Athina Onassis made a rare public appearance at the Friends of the Pompidou Center dinner held on March 11, 2025, in Paris. The granddaughter of the legendary shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis, she stepped into the spotlight at this exclusive gala, which celebrated the expansion of the museum's collections from 1977 to the present. Known for her reclusive lifestyle, Onassis's attendance at the event drew significant attention and marked her first public outing in three years.
The gala, held at the renowned Centre Pompidou, enforced a formal dress code with a strong 1970s influence. Co-chaired by Florian de Saint-Pierre and Suzanne Deal Booth, the evening brought together prominent figures from the art and culture spheres, enhancing the event's prestige. Guests enjoyed an elegant dinner and had the opportunity to view newly acquired contemporary artworks, engaging in discussions about the future of modern art and cultural institutions.
The event concluded with a special musical performance curated by Jean-Charles de Castelbajac, adding a unique touch to the evening. Attendees were captivated by Onassis's presence, as she has largely maintained a low profile, making her appearance all the more noteworthy. Photos shared by the official Amis du Centre Pompidou page captured her poised demeanor, showcasing a striking transformation since her last public sighting.
Founded in 1903 as the Société des Amis du Musée du Luxembourg, the Friends of the Pompidou Center is a philanthropic association dedicated to enriching and promoting the collections of the National Museum of Modern Art in Paris. Renamed in 2017, the organization includes art enthusiasts, collectors, artists, and entrepreneurs who support the museum through donations, events, and initiatives aimed at expanding its collections.
The Amis du Centre Pompidou plays a crucial role in supporting contemporary art, organizing exclusive gatherings such as the annual Gala Dinner, exhibition visits, and private meetings with artists. Specialized committees, like the Photography Acquisition Group and the Design Acquisition Group, work diligently to enhance the museum's collections in specific fields.
Athina Onassis, who turned 40 in January 2025, has a complex personal history that has shaped her public persona. The daughter of Christina Onassis, who died at a young age, and Thierry Roussel, she inherited a fortune estimated at 4.8 billion euros. Despite her wealth, she has rarely been seen in the public eye, leading a life filled with personal challenges and private struggles.
Her marriage to Brazilian show jumper Álvaro de Miranda Neto ended in 2017, reportedly due to infidelity. Since then, Onassis has withdrawn from public life, with her last notable appearance prior to the Pompidou dinner at a show jumping tournament in Paris in June 2022. This recent gala marked a significant moment for Onassis, who has often been described as fragile and reclusive.
Many observers noted her delicate appearance at the gala, where she wore a shimmering black outfit that contrasted with her typically reserved demeanor. While the event provided a glimpse into her life, it also raised questions about her well-being and future engagement with the public and the arts community.
Despite her absence from the limelight, Onassis's ties to the European cultural and philanthropic scene remain strong, underscoring her connection to her family's legacy. Her participation in the gala signifies a potential shift in her approach to public life, as she embraces the artistic and philanthropic atmosphere of such events.
The Friends of the Pompidou Center continues to play a vital role in promoting contemporary art and supporting the museum's cultural heritage. The gala dinner served not only as a celebration of the museum's achievements but also as a reminder of the importance of maintaining cultural institutions in an ever-evolving artistic landscape.
As Athina Onassis navigates her path forward, her recent appearance may signal a new chapter in her life, one where she balances her heritage with her personal journey. The art world, along with her admirers, will undoubtedly be watching closely as she re-engages with the public and the cultural community.
