Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco Hosts Record-Breaking Gala

The annual event raised $2.38 million to support exhibitions and education programs.

Apr. 20, 2026 at 4:20pm by

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An abstract close-up image of shimmering gold sequins and glittering disco ball fragments, captured in dramatic high-contrast lighting to create a glamorous, high-fashion aesthetic.The Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco's annual gala celebrated the institution's continued community support and fundraising success.San Francisco Today

The Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco (FAMSF) held its annual gala at the De Young Museum on April 16, 2026, honoring British land artist Andy Goldsworthy and raising a record-breaking $2.38 million. The sold-out, black-tie event welcomed over 460 guests who enjoyed a pre-dinner reception, multi-course dinner, and after-party with live music.

Why it matters

The FAMSF gala is a major fundraising event that supports the museums' exhibitions, collections, and educational programs. This year's record-breaking haul demonstrates the continued community support for the institution and its mission, even as San Francisco's cultural landscape evolves.

The details

Gala Chairs Lisa Zanze and Jim Zanze welcomed guests to the event, where they toured exhibitions, enjoyed a dinner prepared by McCall's Catering, and heard remarks from FAMSF Director Thomas Campbell and honoree Andy Goldsworthy. The event also featured the world premiere of a musical composition by Shinji Eshima, as well as an after-party with performances by Mercury Soul and DJ Mason Bates.

  • The gala took place on Thursday, April 16, 2026.
  • Goldsworthy's large-scale work 'Drawn Stone' was installed at the De Young Museum prior to its opening in 2005.

The players

Lisa Zanze

A museum Trustee and Gala Chair.

Jim Zanze

Gala Chair.

Thomas Campbell

Director of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco.

Andy Goldsworthy

British land artist whose work 'Drawn Stone' is installed at the De Young Museum.

Cynthia Fry Gunn and John Gunn

Longtime supporters of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco who have provided extraordinary generosity over nearly 40 years.

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What they’re saying

“Our heroic chairs who helped to raise by far the largest amount that a single event has ever raised for the museums!”

— Thomas Campbell, Director, Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco

“Commissioning a work from me is not for the faint-hearted.”

— Andy Goldsworthy

The takeaway

The Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco's annual gala continues to be a crucial fundraising event, demonstrating the community's enduring support for the institution's exhibitions, collections, and educational programs even as the city's cultural landscape evolves.