Vienna's prestigious Albertina Museum successfully raised approximately €360,000 at its annual fundraising dinner on September 9, 2025, with the proceeds designated for acquiring a work by Japanese-Swiss artist Leiko Ikemura. The elegant evening event attracted around 400 distinguished guests to what has become Vienna's most exclusive dinner venue, marking Director General Ralph Gleis's first fundraising dinner since taking the helm of the renowned institution.
The funds raised will be used to purchase Ikemura's painting "Tokaido," which will become a permanent addition to the Albertina's distinguished collection. Director General Ralph Gleis expressed his gratitude during the welcome address, stating, "Your presence and your commitment mean a great deal to me, especially today. This is my first fundraising dinner as Director General of the Albertina. You, our supporters and patrons, make it possible for us to acquire works of lasting value and set international standards."
The late summer evening transformed the museum into an exceptional dining destination, where art appreciation met culinary excellence. The exclusive menu was carefully crafted to complement the Asian-inspired theme of the evening, reflecting the cultural heritage of the featured artist. The sophisticated dinner began with a medley of wild salmon, organic prawns, and tuna, accompanied by baked avocado, wasabi, and hoisin eggplant, alongside a crisp salad featuring edamame, tomato ceviche, and carrot-ginger dressing.
For the main course, guests were treated to the finest Wagyu beef and Barbary duck, as well as herb-crusted tofu, showcasing both premium ingredients and vegetarian options. The dishes were artfully accompanied by flambéed sweet potatoes, bacon coleslaw, and confit baby artichokes, all enhanced with teriyaki jus and an elegant truffle mousseline. The attention to detail in the menu design reflected the museum's commitment to creating a complete cultural experience.
The evening concluded with a dessert that perfectly embodied the intersection of art and cuisine. The "Albertina Chocolate Bar" was presented with fresh strawberries, mango, and an airy matcha parfait, designed to be as stylish as the museum itself. This sweet finale provided guests with a double portion of artistic enjoyment, seamlessly blending visual appeal with exceptional taste.
The guest list read like a who's who of Austrian society and international culture enthusiasts. Notable attendees included Eva Dichand, publisher of "Heute" newspaper, Birgit Lauda, Hans Peter Haselsteiner, Alexandra Winkler, Elisabeth Gürtler, Robert Dornhelm, Christian Kern, and Alexander Schallenberg, among many other prominent figures from the worlds of business, politics, and culture.
With this substantial fundraising success, the Albertina continues to demonstrate its commitment to promoting contemporary art and maintaining its international reputation as a leading cultural institution. Director General Gleis expressed particular satisfaction with the high level of participation, noting the significance of the upcoming milestone: "In 2026, we will celebrate 250 years of the Albertina – an anniversary that we will use not only to look back, but to think boldly about the future."
The acquisition of Ikemura's "Tokaido" represents more than just an addition to the museum's collection; it symbolizes the institution's ongoing dedication to bridging Eastern and Western artistic traditions. The successful fundraising dinner not only secured the necessary funds for this important acquisition but also reinforced the strong relationship between the Albertina and its community of supporters who continue to champion the arts in Vienna.
