Gala Auction
What is the Grand Tour?
The Grand Tour was a European travel itinerary that flourished from the 17th-19th centuries that served as an educational rite of passage for the upper class. Its primary value lay in the exposure both to the cultural artifacts of antiquity and the Renaissance and to the aristocratic and fashionable society of the European continent. A grand tour could last from several months to several years. Many of the Museum’s founding members traveled on a Grand Tour, and some of the works in our Permanent Collection were either commissioned or purchased while on Tour.
The Members’ Council invites you to
The Grand Tour Gala Auction
Saturday, April 12, 2008
5:30–10:30PM
Mechanics Hall, Worcester
You don’t have to leave Worcester to experience the magnificence of a Grand Tour. Join us in the glamorous setting of Worcester’s own Mechanics Hall, and be swept back to a time gone by. Help support the Museum while celebrating our rich and diverse permanent collection that was established “for the benefit of all.”
Worcester Art Museum’s Gala Auction only happens once every three years, so don’t miss it!
Individual Ticket - $125
Tables of 8 - $1,000
On-line RSVP closed. Please call 508.799.4406 x 3125 for availability.
Silent auction with complimentary cocktails, early evening.
Live Auction with elegant plated dinner and fine wine, 7:30PM.
Black-tie suggested. Complimentary valet parking.
For questions or if you have dietary restrictions, please call 508.799.4406 x3125.
Featured Live Auction Items
This is just a sampling of items that will be auctioned live during the Grand Tour Gala Auction.
Race the America’s Cup Stars & Stripes in California
Experience the thrill of racing Dennis Connor’s famous America’s Cup yacht “Stars & Stripes.” Your party of two will help crew this 80-foot yacht as you race for over two hours (150 minutes) around the sheltered waters of San Diego Bay. While in San Diego enjoy a four-night stay at the 4-star Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa & Marina. Package also includes round-trip coach class service for two aboard American Airlines.
Nine Nights in London, Montreux and Monte Carlo
Inspired to engage in your own Grand Tour? Take this Luxury nine-day trip for two to London, Switzerland, and Monte Carlo. Begin your journey like a true “grand tourist” in London. Here you will enjoy a three-night stay at the 4-star international first class hotel Hyatt Regency London The Churchill. The hotel is ideally situated in London’s West End, close to many of London’s main attractions and exclusive shopping areas. From London jet off to Paris and then continue your journey onto the spectacular and sunny Cote d’Azur. Here you will stay in a 753 square foot Suite at the 4-star Fairmont Monte Carlo resort. Finally, in true Grand Tour fashion, you will journey by train to Montreux, Switzerland for a three-night stay in a Junior Suite at the Fairmont Le Montreux Palace – prestigious member of Conde Nast’s 2008 Gold List (#1 in Switzerland for location and design). Trip also includes round trip coach class for two aboard American Airlines from any American Airlines destination in the 48 contiguous United States to anywhere American Airlines flies in Europe; coach class airfare for two from Paris to London (round-trip); and Euro Rail $652 gift certificate redeemable for any rail product from The Rail Group Europe.
Southampton, Bermuda
The transatlantic voyage from Boston to Southampton, England takes roughly six long days weather permitting. The journey to Southampton, Bermuda—only two hours! The winning bidder will enjoy a five-night stay at the Fairmont Southampton Princess. Imagine lush tropical gardens, shimmering pink sand beaches, azure blue seas and spectacular sunsets. Perched royally on the island's highest point, The Fairmont Southampton overlooks lush acres of land, pink sandy beaches and bountiful gardens. Relax beneath a rainbow of umbrellas at the Beach Club, grab your racket for a tennis match, snorkel your way around the reefs, ride the waves on a jet ski, explore the island on your scooter and enjoy our award-winning cuisine at any of our six restaurants. As if all that is not enough, your trip will also include a tour of the National Gallery in Hamilton, and a round of golf at Riddell’s Bay Golf and Country Club—one of the oldest PGA courses in the hemisphere.
NYC In Style – Christies and the MET by Limousine!
The winning bidder will enjoy a one of a kind behind the scenes tour of Christie’s auction house followed by tea for eight in the boardroom. Of course, we would not make you drive yourself; this is the Grand Tour after all! The winning bidder et al will travel in Grand Tour style into the city by Limousine. While in the Big Apple why not activate your Dual/Family membership to the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
“I scream, you scream, we all scream for Jim’s Ice Cream!”
5 gallons of Jim Welu’s world-famous ice cream. Need we say more???
Generously co-sponsored by Fidelity Investments and Unum.
Auction Table Sponsors
AG Edwards & Sons, Inc a division of Wachovia Securities
FLEXcon
JJ Bafaro
Kelleher and Sadowsky
Moynihan Advisors
Sullivan Group
Thomas J. Woods Insurance Agency Inc.