Haute 100 Update: Mayor Bloomberg Will Chair London’s Serpentine Sackler Gallery

The illustrious London based art institution, Serpentine Gallery, has offered New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg the chair position of its new Serpentine Sackler Gallery in Hyde Park. Having previously served on the Serpentine Gallery board, Bloomberg is perfect for the position. He will accept the position upon completion of his tenure as mayor on December 31. As chair of the gallery, Bloomberg will oversee the overall operation of the gallery and organize fundraising events, a task that should not be too difficult for the leader of Bloomberg Philanthropies. Peter Palumbo, a member of the House of Lords, preceded Bloomberg as the gallery chair since 1994.

Every year the Serpentine Sackler Gallery contracts a pavilion to host a fund raising event that represents the majority of funds for the gallery. The annual parties have attracted global attention with attendees ranging from top philanthropists to members of the royal family, including the late Princess Diana. In addition to the gallery’s annual gala, the Serpentine receives limited government funding amounting to just under $2 million.

The Serpentine opens the Sackler extension this weekend. The new wing was designed by architect, Zaha Hadid. Bloomberg fittingly sponsored the opening exhibit.