Phillips Collection Annual Gala & Contemporary Bash Toasts Museum's 95th Anniversary With Salute To Qatar

Be sure to check out all 16 of our photographs from the 2016 PHILLIPS COLLECTION GALA HERE!

Be sure to check out all 24 of our photographs from the 2016 CONTEMPORARIES BASH HERE!

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Fans of both Eastern and Western art united on Friday evening, as The Phillips Collection rolled out the red carpet for its annual spring gala.

For 2016, the black tie bash paid homage to the impact of arabesque on modern art, with Qatari Ambassador Mohammed Jaham Al-Kuwari serving as the evening's Diplomatic Chair. He was joined by co-hosts Kay and Sunny Kapoor and museum Director Dorothy Kosinski in greeting guests at the door, as the celebration began with an outdoor cocktail reception.

Attendees were then ushered to their dinner tables, which had been carefully scattered throughout the full length of The Phillips Collection. Each room boasted a different decor and color scheme designed to complement the art hanging from the surrounding walls.

After a dinner of Middle Eastern-inspired treats, the some 500 business, diplomatic, political, and cultural leaders in attendance enjoyed a champagne reception set to live music. And the truly adventurous boarded buses bound for a similarly themed late night bash, hosted by the museum's young professional supporters, at historic Union Market.

What the Contemporaries Bash lacked in formality and diplomatic protocol, it more than made-up for in energy and dazzling colors, with its own program consisting of live falconry demonstrations, interactive air sculptures, live calligraphy, gaming stations, and plenty of dancing.

Proceeds from both the gala and Contemporaries Bash will be used to further develop The Phillips Collection's award-winning education programs, which are designed to inspire creativity, foster a greater understanding between different cultures, and provide lifelong learning experiences for art lovers of all ages.

Be sure to check out all 16 of our photographs from the 2016 PHILLIPS COLLECTION GALA HERE!

Be sure to check out all 24 of our photographs from the 2016 CONTEMPORARIES BASH HERE!