Beneath Rembrandts and Van Dycks, the Frick Hosted its Annual Autumn Dinner 

Last night, the Frick Collection’s annual Autumn Dinner was the last to be hosted before the museum’s much-talked-about expansion. And so the event went out with a glorious bang.

It began with cocktails in the Garden Court, where the glamorous sipped on champagne and snacked on hors d’oeuvres by fashion’s favorite caterer, Olivier Cheng. (A particular favorite? A bison light bite.) Guests complimented each other’s gowns and discussed how, exactly, the Frick’s Old Masters paintings would pair with their temporary new home in Marcel Breuer’s Brutalist building on 75th Street come renovation time.

Then, red-coated waiters ushered the well-heeled crowd into the West Gallery, where everyone took their seats among Rembrandts and van Dycks. The tables were adorned with seasonal blooms and produce, like rich roses and gilded tomatoes.

Dinner was scrumptious: pot-au-feu with squash and brussels sprouts, as well as butter-poached lobster. The night’s honoree, Stephen A. Schwarzman, gave a speech that recalled how he held his wedding at the Frick 24 years ago. “We ended up with the most magical of nights,” he said. His wife, Christine, was wearing the same stunning frock she donned two decades ago–who says you can’t wear your wedding dress more than once?

After a dessert of chocolate feuilleté cake was served, guests milled about in the gallery. After all, there’s only a limited time left to take in the building’s Beaux splendor.