The British Museum made history on Saturday, October 18, 2025, by hosting its first-ever “Pink Ball,” a lavish fundraiser that combined art, culture, and high society.
With 800 guests paying £2,000 each for the privilege of attending, the event was a bold step in addressing the museum’s financial challenges amidst a backdrop of declining arts funding.
A Night to Remember
The British Museum Pink Ball was a spectacle of elegance and exclusivity. Guests, including celebrities like Naomi Campbell, Alexa Chung, and Sir Steve McQueen, mingled among the museum’s world-renowned artefacts. The evening featured champagne, fine Indian cuisine served near the Parthenon marbles, and cocktails crafted in the shadow of Renaissance treasures from the Waddesdon Bequest. The theme of the night was unmistakable, with a signature shade of pink adorning everything from the lighting to the guests’ glamorous attire.
There’s been new Roman remains discovered at Attingham Estate in the UK that belong in the British Museum!
Fundraising with Flair
The event was co-chaired by Isha Ambani, a prominent philanthropist and daughter of Mukesh Ambani, Asia’s richest man. The Ambani family’s involvement, alongside other influential figures like Kumar Mangalam Birla and Rajeeb Samdani, underscored the museum’s efforts to attract new patrons. Notably, 70% of attendees had no prior relationship with the museum, a statistic that director Nicholas Cullinan hopes to change.
The evening’s fundraising efforts included an auction featuring unique items such as a pet portrait by Dame Tracey Emin and an exclusive tour of Coco Chanel’s Paris apartment. Proceeds from the event will support international programs, including partnerships in Ghana and Iraq, as well as the upcoming display of the Bayeux Tapestry.
The British Museum’s not the only institution going pink – the city of Vilnius is going pink, too!
A New Era for Arts Funding
The Pink Ball reflects the museum’s shift toward more entrepreneurial approaches to funding. With an 18% drop in arts funding between 2010 and 2023, institutions like the British Museum face mounting financial pressures. Cullinan’s innovative strategies, including this flagship event, aim to secure the museum’s future while navigating the complexities of modern philanthropy.
Despite its success, the event has not been without criticism. The museum’s association with corporate sponsors, including the Ambani family’s Reliance Industries, has drawn scrutiny from campaign groups concerned about the ethics of such partnerships. However, the museum views the Pink Ball as a step toward diversifying its funding sources and ensuring its long-term viability.
Looking Ahead
The Pink Ball is set to become an annual tradition, with next year’s event already in the works. As the British Museum continues to adapt to the challenges of the modern funding landscape, the Pink Ball stands as a testament to the power of innovation, collaboration, and a touch of glamour in preserving cultural heritage.