help bring patrick to your local museum or other venue
Opportunities often arise because of word of mouth. If you have connections or ideas, contact Patrick, and he’d be happy to explore the possibility and make an approach.
Patrick Bringley is the New York Times bestselling author of All the Beauty in the World, a memoir about his decade working as a guard at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. He has given talks at venues including the National Gallery of Art, Museum of Fine Arts Boston, New York Public Library, National Arts Club, Peabody Essex Museum, St. Louis Art Museum, Chrysler Museum, University of Virginia, Wichita Art Museum, Memorial Art Gallery, Kalamazoo Art Institute, Buffalo AKG Art Museum, Dallas Art Museum, and Emirates Airlines Festival of Literature in Dubai.
He has also performed All the Beauty in the World as a one-man play, which premiered in November of 2024, directed by Dominic Dromgoole, formerly the artistic director of the Globe Theatre in London.
When speaking at museums, Patrick has given talks to the general public, museum members and patrons, and museum volunteers and staff, including front line staff. To get an idea of the content, see the testimonials below.
Excerpt from Patrick’s sold-out talk at the National Gallery of Art
Testimonials
Patrick’s presentation (like his book) was heartfelt, inspiring, and both deeply personal and deeply universal. As Patrick knows, it made me cry! He argued so beautifully for the importance of art in the human experience, how it allows us to process our own experiences and gain empathy and insight into the lives of others, across the globe and across time. Primarily, it left me—and other Wichita Art Museum staff—feeling empowered and motivated about our work, and I'm thrilled community members (including many patrons and volunteers) also heard the rallying cry for the importance of art and those institutions that care for it. Thank you, Patrick!
Tera Lee Hedrick, Chief Curator, Wichita Art Museum
“Patrick Bringley - You can't get any better than he was. Loved the book but in person, he is a ‘standout.’ So glad we had him at the DMA. (I am a docent at DMA)”… “The Patrick Bringley presentation was absolutely wonderful! One of the best I've since Arts and Lectures Live began. I truly appreciated hearing about a book with kindness, warmth, and something so interesting, especially in these times. He was utterly delightful and uplifting and gave you so much to think about. It was a very special evening!” … “I was blown away by Patrick. It added so much context to his most enjoyable book. My expectations were exceeded. Best program I have attended so far.”
Audience feedback from Patrick’s talk at the Dallas Museum of Art
Through a series of engaging slides, colorful anecdotes, and lively audience engagement, Patrick walked us through his journey, connecting with our volunteers along the way, and highlighting the common bond we share as museum ambassadors. Patrick was gracious with his time and energy, and gave all of our volunteers an opportunity to ask questions and have their books signed. Through art, humanity, compassion, and reflection, Patrick has crafted a universal voice that resonates far beyond the experiences of a museum guard. We hope to welcome Patrick back to the MFA for future programs in the near future!
Jon Bach, Manager of Volunteers, Museum of Fine Arts Boston
Patrick was a phenomenal addition to the Buffalo AKG Art Museum’s 162nd Annual Meeting for members. His talk felt like a meaningful conversation with an old friend, full of warmth and familiarity, while his storytelling held great power in illuminating our collective humanity through art and connection. Members were touched by Patrick’s authenticity, and we are deeply grateful to him for an incredibly moving evening!
Annise Celano, Membership Engagement Coordinator, Buffalo AKG Art Museum
It was a true pleasure to have Patrick at the museum. Because he is so friendly and easy to work with, program logistics were stress free. Participants felt that he was an extremely articulate and generous speaker and guest. They appreciated that his presentation (and book) were both personal and about the big picture. As it was an audience of volunteer guides and front line staff, the way he talked about the power of working in an art museum and the act of looking at and responding to art really resonated. They felt he was receptive and engaged and gave thoughtful answers to audience questions. It was a wonderful experience from start to finish and I am so grateful.
Ellen Soares, Docent Program Manager, Peabody Essex Museum, Salem, MA
Patrick Bringley’s talk at the Memorial Art Gallery was truly inspiring. His heartfelt stories and reflections on the connection between art and humanity really struck a chord with everyone in the room. Patrick’s authenticity and ability to make big ideas feel personal left the audience energized and moved. From volunteers to longtime patrons, people walked away with a deeper appreciation for the power of art and its impact on our lives. We’re so grateful for his time and insight and hope to welcome him back to MAG again soon!
Eliza Pionessa, Manager of Advancement Events, Memorial Art Gallery, Rochester, NY
Patrick, I cannot tell you how many people have raved about your presentation and your book. You have touched many lives, as you know, with your story… Many, many thanks for coming to Charlottesville and the University of Virginia. When I was a first year student, on The Grounds, I learned that the highest compliment you could pay someone was to say “Sir, you are a gentleman and a scholar.” You are both!
Bill and Linda MacIlwaine, supporters of the William and Rosemary MacIlwaine Lecture Series in America Literature at the University of Virginia
It was such an honor to have Patrick come to the Wichita Art Museum! Our journey started with one of our guards reaching out to Patrick after reading his book. Patrick is very approachable and agreed to come to WAM. Knowing that he was coming was such a morale builder for our security team. It’s not every day that security is able to be in the spotlight when we are normally in the background. Before Patrick arrived, numerous guards picked up his book and read it, including myself. We decided that security would take the lead in the planning and escorting of Patrick once he arrived. Once here in Wichita, he did not disappoint. Patrick’s presentation was powerful, personal, and resonated with everyone in the audience. He was such a joy to be around, and we would love to have him back someday!
Brad Hoch, Director of Security and Facilities, Wichita Art Museum
