Night at the Museum

The Phillips Collection’s annual gala celebrated Japanese culture with a two-pronged party at the museum and Union Market.

THE PARTY
America’s first modern-art museum always gets glam for its annual fundraising gala, and this year’s event did not disappoint. With the theme Postcards From Japan, the party weaved a Far East atmosphere throughout the black-tie affair. Guests got the chance to dine among the museum’s masterworks during a lavish dinner, which featured gorgeous centerpieces (think miniature rock gardens, bonsai trees and cherry blossoms) and a Japanese- inspired menu of bites like tea-roasted shrimp and sushi, while the Washington Toho Koto Society performed during dessert.

THE PEOPLE
Japanese Ambassador Kenichiro Sasae and his wife, Nobuko Sasae, served as diplomatic chairs of the event, which raised more than $1 million toward the museum’s youth-oriented education programs. Also among the event’s guests were Atlantic Council’s Capricia Marshall and CBS News correspondent Rita Braver.

BEST IN SHOW
The celebration moved to Union Market’s Dock5 after dinner for a Tokyo Nights bash. Featuring fun touches like sushi served on a conveyor belt and gaming stations with Super Smash Bros., guests partied well into the night. -Photos by Pepe Gomez and Paul Morigi