Light Up the Night: LOVE in the Garden at NOMA
Event Date: November 7, 2025 |
The New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) hosted its popular and essential fundraiser, LOVE in the Garden, on Friday, November 7, 2025. The event provided a stunning evening of culture, cuisine, and celebration within the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden, one of the top outdoor art destinations in the country.
Art Under the Stars
The event’s namesake comes from Robert Indiana’s iconic LOVE sculpture, which is a permanent fixture in the garden. For the 2025 event, which had the theme “Light up the Night,” attendees explored the 12-acre garden under a dramatic, festive lighting display. This experience offers a rare opportunity to view nearly 100 sculptures by renowned artists—from Auguste Rodin to Henry Moore—in the unique, illuminated setting of the live oaks and lagoons native to South Louisiana.
The evening began with an intimate Patron Party, followed by the main Garden Party. The larger celebration featured live music from bands like the New Orleans–based Yacht Rockers Where Y’acht and an endless supply of specialty cocktails and wine.
A Feast for the Museum
The most celebrated feature of LOVE in the Garden is the culinary showcase. Dozens of the city’s top restaurants, chefs, and caterers set up tasting stations throughout the grounds, allowing guests to sample gourmet bites that highlight the breadth of New Orleans cuisine.
The event also hosted the annual LOVE Cocktail Challenge, where the city’s most creative mixologists compete with beverages inspired by different types of love. Most importantly, all proceeds from ticket sales and sponsorships provide critical operating support for NOMA. This funding ensures the museum can continue to offer world-class exhibitions, care for its permanent collection of nearly 50,000 works, and run its vital educational and public programs throughout the year. The gala proves that celebrating New Orleans’ artistic and culinary culture is a powerful way to invest in the city’s future.
More photos from this event click-> HERE
