The British Museum has announced the return of its fundraising ball, with Es Devlin serving as the 2026 event's artistic director.
Taking place on 17 October, the 2026 ball's theme and visual identity will be 'red', inspired by the earliest pigment known to have been used by humans in artistic expression.
The ball will also celebrate the museum's autumn exhibitions – the loan of the Bayeux Tapestry from France, a special display marking the 250th anniversary of the US, and a show exploring 2,000 years of Korean creativity.
"Set within the beautiful galleries of the British Museum, the ball embodies the institution's unique role as a global meeting place for cultures, ideas and creativity," said Nicholas Cullinan, director of the British Museum.
Taking place on 17 October, the 2026 theme and visual identity for the British Museum's ball will be 'red'James D. Kelly
"Bringing together artists, collectors, patrons and cultural leaders from around the world, it celebrates the power of cultural exchange while championing the museum's future."
The 2025 inaugural ball welcomed nearly 900 high-profile guests, raising more than £2.5 million towards the British Museum's international partnerships.
Proceeds from this year's ball will support the museum's masterplan, one of the most ambitious cultural redevelopment projects in the world.
Additional donations will support the museum in providing a free packed lunch for every school child visiting the Bayeux Tapestry as part of an organised school trip.
The British Museum's 2025 inaugural ball raised more than £2.5m towards the museum's international partnershipsThomas Alexander
"Every ticket purchased and every donation made will help realise the museum's masterplan, an ambitious transformation that will reimagine how millions of visitors experience one of the world's greatest collections for generations to come," Cullinan added.
"Through the ball, guests become part of that legacy, supporting a new chapter for the British Museum and ensuring it remains a place of inspiration, discovery and cultural dialogue."
Devlin said: "The ball will help the British Museum continue to offer over six million people each year free, immediate access to two million years of human history and I am honoured to play my part."
Images courtesy of the British Museum
