London’s cultural calendar witnessed a dazzling new addition on October 18, 2025, with the British Museum hosting its inaugural fundraising gala, the “Pink Ball.” This star-studded event, hailed as London’s answer to New York’s Met Gala, successfully blended the celebration of India’s vibrant heritage with the city’s status as a global cultural capital.
A Night of Glamour and Giving
Chaired by arts patron and businesswoman Isha Ambani, alongside British Museum Director Dr. Nicholas Cullinan, the “Pink Ball” drew approximately 800 guests to the museum’s iconic Great Court and surrounding galleries. The theme, inspired by the colours and light of India, transformed the spaces into a pink-hued wonderland, with attendees dressed in various shades from blush to magenta. The event aimed to foster global community and mutual understanding through art and heritage, while also raising crucial funds for the museum’s international partnerships and programming.
Early estimates suggest the ball raised around £1.6 million, with the final total from ticket sales, donations, and a silent auction expected to be significantly higher. Tables for ten guests were priced at £20,000, underscoring the high-profile nature of the fundraising initiative.
Celebrating Ancient India in the Heart of London
The “Pink Ball” coincided with the closing days of the British Museum’s acclaimed exhibition, “Ancient India: Living Traditions.” This exhibition, which ran from May to October 2025, explored over 2,000 years of Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain sacred art, tracing the evolution from symbolic representations to the human forms of deities recognized today. Developed with input from practicing Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains, the exhibition showcased over 180 objects, including ancient sculptures, vibrant paintings, and manuscripts, highlighting the enduring impact of India’s religious and artistic heritage.
Isha Ambani, a significant figure in promoting Indian culture globally through initiatives like the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre, expressed that the “Pink Ball” was a “celebration of age-old creativity” and a testament to art’s power to connect cultures. Her personal style, a custom ensemble by Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla, further paid tribute to Indian craftsmanship and the evening’s theme.
London’s Cultural Prowess on Display
The “Pink Ball” was conceptualized as a flagship annual event to celebrate and reinforce London’s position as a leading global hub for arts, culture, and creativity. Director Dr. Nicholas Cullinan stated, “The British Museum Ball was intended to celebrate London—a city renowned for its arts, culture, creativity, and style. Tonight’s event did just that by bringing together the actors, artists, collectors, creatives, designers, and writers that make our city a cultural powerhouse.” This sentiment aligns with London’s broader efforts to maintain its status as a cultural capital, drawing inspiration from its rich history and diverse society.
The event attracted a distinguished guest list, including former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty, alongside international celebrities such as Mick Jagger, Naomi Campbell, Janet Jackson, and M.I.A., who performed at the gala. The presence of such influential figures underscored the event’s significance within London’s social and cultural landscape.
A New Fixture in the Social Calendar
While the “Pink Ball” was a resounding success in terms of fundraising and cultural celebration, it was not without controversy. The event was briefly disrupted by a climate protester who voiced concerns about the museum’s sponsorship deals, particularly with BP, and the Ambani family’s business interests. Despite these challenges, the museum leadership maintained that such events are vital for future financial sustainability and for showcasing the institution’s diverse global reach.
The “Pink Ball” has been positioned to become a permanent fixture on London’s social and cultural calendar, aiming to rival established international galas. Its inaugural success suggests a promising future for this event, which not only supports the British Museum’s mission but also shines a spotlight on the dynamic interplay between Indian culture and the thriving cultural scene of London. The event’s focus on celebrating cultural heritage and fostering international connections signifies a positive trend in philanthropic endeavors within the arts and society.
