British Museum Ball Raises £3 million in Second Year
Building on the success of its inaugural event in 2025, the British Museum Ball has raised over £3 million, incorporating the support of table hosts and guests, donations made on the night and proceeds from the Ball's silent auction.
The money raised marks a significant milestone in helping the Museum move forward with the biggest renovation project in its history, the Masterplan. The most ambitious cultural redevelopment projects undertaken anywhere in the world, led by Lebanese Architect Lina Gotmeh, it will transform the Museum and create new opportunities for visitors to engage with its collection for generations to come.
During the evening itself, the Museum's Director, Dr Nicholas Cullinan OBE, also announced an extraordinary £30 million donation from a single, long-standing supporter of the British Museum. This landmark gift, alongside the funds raised through the Ball, represents a transformative moment for the Museum, providing an unprecedented boost to its ambitions and helping to realise its vision for the future.
Guests also pledged their support for providing free lunches to schoolchildren visiting the Bayeux Tapestry, raising over £60,000 on the night.
Dr Nicholas Cullinan OBE, Director of the British Museum, said: 'The second British Museum Ball has been an extraordinary celebration of creativity, bringing together art, music and performance in a way that reflects the spirit of the Museum. Es Devlin's remarkable vision has transformed our galleries and spaces, creating new connections between our collection and contemporary culture. The funds raised through this year's Ball mark a significant milestone in supporting our ambitious Masterplan, helping to shape the future of the Museum for generations to come. We are also immensely grateful for the extraordinary generosity of a long-standing supporter, whose £30 million gift represents a truly transformative moment in realising our vision for the Museum's future. At the heart of everything we do is our ambition to make the British Museum more welcoming and inspiring for everyone, and the Ball will continue to be a wonderful celebration of that shared vision.'