MFAH’s Kinder Building Hosts First Gala — and It Was Truly ‘Grand’

MFAH’s Kinder Building Hosts First Gala — and It Was Truly ‘Grand’

Rich and Nancy Kinder; Phoebe and Bobby Tudor

SINCE IT OPENED in November, the Nancy and Rich Kinder Building has been a buzzed-about addition to the Museum District. It is newly home to not one but two restaurants helmed by Michelin-starred chefs, and last weekend finally hosted its first large-scale event, the Museum of Fine Arts' Grand Gala Ball.


The gala offered an opportunity for 300 supporters to raise a glass (in person!) to the stunning new building, which for that evening was decked out by The Events Company in swaths of shimmering grays and beautiful pink blooms. Chaired by Phoebe and Bobby Tudor — she wore a one-shouldered magenta number that perfectly matched the cascading floral arrangements of the centerpieces and on the staircase banister — the Grand Gala Ball featured a three-course dinner by City Kitchen and accompanied by the sounds of Divisi Amp'd. Flowers even adorned the appetizer of Spanish artichokes, and Sweet Nation crafted an amaretto cake in the shape of the building for dessert.

The evening included remarks by the museum's director, Gary Tinterow, along with Mayor Sylvester Turner and building namesake Rich Kinder, who is also the chairman of the MFAH's Board of Trustees. And DJ SoulCirque, an "interactive DJ band" incorporating live instruments and visuals into funky DJ sets, got the crowd grooving after dinner.

In all, the Grand Gala Ball raised more than $1.7 million. Grand, indeed!

Brian and Laura Carlton, Kristin Kulpinksi, Will Pritchard

Frank and Stephanie Tsuru

Christopher Gardner, Gary Tinterow

Ileana and Michael Trevino

Jeff Martin, Allison Weaver

Kari Gonzales

Katherine and John Plumb

Linda McReynolds

Minnette Boesel; Necole Irvin

Murry and Polly Bowden

Sue and Rusty Burnett

Tom and Liz Glanville

Parties
Leadership in Action: For Bianca Bucaram, ‘Strong Network and Family’ Are Essential

Bianca Bucaram, founder of The Bucaram PR Group and BXM Music

Get to Know Bianca:

Bianca Bucaram, founder of The Bucaram PR Group and BXM Music, is a dynamic force in the public relations industry. She is known for her tenacity, empathy, and bilingual communication skills. As a local publicist with national reach, she blends local insights with broader impact, telling compelling stories that foster business growth and create opportunities.

Keep Reading Show less

Buddy & Kylie Carruth, Margaret & Jay Magness

A RECORD 486 party animals donned their most boo-tiful and spookiest costumes to celebrate the Houston SPCA’s 100th anniversary at its annual Howl-O-Ween Ball.

Keep Reading Show less
Parties

Buttermilk Baby

WANT TO FEEL like a kid again? Fall into these fun and spooky eats and drinks, win a costume contest, and indulge in seasonal sweets!

Keep Reading Show less
Food