MAS Honors Visionary Architects Elizabeth Diller and Annabelle Selldorf with 2025 Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Medal
Dual architect honorees recognized for advancing livability, resiliency, and design excellence in New York City
The Municipal Art Society of New York (MAS), the leading urban planning organization advancing a more livable, equitable, and resilient New York City, presented its highest honor, the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Medal (JKO), to groundbreaking architects Elizabeth Diller of Diller Scofidio + Renfro and Annabelle Selldorf of Selldorf Architects. The 54th annual award celebration took place at THE GRILL | THE POOL in the landmarked Seagram Building where over 250 guests including notable leaders across the arts, architecture, public policy and civic infrastructure, and philanthropy gathered to celebrate.
This marked the first time MAS honored two architects simultaneously—a reflection of the outsized impact each has had in shaping the civic and cultural life of the city. Both have led transformative projects that bridge culture, infrastructure, and public life, consistently pushing the boundaries of how architecture can serve civic needs while elevating the urban experience.
“In a fast-paced, economically-driven metropolis like New York, MAS plays a critical role in the city’s infrastructure, looking after the interests of the public,” said Elizabeth Diller. “I’m honored to receive this award from MAS for any part my studio has played in the growth and well-being of the city I love so dearly.”
“Whether restoring a historic building or designing public infrastructure, I have always found New York City to be an inspiring place to build,” said Annabelle Selldorf. “To be acknowledged by MAS, whose work upholds the values of livability, resilience, and civic engagement in urban life, is incredibly moving.”
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“Elizabeth Diller and Annabelle Selldorf have transformed the built environment of New York City for the benefit of New Yorkers,” said Keri Butler, President of MAS. “Their extraordinary respective projects—whether reimagining the High Line, restoring The Frick Collection, or building vital civic and cultural infrastructure—demonstrate how thoughtful urban design and architecture can respect cultural heritage while meeting the critical needs of New Yorkers today. This outlook aligns with the central ethos of our storied organization.”
Pulitzer Prize-winning architecture critic Paul Goldberger presented the Medal to Elizabeth Diller, and Frick Collection Director Axel Rüger presented it to Annabelle Selldorf.
In addition to event co-chairs Richard Olcott and Jill Lerner, attendees included hosts Benjamin S. Appen and Leslie Chang, Lisa and Dick Cashin, Janet C. Ross, James LaForce and Stephen Henderson, Kent M. Swig in addition to Sidewalk Labs’ Dan Doctoroff, patrons Jill and Peter Kraus, Marieluise Hessel, Performa Founder RoseLee Goldberg, Tobias Meyer and Mark Fletcher, and Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum Director Mariët Westermann among many more distinguished leaders in the fields of architecture, art, design, civic advocacy, urban planning, preservation, and policy.
The evening featured cocktails, dinner, and the formal medal presentation, followed by dessert and conversation in the iconic modernist interiors of the Seagram Building.
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