Villa Albertine

Villa Albertine, headquartered in New York City, is a cultural residence and artistic hub operated by the French government to promote Franco-American exchange. It hosts artists, writers and researchers, providing them with a space to develop projects and engage with the local cultural community. Villa Albertine also organizes public programs, workshops and events that foster dialogue between French and American creative practices.

Site History

Located on the second floor of the Payne Whitney Mansion, a listed landmark since 1970, the ballroom is one of Villa Albertine’s most emblematic spaces, hosting over 120 cultural and diplomatic events each year. Although restored in 2020, the ceiling was never artistically redesigned, leaving the space without a unifying visual feature.

About the Project

From November to December 2025, a public call for proposals is open to artists and collectives across diverse disciplines, including visual arts, lighting design, scenography and digital arts. The selection process will be led by a jury of artistic, technical and institutional experts, with support from the Centre national des arts plastiques, ensuring both artistic and technical excellence. Priority will be given to the creation of a visually striking ceiling artwork, the integration of discreet and flexible lighting systems and the improvement of acoustics in collaboration with specialized consultants. With approximately 120 events per year, including five ministerial visits, the ballroom offers exceptional visibility in cultural, diplomatic and media contexts, providing a unique platform for the selected artwork.

Expected Outcomes

The project will feature a major site-specific contemporary artwork seamlessly integrated into a landmark heritage setting, while enhancing the technical capacities of the ballroom for concerts, conferences and diplomatic receptions. By supporting this initiative, patrons will be positioned as key supporters of Franco-American cultural diplomacy, gaining visibility at high-profile gatherings. Patrons will be recognized on a dedicated plaque at the ballroom entrance and may also be offered opportunities to host private events in the space.