One of Philadelphia’s most vibrant and visually arresting galas returns this fall with the 2025 Arts Ball, hosted at the Barnes Foundation on Friday, October 17 at 7 PM. An annual tradition beloved by collectors, creatives, and cultural tastemakers alike, this year’s event honors the opening of “Henri Rousseau: A Painter’s Secrets“, a world-premiere exhibition showcasing nearly 60 works by the self-taught French visionary.
The 2025 Arts Ball signifies the Barnes Foundation’s commitment to education, access, and preservation. Proceeds from the event fuel the Barnes’ community programming, groundbreaking exhibitions, and the ongoing care of its globally renowned collection. Guests will be treated to an exclusive after-hours preview of “Rousseau: A Painter’s Secrets”, curated by Christopher Green (Courtauld Institute) and Nancy Ireson (Barnes Foundation), in the Roberts Gallery. With key pieces from the Musée de l’Orangerie in Paris joining treasures from the Barnes’ own holdings, the exhibition marks the most significant U.S. presentation of Rousseau’s work in nearly two decades.
2025 Arts Ball: Let Your Imagination Run Wild
The theme for the 2025 Arts Ball—“Let Your Imagination Run Wild!”—is a lush invitation to step into Rousseau’s dreamlike world. Event producer Susan Norcross and designer Jessica Mader will transform the Barnes Foundation into an immersive oasis, echoing the surreal jungle landscapes that Rousseau painted with such wonder and precision. Throughout the campus, guests will discover lush floral installations, curated lighting, and unexpected performance art moments.
Philadelphia’s creative community takes center stage with an electric lineup of live music and performance. DJ Val Fleury, a Liberian-born artist known for her dynamic global sets, will keep the rhythm flowing in the Annenberg Court. The Yasser Tejeda Trio brings Afro-Caribbean sounds to the West Terrace, while DJ Bobby Flowers spins an eclectic mix in the lounge below. Expect to be delighted by a stilt-walking performance from Madeleine Belle, with Yannick Lowery’s collage art projected across the building’s architecture.
And don’t miss the vinyl lounge and signature cocktails courtesy of 48 Record Bar, alongside elegant culinary offerings from Constellation Catering and wine by DAOU Vineyards.
2025 Arts Ball: Tickets, Access, and What to Expect
Tickets grant guests full access to the evening’s entertainment, unlimited exploration of the Henri Rousseau exhibit, and immersive experiences throughout the Barnes’ galleries and terraces. The format is free-flowing rather than seated, for an upscale yet dynamic setting for art lovers to engage, connect, and celebrate. Tickets are available at the Barnes Foundation’s website.
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