The British Museum hosted its first fundraising ball on Oct. 18, 2025, to support major projects amid declining public funding.

The British Museum held its first fundraising ball on October 18, 2025, in London, themed "pink" and inspired by its closing Ancient India exhibition. Chaired by Isha Ambani, the event drew 800 guests, including celebrities like Naomi Campbell and Miuccia Prada, who paid £2,000 each for dinner and a reception among iconic artifacts. Proceeds aim to support international partnerships, the upcoming Bayeux Tapestry display, and a £1-billion redevelopment. The ball reflects a growing trend of UK cultural institutions relying on private fundraising amid declining government funding, though it has drawn criticism over the museum’s past ties to fossil fuel companies.