tierra Whack, whose critically acclaimed 2024 album World Wide Whack has solidified her as one of today’s most dynamic voices in music.
MOCA’s collaboration with BVLGARI underscores a shared commitment to creativity and innovation. “MOCA’s bold spirit and dedication to contemporary creativity mirror our own passion for craftsmanship,” said Herve Perrot, BVLGARI North American President. This partnership not only elevates the Gala but also reinforces BVLGARI’s long-term support for Los Angeles’ thriving art community.
Funds raised at the Gala will directly support MOCA’s ambitious programming, including its world-class exhibitions, education initiatives, and operational needs. With nearly 8,000 objects in its collection and a history of groundbreaking shows, MOCA remains a vital hub for contemporary art, thanks to the generosity of its supporters.
