MOCA Gala Raises $3.1M—Inside the Star-Studded Night

Los Angeles lit up in glamour and creativity as the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) hosted its highly anticipated 2025 Gala, raising an impressive $3.1 million to support exhibitions and public programs. The event wasn’t just about philanthropy—it was a fusion of art, celebrity presence, and top-tier nightlife that captivated the city’s cultural elite and global art enthusiasts alike.

Held on a stunning evening in downtown LA, the gala drew top-tier supporters, including artists, Hollywood celebrities, fashion icons, philanthropists, and influencers. The money raised will go directly to help MOCA continue its mission of presenting contemporary art that challenges perspectives and enriches public life.

Learn more about MOCA and its programs.

A Night of Art, Influence, and Giving Back

This year’s gala was hosted at The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA, one of LA’s most iconic venues. The outdoor space was transformed into a dreamlike setting that paid homage to the contemporary art scene the museum represents.

The highlight of the night wasn’t just the dollar amount raised but also the spirit of unity and passion for art. Guests were treated to immersive installations, performances, and curated visuals that blended seamlessly with MOCA’s current exhibitions.

The evening started with cocktails and art tours, followed by a formal dinner and live auction. The auction featured unique works from globally recognized artists, with several pieces fetching six-figure sums.

Who Attended MOCA’s Gala Night?

This year’s guest list was a who’s who of the creative and cultural industries. Among the many notable attendees were:

• Billie Eilish – Grammy-winning artist and vocal supporter of arts education
• Anderson .Paak – Musician and MOCA patron, who also performed a surprise set
• Tracee Ellis Ross – Actress and fashion icon, who served as the evening’s honorary chair
• Sterling Ruby – Celebrated LA-based artist, who donated an exclusive piece for auction
• Kehinde Wiley – Renowned painter known for his Obama portrait, also contributed to fundraising

The star-studded attendance helped amplify the event’s visibility across media, social platforms, and entertainment circles, ensuring MOCA’s message reached a global audience.

Behind the Scenes: $3.1M in Donations

The $3.1 million raised will fund MOCA’s ambitious exhibition schedule, community outreach initiatives, and educational programming for underserved schools. The museum plans to launch new youth engagement programs later this year and expand its residency opportunities for emerging artists.

The museum’s director, Johanna Burton, expressed gratitude in her opening remarks.
“MOCA is more than just a museum—it’s a living organism fueled by the creativity of its people. These funds will allow us to grow our reach, expand our accessibility, and keep challenging the boundaries of contemporary art,” she said.

According to MOCA’s board members, more than 70% of the donations came from private patrons and corporate sponsors, with the remaining funds raised through the art auction and ticket sales.

Explore MOCA’s upcoming exhibitions here.

Epic Nightlife After the Gala

The gala wasn’t just about fundraising. Once the official dinner wrapped up, LA’s elite transitioned into a series of exclusive after-parties that stretched well into the early morning.

One of the most buzzworthy gatherings was hosted at Soho Warehouse in the Arts District, known for its eclectic rooftop views and curated DJ sets. Attendees enjoyed cocktails, gourmet bites, and an intimate performance by Anderson .Paak under the stars.

Another event, organized by local creative collective NightPalm, brought together artists, designers, and musicians for a late-night party filled with interactive installations, digital art walls, and pop-up lounges.

With art, fashion, and music all intersecting, these nightlife events created a perfect extension of the gala’s spirit—vibrant, expressive, and deeply rooted in LA’s culture.

Social Media Buzz and Cultural Impact

Within hours, the hashtag #MOCAGala2025 was trending across Instagram and X (formerly Twitter). Attendees and fans shared behind-the-scenes photos, outfit breakdowns, and highlights from performances.

The event attracted attention from outlets such as Vogue, The Hollywood Reporter, and ArtNews, each praising the unique blend of philanthropy and party culture.

From the elegant setting to the meaningful cause, MOCA’s gala once again confirmed its status as one of LA’s most important cultural events. It reminded everyone that supporting the arts isn’t just an obligation—it’s a celebration.

Why MOCA’s Gala Matters

At a time when many institutions are struggling to regain pre-pandemic momentum, MOCA’s ability to raise millions is a testament to its strong leadership, visionary programming, and community support.

Los Angeles has long been known as a cultural powerhouse, and MOCA continues to play a vital role in shaping that narrative. With its ability to merge philanthropy with style and substance, the annual gala proves that art can be both powerful and accessible.

For many attendees, it wasn’t just a night to remember—it was a call to action to support the creative forces shaping tomorrow’s culture.

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