10 Years of Art Bash

Art Bash was launched ten years ago to celebrate SFMOMA’s landmark building expansion. The transformed museum nearly tripled the gallery space to accommodate more visitors, an ever-growing world-class art collection, and an annual fundraising party worthy of our vibrant creative community!

Take a walk down memory lane and learn more about the evolution of Art Bash.

2016

The Modern Ball

On May 12, 2016, 2,500 guests enjoyed a thrilling evening and triumphant celebration of a bold new chapter at SFMOMA. The Modern Ball, held in the newly expanded museum, featured significantly enhanced galleries and new spaces for education and public programs. Participants chose their own adventure from three party options — the Gala Dinner, Supper Club, and Post-Modern Party — all designed by Stanlee Gatti.

2017

The Birthday Bash

With a theme of ONE, The Birthday Bash celebrated ONE incredible first year with ONE vibrant community for ONE night only. The event featured an artful live performance by Grammy Award–winning artist Solange. Attendees also enjoyed an installation by Judy Chicago; a special mural by Clare Rojas, Barry McGee, and Jacolby Satterwhite; as well as performances by Helado Negro, Les Twins, and DJ SOSUPERSAM.

At the pop-up experience FLASH FLASH FLASH: An Exhibition as Tattoo Parlor by Gagosian, tattoo artists adorned partygoers with designs by Alex Israel and St. Vincent. Each tattoo design was produced in an edition of three and hand-numbered directly on the recipient’s skin; once the third person received a design, it was retired forever.

2018

The Modern Ball

At the Natoma Street Porte Cochère, designed by Stanlee Gatti, bright pink-and-yellow floral fabric walls inspired by Marimekko designer Maija Isola greeted dinner guests. The more than 2,000 party guests enjoyed a Flyaway Productions aerialist and special performances by DJ Umami, Little Dragon, DJ Luiza SA, and Le1f. This ball honored Charles Schwab’s ten years of service as the Chairman of SFMOMA’s Board of Trustees.

2019

Art Bash

Art Bash 2019 was a two-part fundraising event. The night began with an exquisite vegetarian dinner in Helen and Charles Schwab Hall with tablescapes designed by artist Tauba Auerbach, followed by a high-energy museumwide party featuring activations by artists JR, Nick Cave, and Stephen ESPO Powers, plus special music performances by A-Trak, Luna, Thao & The Get Down Stay Down, and DJ Lady Ryan.

2020

Art Bash

SFMOMA postponed Art Bash to prioritize the safety and well-being of guests and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many thanks to the generous supporters who chose to donate the value of their tickets back to the museum to sustain SFMOMA’s programs and operations.

2021

Art Bash

In 2021, SFMOMA introduced the first-ever virtual Art Bash. Held from April 12–15, 2021, this lively online celebration featured free, art-filled events that invited community members to create, connect, and support the museum’s mission to make art accessible to all. A highlight of the program was the artist talk In Conversation: Visionaries Virgil Abloh and Moved by the Motion. Festivities concluded with a spirited virtual art auction and dance party that united participants in a shared digital celebration of creativity.

Watch — In Conversation: Visionaries Virgil Abloh and Moved by the Motion

2022

Art Bash

Art Bash 2022 marked the museum’s triumphant return to an in-person celebration, honoring contemporary art and the artists who shape its future. The evening began with cocktails, a dinner experience conceived by artist Sarah Cain, and an art auction featuring works by Jeff Koons, Julie Mehretu, Larry Sultan, William Kentridge, and Lynn Hershman Leeson. Guests explored immersive installations by Michael Jang, The Palms, San Francisco Studio, DJ Agana, and Vogue, while live performances by The Linda Lindas, Miles Medina, RCADE, Nite Jewel, and DJ $picy supercharged the museum with energy and sounds.

2023

Art Bash

This year’s vibrant, museumwide celebration honored trailblazing art and artists, with special recognition of Marilyn Minter. Artist-designed installations by Minter, Woody De Othello, and Sadie Barnette, including an immersive dining experience, live performances, and dynamic art activations, guaranteed an unforgettable night.

2024

Art Bash

A cocktail reception and immersive dinner by artist Isaac Julien, featuring imagery from his Ten Thousand Waves series and a live Christie’s auction kicked off a memorable night. The celebration continued with Richard Misrach’s Solo to Symphony, featuring Alonzo King LINES Ballet dancers and large-scale works from his Golden Gate and Ocean series. Painter Chelsea Ryoko Wong activated the Gina and Stuart Peterson White Box with an animated installation and dance floor, closing the night with a high-energy performance by Tierra Whack.

2025

Art Bash

A dazzling dinner designed by Firelei Báez transformed the museum’s Floor 7 galleries into a primordial woodland of mystery and wonder, followed by a lively Sotheby’s auction featuring works by Amy Sherald, Ruth Asawa, and Charles Gaines, among others. As Art Bash took over every floor of the museum, more than 2,000 guests celebrated in colorful installations by Masako Miki and Jeffrey Sincich, danced to electrifying performances by Zack Fox, Martin Luther, DJ Shortkut, and DJ Lady Ryan, and cheered along to a fierce ballroom showcase. Artist-designed giveaways kept the party pulsing late into the night.