As ways to raise money, it’s a good one: throw a massive ball and invite celebrities and VIPs from all around the world to an exclusive evening at the British Museum.
But it’s not just any old fundraising ball. This is the Pink Ball: here’s a colour scheme for the night, the guests are all being encouraged to wear pink and there’s even a pink carpet for new arrivals to walk down.
As Nicholas Cullinan, the museum’s director since June 2024, told the Times: “If you are paying £2,000 to attend a pink-themed ball at the British Museum, you want to walk in on a pink carpet.”
But why is it pink? Here’s what we know.
An Indian theme
The pink dress code is actually a nod to the exhibition currently on display at the museum, called Ancient India: Living Traditions. Pink is a prominent colour throughout the exhibition, and it’s been made into the focal point of tonight’s celebrations.
It’s a very particular kind of shade, too: don’t think Barbie. “It has to be this pink that almost has a bit of purple. It can’t be too blush, or too garish. It can’t be Barbie pink. It’s got to be right,” said Cullinan.
But the theme goes deeper than that. It’s also a celebration of the museum’s links to India: the event is being co-hosted by Indian philanthropist Isha Ambani (who is also the daughter of the richest man in India), and will feature a performance from the renowned British sitarist Anoushka Shankar – though a couple of other famous faces will apparently perform too. When guests sit down at their immaculately designed dinner tables, it will be to eat an Indian-themed dinner.
The evening promises plenty more entertainment, too. There’ll also be the chance to explore the exhibition, and take part in some auctions – if you’ve ever wanted Tracey Emin to pet your paint, or wanted Mary Beard to give you a private tour of the Museum, now’s your chance.
Naturally, the whole event will be star-studded. Names on the evening’s organisational committee include Naomi Campbell, Idris Elba and Kristin Scott-Thomas, while Courtney Love and some of the biggest names in fashion – Miuccia Prada and Alexa Chung among them – have been tipped to attend.
