Press Release: 2026 Gotham Dreams Gala

The Museum of the City of New York Soars to New Heights with the 2026 Gotham Dreams Gala 

Gala to Honor Alex Rodriguez, Ja Rule, Laurie M. Tisch, and Kathryn Wylde for Their Transformative Impact on New York City 

Media Contact: Chris Gorman, pressoffice@mcny.org | 917.492.3482 

NEW YORK, NY (May 13, 2026) — The Museum of the City of New York (MCNY) is proud to announce its second annual Gotham Dreams Gala, taking place on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at Cipriani 42nd Street. Set to be one of the city’s most dynamic and exciting celebrations as the nation commemorates its 250th birthday, the evening will convene hundreds of New York’s leading businesses, civic leaders, athletes, artists, and changemakers in honor of the creativity, resilience, and enduring spirit of the greatest city in the world.

This year, the Museum will honor Alex Rodriguez, entrepreneur, investor, and Major League Baseball All-Star and Most Valuable Player; Ja Rule, the Queens-born, Grammy-nominated artist and entertainer; Kathryn Wylde, recognized for her leadership during her 30-year tenure at the Partnership for New York City; and Laurie M. Tisch, civic leader and visionary philanthropist. The gala, hosted by award-winning actor and native New Yorker Erich Bergen, will celebrate individuals whose contributions has profoundly shaped New York City.

“Tonight is an opportunity to celebrate extraordinary New Yorkers whose passion, leadership, and commitment continue to shape the cultural and civic life of this city,” said Stephanie Hill Wilchfort, the Ronay Menschel Director and President of the Museum of the City of New York. “This year’s honorees embody the creativity, vision, and spirit that make New York such an inspiring place.”

“Bringing together a dynamic group of New Yorkers who believe in celebrating the city’s shared history while investing in our future is central to the spirit of the Gotham Dreams Gala,” said Matt Brown, Board Chair of the Museum of the City of New York. “The event honors individuals who exemplify the energy, resilience, and ambition that define New York at its very best.”

“As a native New Yorker, this recognition means a great deal to me. The Museum plays an important role in telling the story of this city, and I’m proud to be part of that mission,” said Alex Rodriguez.

“Growing up in Queens taught me hustle, ambition, and how to go after what you want. To be honored by the Museum of the City of New York means a lot to me. I’m proud to celebrate the city and the people who make it the greatest in the world,” said Ja Rule.

“I’m grateful to the Museum of the City of New York for this recognition and for its ongoing work to elevate the stories that shape our city,” said Laurie M. Tisch. “Supporting institutions like MCNY is one way we can ensure New York’s cultural life remains vibrant and accessible to all.”

“I’m very appreciative of this recognition from MCNY and proud to be included in this year’s gala,” noted Kathryn Wylde. “New York’s strength has always come from collaboration across sectors, and it’s been a privilege to be part of that work over the years.”

The Museum is grateful to lead sponsors FT Partners, Marisa and Matt Brown, and Heather and William Vrattos, and to its generous Event Hosts, Benefactors, and Supporters for the 2026 Gotham Dreams Gala:

EVENT HOSTS
Cynthia and Bernard Curry III
Ayla and Antonio Farnos
Stephanie Hessler
Cindy and Stephen Ketchum
Ronay Menschel
Tracey and Kenneth Pontarelli
Margaret Sung and Michael Schmidtberger 
 

BENEFACTORS 
Ares Management
Bank of America
Elizabeth K. Belfer
Carlyle
Chopt Creative Salad Co.
Consello
Todd DeGarmo
Patricia and Alexander Farman-Farmaian
Meredith and Brian Feurtado
Fin Capital
Gilbane Building
Global Emerging Markets (GEM)
Goldentree Asset Management
Goldman Sachs
Golub Capital
Google
Hearst
J.P. Morgan
Elizabeth R. and Robert A. Jeffe
JLL
Kensington Vanguard National Land Services
Kinderhook Industries, LLC
Lord, Abbett & Co.
Morgan Stanley Global Sports & Entertainment
National Basketball Association
Nuveen and Churchill Asset Management
Jennifer Prosek and Patrick LeBedis
RBC Capital Markets
Alex Roepers and Stacey Bronfman
Savanna
Toby Milstein Schulman and Judah Schulman
Silvercrest Asset Management Group
Stewart Title Guaranty Company
Stone Point Capital
The Sundheim Family Foundation
TD
Daryl B. and Bruce Uber
Wells Fargo
Wilmington Trust
 

SUPPORTERS
AllianceBernstein
Alexander and Kate Brodsky
David and Lisa Canter
Fortress Investment Group
Susan Henshaw Jones and Richard Eaton
The Nina and Mike Patterson Foundation
Brian and Emilia Pfeifler
Betsy and Rob Pitts
Kathryn and Bill Tyree
The Yort Family

As of June 9, 2026

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About the Museum of the City of New York

The Museum of the City of New York fosters understanding of the distinctive nature of urban life in the world’s most influential metropolis. Through exhibitions, public programs, and educational initiatives, the Museum explores what gives New York City its singular character and global impact.

Photo by Patrick McMullan