Hadrian Gala
Each fall, WMF recognizes outstanding achievement in international heritage preservation at the annual Hadrian Gala, bringing together leaders in arts and culture, business, historic preservation, architecture, and philanthropy for an incredible evening in New York City.
Since 1988, WMF's annual Hadrian Gala has honored champions of conservation for their passionate commitment and extraordinary contributions to preserving and protecting the world's shared cultural heritage.
The Gala is WMF's largest fundraiser and highest-profile event of the year, raising critical funds for the organization.
Gala honorees represent an impressive roster of champions whose leadership inspires the protection of the world’s architectural and cultural heritage. Past honorees include Their Majesties the King and Queen of Bhutan, David M. Rubenstein, Prince Amyn Aga Khan, The Stavros Niarchos Foundation, Her Majesty Queen Sofía of Spain, Jo Carole and Ronald S. Lauder, Carlos Slim Helú, and His Majesty King Charles III, among others.
2026 Hadrian Gala
The 2026 Hadrian Gala will take place on Wednesday, October 28 at the Waldorf Astoria New York. Building on the momentum of last year’s extraordinary 60th Anniversary Gala and celebrations, the 2026 Hadrian Gala is a tribute to the importance of the strong partners who move WMF’s work forward.
This special evening will recognize three remarkable honorees for their extraordinary contributions to preserving and protecting the world’s shared cultural heritage: Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman, Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi; Thomas Buberl, CEO, AXA Group; and J.M. Kaplan Fund, accepted by Isabel Fonseca and Peter Davidson. We are thrilled to be joined this year by Co-Chairs Pauline Eveillard, Marina Kellen French, and Christian Louboutin, along with Honorary Co-Chairs David and Caryn Rubenstein.
