Woodmere Celebrates Philadelphia’s Arts Community at Annual Gala, with a Fashionable Tribute to Mary McFadden
Art, fashion and philanthropy came together in Chestnut Hill on Saturday, October 3, 2026, as Woodmere museum hosted its annual gala, The Party, at the museum’s beautiful new Maguire Hall.
The festive evening brought together Philadelphia’s arts supporters, philanthropists and community leaders to celebrate Woodmere’s mission of preserving and showcasing the work of Philadelphia-area artists.
This year’s gala honored Julie and Jim Alexandre,
along with artist Syd Carpenter and Steve Donegan, recognizing their contributions to Philadelphia’s vibrant arts community.
The evening also offered guests an opportunity to enjoy one of Philadelphia’s newest cultural treasures. Maguire Hall opened in November 2025, following the transformation of a historic 19th-century mansion into a museum dedicated to Philadelphia artists, which includes the Marion Boulton “Kippy” Stroud Gallery (l).
The 17,000-square-foot building features 14 galleries displaying more than 500 works of art, significantly expanding Woodmere’s exhibition space.
Here’s something I especially love about Maguire Hall. Remember the magnificent Boyd Theatre at 19th and Chestnut Streets, the Art Deco movie palace that was largely demolished in 2015?
Thanks to the preservation efforts of Friends of the Boyd, several original architectural treasures were saved, including decorative mirrors, chandeliers and lighting fixtures dating back to the theater’s early years.
Rather than disappearing into storage, some of these beautiful pieces have found a permanent home at Woodmere. Historic Boyd lighting fixtures have been incorporated into Maguire Hall’s dining room, while restored Art Deco mirrors and additional lighting can be ad
Another wonderful story coming out of Woodmere is its new collection of original designs by the late Mary McFadden, the internationally celebrated fashion designer with deep Philadelphia family connections.
250 of McFadden garments and accessories have found a home at Woodmere, including her signature pleated gowns, embroidered jackets, eveningwear and jewelry. (all these ladies are wearing Mary McFadden) Anne Standish (3rd from left), The Klorfine Foundation Director of Institutional Advancement at Woodmere
And here’s the fun part: Woodmere is developing a fashion lending library that will allow members at a designated membership level to borrow select McFadden designs for special occasions.
Imagine attending a Philadelphia gala wearing an original Mary McFadden creation!
McFadden, who died in 2024, was known for combining fashion with influences from ancient civilizations, art and architecture. She also became the first woman president of the Council of Fashion Designers of America.
The new collection at Woodmere encompasses more than spectacular evening gowns. It reveals the extraordinary breadth of McFadden’s design vocabulary, from silk T-shirts and elegant separates to embellished tunics, distinctive daywear, and dramatic couture. All pieces can be viewed on Woodmere’s website under the newly created web hub, The Mary McFadden Experience.
What a wonderful evening of friends gathering to celebrate the arts! This was only my second visit to Woodmere, and I have to say, I was really impressed. Talk about a hidden gem in Philadelphia! The galleries are beautiful, featuring an incredible variety of artwork by Philadelphia-area artists, with fascinating subjects and exhibitions throughout.
If you’re looking for an art museum that’s a little off the beaten path from the usual Center City destinations, don’t sleep on Woodmere! Located in Chestnut Hill, it’s only about a 25–30-minute drive from Center City, and here’s another bonus: FREE on-site parking! Admission is even free on Sundays. It’s absolutely worth the trip, and I know I’ll be back! (and there’s actually two museums at Woodmere, just a block apart.) You’ll thank me. xo HughE
