The British Museum’s debut Pink Ball, a dazzling fusion of culture, philanthropy, and star-studded glamour, has set a new benchmark for London’s cultural calendar. The Pink Ball is the Museum’s inaugural gala, named after the signature pink carpet that welcomed guests to the iconic south façade. It is a vibrant celebration of art, heritage, and philanthropy, transforming galleries into immersive spaces for dining, performances, and socialising. Designed to attract both long-time patrons and first-time supporters, the event blends high-profile glamour with a meaningful mission, raising vital funds for the Museum’s international partnerships, exhibitions, and transformative Visitor Welcome Programme.
The evening raised over £2.5 million, with contributions from table hosts, generous guests, and a thrilling silent auction. In a crowning moment, the Museum announced a £10.3 million pledge from the Garfield Weston Foundation, cementing this landmark night as a pivotal chapter in its history.
Chaired by arts patron and businesswoman Isha Ambani alongside the Museum’s Director, Dr Nicholas Cullinan OBE, the event welcomed nearly 900 guests, 70% of whom were new to the Museum. Attendees included luminaries from across culture, fashion, music, and public life, such as Sir Mick Jagger, Janet Jackson, Dame Kristin Scott Thomas, James Norton, Maya Jama, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Chloe Kelly, Leah Williamson OBE, and Sir Steve McQueen. Members of the Ball Committee, including Naomi Campbell, Edward Enninful OBE, Dame Tracey Emin, and Sir Grayson Perry, helped curate a night that celebrated creativity in every form.
Guests arrived via the pink carpet, a nod to the Ball’s playful and elegant theme, and proceeded to the Great Court, where speeches by Dr Cullinan, Isha Ambani, and Chair of Trustees George Osborne set the tone for a night of generosity and celebration. The announcement of the £10.3 million pledge from the Garfield Weston Foundation marked a significant investment in the Museum’s Visitor Welcome Programme, which will transform both the North and South entrances with cutting-edge design, horticulture, and an elevated forecourt experience.
Entertainment was as unforgettable as the setting. Grammy-nominated sitarist Anoushka Shankar delivered a spellbinding performance, accompanied by the Grammy award-winning Jules Buckley Orchestra. Dinner followed, served amid the Museum’s world-class collections. Guests enjoyed a menu inspired by the rich flavours of India, creatively presented in artisanal, hand-painted tiffin tins, seamlessly blending culinary artistry with the Museum’s historic ambience.
A silent auction offered rare and exclusive experiences, including a pet portrait by Dame Tracey Emin, behind-the-scenes tours of the Museum’s scientific laboratories and Greek and Roman collections with Dame Professor Mary Beard, and an early viewing of the monumental Bayeux Tapestry on loan next year. The auction also featured a private dinner and Museum tour personally led by the Director, highlighting the event’s focus on unique, immersive experiences.
The festivities continued with further entertainment in the Great Court. The Jules Buckley Orchestra was joined by Ivor Novello award-winner Tom Odell and Grammy-nominated M.I.A., whose performances underscored the Ball’s fusion of heritage and contemporary artistry. Guests also experienced the ‘Tudor Heart’, a remarkable gold pendant linked to Henry VIII and Katherine of Aragon, as the Museum launched a campaign to save it for the nation. DJ sets by James Righton of Klaxons ensured the night remained lively, blending historic grandeur with modern flair.
Beyond the glamour, the Ball’s impact resonates globally. Proceeds will directly support the Museum’s international partnerships, from archaeological research in Girsu and Benin City to collaborative projects with institutions such as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS) in Mumbai. The Museum’s International Training Programme will continue to equip curators to protect and share cultural heritage worldwide, demonstrating that the event’s success extends far beyond the walls of the British Museum.
The inaugural British Museum Pink Ball has not only raised vital funding but has redefined what a museum fundraising event can achieve. By blending artistic innovation, star power, and philanthropy, it celebrated London’s status as a global cultural capital while supporting a mission to connect audiences with heritage across the world. With contributions from both established patrons and new supporters, the Museum has laid the foundation for a future in which art, education, and international collaboration thrive. The night proved that when culture, generosity, and vision come together, the results can be transformative, ensuring the British Museum continues to inspire and innovate for generations to come.
