Inside the Frick’s Gilded Glamour: All Hallows’ Eve at the Mansion

On October 30th, New York’s glittering social scene gathered at The Frick Collection for an unforgettable night of opulence and intrigue. All Hallows’ Eve at the Mansion—a black-tie costume ball celebrating both Halloween and the museum’s first year back in its restored Fifth Avenue home—paid tribute to the grandeur of the Gilded Age.

The Frick, one of the city’s last remaining Gilded Age mansions, provided the perfect backdrop for this one-time-only fall fête. Guests arrived in their finest “haunt couture,” channeling Venetian masquerades, aristocratic finery, and touches of turn-of-the-century glamour that would have made Henry Clay Frick proud.

A Toast to Legacy

Before the grand entrance of guests, the evening’s benefit chairs joined a private toast hosted by LOUIS XIII, where a century-old bottle of cognac was ceremoniously opened. It was a fitting nod to history—an echo of the kind of soirées the Frick family might have hosted a hundred years ago.

Upon arrival, attendees were greeted with Champagne Telmont and a swirl of flashbulbs as costumes ranging from ethereal to eccentric filled the marble halls.

Immersive Moments and Magical Touches

The evening unfolded like a dream. After-hours access to the museum allowed guests to explore masterpieces by candlelight while enjoying themed gallery talks and performances by a string quartet from The Juilliard School in the Stephen A. Schwarzman Auditorium.

Elsewhere, tarot readers—Sherry Lane, Maxine Albert, and Joy Lemmiti—enthralled visitors, while magicians Jeanette Andrews, Magic Dave, and Seam Gem brought a touch of whimsy to the evening. From a vintage candy barto bespoke photo experiences and signature cocktails, every detail blended art, mystique, and indulgence.

The Evening’s Menu

The night’s menu, curated by Olivier Cheng Catering & Events, paired seasonal hors d’oeuvres with a selection of craft cocktails featuring sponsors such as Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Dobel Tequila, and Desolas Mezcal.

As the lights dimmed and DJs The Muses took over, guests filled the dance floor beneath glittering chandeliers, their laughter echoing through the marble halls. The mansion’s grand staircase became a stage for shimmering gowns and gloved waltzes—a modern ode to the past.

For those with VIP access, the Ladurée Lounge offered a sanctuary of Parisian elegance complete with macarons, fine Champagne, and quiet conversation away from the revelry below. Décor by Stellar Style Events transformed the landmark into a scene of haunting romance.

Supporting Art, Culture, and Community

Beyond its spectacle, the evening’s purpose was one of philanthropy and preservation. Proceeds supported The Frick Collection’s mission to share its world-renowned art collection with the public.

The event’s sponsors included Diptyque, Champagne Telmont, LOUIS XIII, Quinn Rosé, Voss Water, Pearl Street Caviar, Zeroe Caviar, Square Fare, Feastables, Behave, and Perdae, each adding their touch of refinement to the evening.

About The Frick Collection

Recently reopened to the public after a transformative renovation, The Frick Collection stands as one of New York City’s last great Gilded Age homes and a sanctuary for art lovers worldwide. Founded by industrialist Henry Clay Frick (1849–1919), the museum houses an extraordinary collection of European paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts spanning the Renaissance through the late nineteenth century.

Since opening its doors to the public in 1935, the Frick has more than doubled its holdings and remains a rare place for intimate encounters with masterpieces. Its adjoining Frick Art Reference Library, established by Helen Clay Frick, continues to serve as one of the leading art research centers in the world—carrying forward the family’s enduring legacy of art, scholarship, and cultural preservation.