Overview

• The museum confirmed the inaugural British Museum Ball for 18 October as an invitation-only fundraiser.
• Organisers frame the event with “Met Gala ambition with UK uniqueness,” with Walpole involved and work underway with luxury brands.
• The timing aligns with London’s Frieze art fair, and reports say invitations have gone to high-profile figures from entertainment, business, politics and sport.
• The museum says funds will go to international partnerships rather than the £1 billion redevelopment, a context that follows a £50m, 10-year BP sponsorship agreed two years ago.
• Ticket prices, lead sponsors and fundraising targets have not been announced, with further information promised soon.