Gala 2026: Paris After Dark
Saturday, May 2, 2026
6:30 pm — 11:30 pm
Due to overwhelming demand, Gala 2026 dinner tickets are sold out. Thank you for your incredible support. There are a limited amount of After Dinner Tickets available which includes access to the event from 9 pm to midnight. Purchase tickets below.
To join the waitlist for dinner tickets, please email aventura@artmuseumgr.org. To make a contribution to the Art for Life Fund, please click here.
Step into the heart of Paris at GRAM Gala 2026, a black-tie evening of French elegance, artistry, and celebration.
Inspired by the forthcoming exhibition Decadent Spirit: French Art at the Turn of the Century, the Museum will come alive with the sights and sounds of Paris at night, inviting you into an unforgettable evening of glamour and revelry.
6:30 pm Cocktail Hour
7:30 pm Seated Dinner
9 pm Après-dîner Desserts
Attire: Black-tie. Leave ordinary at the door. Bold looks. Dark glamour. Paris attitude. From silk to leather, sequins to lace. Find additional outfit inspiration below.
Proceeds from Gala 2026 support the Art for Life Fund, dedicated to sustaining and growing the vital work of our Learning and Creativity Department.
Gala 2026 Co-Chairs:
Amanda and Luis Avila, Tracey and Kenyatta Brame, Jenny and David Hall, and India and Bill Manns
Gala tickets are nonrefundable. If you are unable to attend, your tickets will be donated back to GRAM as a contribution to the event.
For more information, contact Advancement Events Manager Annmarie Ventura at 616.831.2925 or aventura@artmuseumgr.org
Après-dîner Guest (9pm Entry)
Dinner Tickets are Sold Out. There are a limited amount of After Dinner Tickets which include admission for 1 individual, entertainment, and open bar from 9 to midnight.
Guests will be admitted at 9pm. Questions? Contact Annmarie Ventura at aventura@artmuseumgr.org or 616.831.2925.
Après-dîner Guest
The Après-dîner (After Dinner) ticket includes admission for 1 individual, entertainment, and open bar from 9 to midnight.
Guests will be admitted at 9pm.
Limit 2 tickets per purchase.
VIP Lounge Sponsor
Event Sponsors
- Daniel and Pamella DeVos Foundation
- Patti Griswold and Kevin Haviland
- Meijer
- Pat Brewer
- Cascade Engineering
- Conduit Studio
- Corewell Health
- Bill and Marilyn Crawford
- Sam and Janene Cummings
- Eenhoorn, LLC
- Fifth Third Bank
- Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University
- Bill and India Manns
- Miller Johnson Attorneys
- Khan and Liza Nedd
- OA Private Capital | RDV Corporation
- Beth O’Shaughnessy and Terry Rathbun
- Ruth Posthumus and Marlin Feyen
- Robbie and David Reynolds
- Varnum LLP
- Warner Norcross + Judd
- Wolverine Worldwide
- Phillip and Julie Croll
- Carol Hoyt and David Byers
- Rebeccca and Wallson Knack
- Shane and Carrie Napper
- Stephanie Naito
- Jim and Marie Preston
- Milt and Barbara Rohwer
- Elizabeth Welch and Brian Schwartz
- Contribution from Jane and John Meilner
Attire
This year’s Gala attire inspiration comes from our upcoming exhibition Decadent Spirit: French Art at the Turn of the Century. This “turn of the century” timeframe covers roughly 1880 to 1910, a historical period in France known at the Belle Époque (Beautiful Age). Considered the European counterpart to the United States’ Gilded Age, it takes place well before the flapper aesthetic became popular.
The Met covered this time-period, the Gilded Age, in their 2022 gala. See what stars wore on the red carpet.
Main Fashion Feature of the Belle Époque:
Extremely ornate “full toilettes,” featuring deep décolletage, lace, sequins, ruffles, and beadwork.
Heavy use of silk, chiffon, lace, and velvet, often in pastel shades.
Wide-brimmed, lavishly feathered hats, parasols, long gloves, and fans were essential for completing the look.
Prominent couturiers included Worth, Doucet, Paquin, and Callot Soeurs.
Frolicking, flowing styles, like those found in the nightlife depictions by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec and Jules Chéret capture the spirit of liberation and gaiety of the time. It’s formal, but loose – elegant, but joyful.
Joining us from out of town?
Accommodations in Grand Rapids
From the welcoming lobby and the functional, relaxing rooms to the friendly service and city views, it’s a stay you’ll feel good about. This Downtown Grand Rapids Hotel features multiple spaces to work or relax in, free Wi-Fi throughout and easy access to news, weather, maps, directions and city events. A skywalk offers convenient access to Devos Place Convention Center, Van Andel Arena and dozens of restaurants and night clubs.
Make yourself at home in the Hotel District, in Downtown Grand Rapids, steps from the Grand Rapids Art Museum and Van Andel Arena. Whether you’re touring the breweries of “Beer City USA” or the art collections at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, Hyatt Place Grand Rapids / Downtown puts you at the center of the action.
The JW Marriott Grand Rapids, situated in the heart of Hotel District in Downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan, provides modern luxury in a place where you can be mindful and present. As the first JW Marriott in the Midwest, discover the beauty overlooking the city and Grand River featuring 331 refined rooms and suites across 23 floors. Embrace our mindful amenities with our recently renovated Wellness Floor – featuring Seraphina Spa, fitness center featuring robust workout equipment, an indoor pool, and steam rooms.
We offer a selection of spacious suites with separate living and sleeping areas. A fully equipped kitchen ready for your favorite cuisine. Complimentary grocery delivery service to fill your refrigerator and satisfy cravings. Free Internet for connecting to work and the outside world. Free hot breakfast to start mornings off right and a fitness center for strengthening your body and soul. Relax and unwind when you want. And stay focused and productive when it’s essential. At Residence Inn, we’ll make sure you thrive during your stay.
Access and Parking Suggestions:
Please enter through the main lobby doors & staff will direct you to the entrance.
Monroe Center Ramp | 37 Ionia Ave NW
The entrance to the Monroe Center parking ramp is located off Ionia Street.
Louis Campau Ramp | 43 Monroe Ave NW
The entrance to the Louis Campau Ramp is near the intersection of Monroe and Louis.
