The Muckenthaler Cultural Center hosted its annual gala on Saturday, August 23, 2025, commemorating a century since the estate’s construction. This year’s theme, “The Great Gatsby,” invites guests to immerse themselves in the opulence of the Roaring Twenties.

Attendees embraced the spirit of the era, donning a mix of vintage attire, from ornate flapper dresses and feathered headpieces to sharp tailored suits. To add to the atmosphere, classic vintage cars lined the entrance, setting the atmosphere for the evening’s festivities.

The event featured a seated dinner with a carefully curated menu from Colette’s Catering. Guests were treated to captivating dance performances by Janet Klein & Her Parlor Boys, who entertained the crowd with popular songs from the 1920s and 1930s. In addition, attendees participated in a costume contest and had the opportunity to bid on auction items to support the center’s arts programming.

Founded in 1925 and later gifted to Fullerton by the Muckenthaler family in 1965, the center’s mission is to enrich the community through the arts. CEO Farrell Hirsch emphasized the importance of preserving the estate’s history while expanding its role in today’s dynamic arts landscape.

The 2025 Great Gatsby Gala not only celebrated the mansion’s storied past but also raised vital funds to support its mission for the next century. In conjunction with the gala, the Muckenthaler Cultural Center has launched a Centennial Challenge, aiming to raise $100,000 to sustain its arts and education programs.

As the evening concluded, strings of lights illuminated the guests who lingered on the lawn, celebrating not just the past but also the future of the Muckenthaler Cultural Center.