The Met Gala is one of the biggest nights on the New York social calendar. Held on the first Monday in May, this annual fundraising event for the Metropolitan Museum of Art is hosted by Vogue’s Anna Wintour and coincides with the opening of the Costume Institute’s spring exhibition. The costume-filled night is famously exclusive—a single ticket can cost up to $75,000 (nearly £56,000)—with Wintour personally approving every name on the guest list.
The 2025 edition of the Met Gala raised over $31 million, the highest amount in its 77-year history. Now, the British Museum is set to launch its own version in London. Here’s everything we know about the inaugural British Museum Ball.
### What is the British Museum Ball?
Just like the Met Gala, the Pink Ball is a fundraising event for the British Museum. The museum has revealed that this annual event will celebrate London’s status as one of the world’s leading cultural capitals and establish a new highlight on the international social calendar.
Unlike in the US, there is no Vogue editor in charge of the event. Instead, it is chaired by arts patron and businesswoman Isha Ambani, together with British Museum director Dr. Nicholas Cullinan OBE and the museum’s Trustees. The Ball committee is star-studded, featuring notable figures such as Naomi Campbell, Idris Elba, Edward Enninful, Miuccia Prada, and Al-Mayassa bint Hamad Al Thani.
### When is the British Museum Ball?
Timed to coincide with the close of Frieze London and the BFI London Film Festival, the 2025 British Museum Ball will be held on the evening of 18 October 2025.
### What happens at the British Museum Ball?
According to the press release, guests will arrive to a drinks reception and speeches in the Great Court, before taking their seats for dinner at tables set amid some of the most spectacular objects in the museum’s collection.
A silent auction will run throughout the evening, offering guests the chance to support the museum in unique and memorable ways. The event will also feature musical performances by Anoushka Shankar and the Jules Buckley Orchestra, who are expected to perform in the Great Court.
### What is the British Museum Ball theme?
The theme for the inaugural edition of the British Museum Ball is pink, drawing inspiration from the colours and light of India. This aligns with the museum’s exhibition *Ancient India: Living Traditions*, which will conclude on the weekend of the Pink Ball.
### Who is invited to the British Museum Ball?
The British Museum has revealed that 800 guests will attend the first edition of the Pink Ball. The event is sold out, with tickets priced at £2,000 each.
Confirmed guests include actress Kristin Scott Thomas, filmmaker Steve McQueen, artists Tracey Emin and Grayson Perry, and fashion designer Erdem Moralioglu.
Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting addition to London’s cultural and social scene!
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