New Orleans’ Social Queen!
Margarita Bergen
MARGARITA BERGEN, the vibrant former owner of Bergen Gallery and Casel-Bergen Gallery as well as the former Society Editor of New Orleans Living Magazine, embodies the spirit of a social butterfly. Born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, her journey took an adventurous turn when she immigrated to the bustling metropolis of New York City at sixteen.
Margarita’s arrival in New York would soon see her immerse herself in education, earning a Master’s Degree in Education and a post-master’s degree in school administration. Her professional journey led her to a position working with public schools throughout New York and consulting with the U.S. Department of Education, where she contributed to the field of bilingual education.
In 1977, destiny intervened during Margarita’s visit to New Orleans for an International Bilingual Conference. She felt connected to the art world while exploring the French Quarter’s galleries, including one showcasing her brother Lorenzo Bergen’s work. A year later, prompted by her brother’s encouragement, she bid farewell to her role in the NY State’s Bilingual Bureau. In 1978, Margarita opened the Bergen Gallery at 730 Royal Street. Despite lacking a formal art background, Margarita’s innate taste and love for people fueled her 25-year journey in the art gallery business.
The Bergen Gallery specialized in graphics, offering a diverse collection of local and international artists, including renowned names like Erté, Nagel, Mcknight, and Bedard. Margarita relished the challenge of finding art that resonated with her customers, including celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez, Nicolas Cage, Delta Burke, and Gerald McRaney. “It was an amazing gallery with an unmatched inventory of art, especially local festival posters, which I helped to make popular” Margarita recalls of those gallery days.
Margarita sold the Bergen Gallery in 2000, but she would, again, find herself at the helm of an art gallery fourteen years later. In the fall of 2014, Margarita bought Casell Gallery from artist Joachim Casell and relocated the new Casell-Bergen Gallery to 1305 Decatur St. from its former Royal Street storefront.
A connoisseur of the arts, Margarita enjoys attending ballet, symphony, theater, opera, and visual arts performances. Her eclectic tastes extend to travel, fine food, and wine, with a particular affinity for champagne. Oh, and she adores a good party!
Reflecting on her influences, Margarita acknowledges her mother’s unwavering commitment to providing her with an excellent education after her father’s death when she was just eleven. Her persistence and hard work are her greatest strengths. Facing gender discrimination, Margarita navigated the art world, proving her worth and leaving an indelible mark. Her advice to newcomers emphasizes knowledge, an open mind, and resilience in the face of long hours and challenges.
Happiness, according to Margarita, lies in active involvement and generosity. Her philanthropic spirit led her to patronize cultural arts by donating art and establishing a reputation for extreme generosity during her tenure at Bergen Gallery. Margarita Bergen’s beautiful life is a testament to passion, persistence, and the transformative power of art and culture.