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Bette Midler Attends Opening Gala For David Geffen Galleries
By Staff
April 19, 2026
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 16: (L-R) Ted Sarandos, Nicole Avant, and Bette Midler attend LACMA’s Opening Gala for The David Geffen Galleries at Los Angeles County Museum of Art on April 16, 2026, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for LACMA)
Embed from Getty ImagesOn Thursday, April 16, 2026, LACMA celebrated the opening of its David Geffen Galleries, which brought together leading figures from the region and around the world to mark a significant moment for arts and culture in Los Angeles. The gala supported LACMA’s initiatives to celebrate local and global artists, engage and inspire broad audiences, and honor the cultural richness of our communities. The evening began with a viewing of the inaugural installation of the David Geffen Galleries and an outdoor cocktail reception held on the East West Bank Commons. Guests were led into the gala by a modern masquerade procession performed by Seki Foundation. In the dinner space, Mamo Camilo, spiritual leader of the Arhuaco community of Kutunsama, Colombia, welcomed guests by sounding the caracol, a ceremonial conch shell. Guests were treated to a dance performance honoring classical Indian dance traditions performed by the Mona Khan company, along with a special performance by T Bone Burnett. Co-Chairs of the LACMA Board of Trustees Willow Bay and Tony Ressler, LACMA CEO and Wallis Annenberg Director Michael Govan, and LA County Supervisor Holly Mitchell also each gave remarks throughout the evening. As guests departed, Studio DRIFT provided a striking finale to the gala with its iconic drone performance Franchise Freedom. The event was presented by Genesis with additional support by Gucci, while the Series of David Geffen Galleries opening events were presented by East West Bank. Guests in attendance included: hosts Michael Govan, Willow Bay, and Tony Resslerwith additional special guests including Alex Israel, Alejandro G. Iñárritu, Alexander Wang, Alicia Keys & Swizz Beatz, Bette Midler, Bob Iger, David Geffen, Derek Blasberg, Edward Ruscha, Eva Chow, Eva Longoria & José Bastón, Fai Khadra, Heidi Klum, James Turrell, Jeff Koons, Kathy & Rick Hilton, Kim Petras, Larry Gagosian, Lisa Love, Lori Loughlin, Mark Hoppus, Sharon Stone, Will Ferrell, and many more.
