2024 Un Ballo in Maschera:

On Friday, April 12th, at The Plaza Hotel in New York City, Save Venice hosted its annual Un Ballo in Maschera, sponsored by Oscar de la Renta and The Gritti Palace, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Venice. The event, themed La Primavera and attended by over 400 guests, raised more than $1.2 million for the preservation of historic art and architecture in Venice, Italy.

The sold-out black-tie affair saw attendees immersed in the celebration of springtime in Venice, drawing inspiration from the vibrant palette of artworks by Renaissance artist Paolo Veronese in the Venetian Church of San Sebastiano, a restoration project funded by Save Venice, which will reach its triumphant conclusion next month after 17 years of meticulous conservation.

The Plaza was majestically transformed into a Venetian garden by Save Venice Co-Chair and event mastermind Bronson van Wyck and his team, Van Wyck & Van Wyck. The evening’s ambiance evoked a warm spring night in the “Floating City” with trees, flowers, and foliage adorning the Terrace Room and Grand Ballroom, reminiscent of the flora and fauna depicted in Veronese’s paintings in the Church of San Sebastiano. Adding to the allure of the evening, beautifully decorated vintage bar carts served DIO, Bronson’s new line of premium, ready-to-drink cocktails.

Creative Directors of Oscar de la Renta, Laura Kim and Fernando Garcia, presided over the Ceremony for Outstanding Masks, awarding prizes donated by Oscar de la Renta, The Gritti Palace, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Venice, and Save Venice. Jordan Roth won in the category of Most Creative, and was awarded a generous gift certificate from Oscar de la Renta; Andy Yu in the category of Most Venetian, and was awarded a two-night stay in a Heritage Suite at The Gritti Palace, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Venice; and Lisa Sher-Chambers in the category of Most En Theme, and received a Save Venice Doge Membership.

Following the mask ceremony, nearly 100 Young Friend supporters aged 39 and younger joined the festivities for Drinks, Dessert, and Dancing, with music provided by DJ Olivier Meiji, extending the celebration into the early hours.