American Academy In Rome's Gala Dinner At The Plaza

Go HERE for more photos by Shoko Takayasu and tag yourself and your friends!

The American Academy in Rome held their Annual Tribute Dinner yesterday evening in the Grand Ballroom of the Plaza Hotel. The recent transformation of the venerable hotel into residences and its highly-publicized financial troubles have resulted in the Plaza losing a little of its luster. Yesterday evening, however, the Grand Ballroom looked every bit as elegant and bustling as in its heyday.-

The distinguished guests, all in their black tie finery, certainly played up the refined atmosphere. Honoree Larry Gagosian was there, as well as Chuck Close, Hamish Bowles, Robert Storr,  Prince Dimitri of Yugoslavia, Agnes Gund and Richard Meier.

The evening began with cocktails, followed by dinner during which guests were treated to a lecture by John Richardson ("Where would 20th century art be without Picasso?").

The Gala was part of ongoing centenary celebrations, marking the anniversary of the collaboration between the American Academy in Rome and the American School of Classical Studies.