27. November 2024

Honoring the Past and Shaping the Future: The JMW 130th Anniversary Gala at Christie's

by Natascha Golan
© Christie's
On November 9, 2024, a special gala dinner took place at Christie’s New York. This event launched the beginning of the Jewish Museum Vienna’s 130th anniversary year, which will be celebrated in 2025 with numerous exhibitions, events, and other special projects. On this day in 1938, the Nazi terror was unleashed during the November Pogroms.  Within this historic context, the evening focused on commemorating the past, but also looking forward to shape a brighter future in light of the forthcoming anniversary year of the museum’s founding.

Reflection and Dialogue
In his opening remarks, Marc Porter, Chairman of Christie’s Americas, emphasized the significance of November 9th as a call to remember and never forget. Barbara Staudinger, Director of the Jewish Museum Vienna, highlighted the museum’s central role in her speech:
"The Jewish Museum Vienna is a place for dialogue and engagement –
a living monument to Jewish history and culture."

Eric Huebscher, President of the U.S. Friends of the Jewish Museum Vienna, recounted his father’s escape from Vienna in 1938 and his lifelong connection to the city. His family’s story moved all our guests and strongly recalled the museum’s mission of commemorating and celebrating Viennese Jewish Heritage.
 
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© Christie's
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© Christie's

Culinary Delights and Viennese Tradition
The evening’s menu took guests on a culinary journey to Vienna. Wiener Schnitzel and Sachertorte, specially delivered from Austria, added a traditional touch to the event.

A Preview of the 2025 Anniversary Year
In her presentation of the upcoming anniversary exhibition, JMW Curator Daniela Schmid, provided a quick glimpse of concept, which explores fundamental questions about God.  Opening on April 1,2025, the show will bring historical ritual objects from the collection of the First Jewish Museum Vienna into dialogue with modern and contemporary art. Additionally, a video project created in collaboration with Viennese students was shown. Made possible by the Leon Fischer Trust, this initiative symbolized the creative connection between Vienna and New York.

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© Christie's
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© Christie's

Prominent Guests and International Support
The event attracted numerous guests from the art, cultural, and diplomatic sectors. Among the attendees were Géza and Elizabeth von Habsburg, Daniella Luxembourg, Thaddaeus Ropac, and Barbara Kirshenblatt-Gimblett. Representatives of Austrian diplomacy, including Consul General Helena Steinhäusl, were also present.

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© Christie's
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© Christie's