The Venetian-inspired 35th Annual Hadrian Gala underscored the importance of preserving our most cherished sites
World Monuments Fund Honors Architect Peter Marino and Dr Marilyn Perry
The Venetian-inspired 35th Annual Hadrian Gala underscored the importance of preserving our most cherished sites
Founded in 1965, World Monuments Fund (WMF) is the leading independent organization dedicated to preserving the world’s most treasured places. WMF has worked at over 700 sites in 112 countries. Through its biennial, World Monuments Watch program, the New York City-based non-profit organization uses cultural heritage conservation to empower communities and improve human well-being. In partnership with local communities, funders and governments, WMF inspires an enduring commitment to stewardship for future generations.
For their 35th Annual Hadrian Gala, held at the New York Public Library, the organization celebrated the preservation of global cultural heritage. This year’s event honored architect Peter Marino and Dr. Marilyn Perry for their significant contributions to safeguarding Venice’s architectural treasures. The gala raised a record-breaking $2.1 million, underscoring the importance of preserving the world’s most cherished sites.
The evening was a Venetian-inspired affair, with guests donning black tie and masquerade attire, adding an air of mystery and elegance. The night featured a performance by Grammy Award-winning opera singer Anthony Roth Costanzo and the Opera Philadelphia Orchestra. A dinner menu crafted by renowned chef Daniel Boulud echoed the theme with Venetian mask-shaped wafers accompanying the first course. The programming wrapped with a lively auction led by Christie’s.
Bénédicte de Montlaur, President and CEO of World Monuments Fund, emphasized the organization’s mission as a global movement dedicated to preserving cultural heritage. She noted the power of these efforts to foster respect and understanding across diverse communities.
Marino, recognized for his work with Venetian Heritage, expressed his gratitude for the honor and reaffirmed his commitment to preserving Venice’s unique architectural and artistic legacy. Dr Perry, a long-serving board member of World Monuments Fund, reflected on the organization’s growth and its pivotal role in the global heritage movement. Ultimately, the Hadrian Gala, supported by generous contributions from Gregory Annenberg Weingarten and the Stavros Niarchos Foundation, continues to be a vital platform for recognizing leaders in conservation and promoting the preservation of the world’s art and architecture.