Signature Events

World Monuments Fund (WMF)’s signature events bring attendees closer to cultural heritage conservation.

Hadrian Gala

The Hadrian Gala recognizes outstanding achievement in international heritage preservation. 

WMF’s largest fundraiser and highest-profile event of the year, the Hadrian Gala brings together leaders across sectors for an incredible fall evening in New York City.

2025 Hadrian Gala at The Met
WMF's 2025 Hadrian Gala was held at The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Temple of Dendur in celebration of WMF's 60th anniversary. (c) BFA
2025 Hadrian Gala at The Met
WMF's 2025 Hadrian Gala was held at The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Temple of Dendur in celebration of WMF's 60th anniversary. (c) BFA

Summer Soirée

Hosted by WMF's Junior Board, the Summer Soirée celebrates global cultural heritage advocacy and WMF's role as a champion for places affected by climate change, imbalanced tourism, underrepresentation, and crisis. 

0088 selects Summer Soiree2024
The Summer Soirée is held annually in New York City.
0088 selects Summer Soiree2024
The Summer Soirée is held annually in New York City.

World Monuments Summit

The World Monuments Summit brings together a global network of experts, advocates, and thought leaders to discuss the future of cultural heritage preservation. Held annually, the Summit is free and open to the public.

0068 Selects WMF Summit2024
The World Monuments Summit
0068 Selects WMF Summit2024
The World Monuments Summit

Paul Mellon Lecture

WMF’s Paul Mellon Lecture explores critical issues in the field of cultural heritage. This free public lecture brings influential voices to the stage in New York City and beyond.

2025 Mellon Lecture at Saint John the Divine
The 2025 Paul Mellon Lecture explored the monumental restoration of Notre-Dame of Paris - the largest preservation project of the century. (c) Liz Ligon
2025 Mellon Lecture at Saint John the Divine
The 2025 Paul Mellon Lecture explored the monumental restoration of Notre-Dame of Paris - the largest preservation project of the century. (c) Liz Ligon

UK Paul Mellon Lecture

Similar to its U.S. counterpart, WMF in Britain's annual public Paul Mellon Lecture examines philanthropist Paul Mellon's legacy safeguarding architectural heritage.

Getty Images RA
Getty Images RA

World Monuments Fund / Knoll Modernism Prize

Presented biannually during a public ceremony, the World Monuments Fund / Knoll Modernism Prize recognizes outstanding achievements in saving buildings emblematic of the modernist architectural movement.  

Hero Africa Hall Architectus Rory Gardiner
Architecture firm Architectus received the 2026 World Monuments Fund / Knoll Modernism Prize at a ceremony during Palm Springs Modernism Week for its restoration of Africa Hall in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Hero Africa Hall Architectus Rory Gardiner
Architecture firm Architectus received the 2026 World Monuments Fund / Knoll Modernism Prize at a ceremony during Palm Springs Modernism Week for its restoration of Africa Hall in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.