A Night at the Whitney Museum’s 2026 Art Party
On Tuesday night, the Whitney Museum of American Art opened its doors after hours for its annual Art Party—a staple event for New York City’s creative crowd. Hosted by the Whitney Contemporaries, the event drew a mix of artists and industry insiders to Gansevoort Street to peruse the galleries and let loose on the dance floor.
This year’s Art Party was supported by co-chairs Ego Nwodim, Steven Beltrani, Micaela Erlanger, Martine Gutierrez, Alexander Hankin, and Emma Safir. The host committee also featured industry names including ELLE’s senior digital director Claire Stern Milch, Sophie Elgort, Jennifer Fisher, Gabrielle Richardson, and Andrew Taylor, among others.
Familiar faces from the worlds of fashion and pop culture, including Martha Stewart and Jessel Taank, were among those spotted at the museum. The evening unfolded across the Whitney’s public spaces, with guests moving through the packed dance floor as DJs Raúl de Nieves and The Dare took turns behind the decks.
Bold, expressive style was the unofficial dress code of the evening, and attendees leaned in accordingly—vivid prints, unexpected color pairings, and statement silhouettes dominated the room. Drinks and passed hors d’oeuvres (like fried mac and cheese bites) circulated throughout the lobby as guests explored the museum’s exhibitions between sets, and the festivities continued late into the night.
The Art Party also serves a greater purpose: Proceeds from the event benefit the Whitney’s Independent Study Program, which supports emerging postgraduate artists and curators working across a range of disciplines.
Scroll below to see who showed up—and what they wore—for one of New York’s most anticipated art-world celebrations.
Moriel is the editorial and social media assistant at ELLE.com, covering celebrity, culture, and fashion. She previously wrote for The Daily Front Row. When she’s off work, you can find her with her nose in a book, taking a dance class, or online shopping.