The Facts
On November 9, 2026, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts announced that its 66th Museum Ball, held November 7, raised more than $2 million. The annual fundraising event, presented by IG Private Wealth Management, was co-chaired by Rana Ghorayeb, Yves Lalumière, and Annamaria Testani. More than 800 guests attended, with hundreds more joining the After-Ball. The evening featured a tour of the exhibition 'Chiharu Shiota: The Soul Trembles', and the Japanese artist created an illustration for attendees. Canadian artist Karilee Fuglem designed a gallery as guest scenographer, and Montreal multidisciplinary artist Gabrielle Laïla Tittley, known as Pony, interviewed guests. Chef Youssef Jbari of Fairmont Pacific Rim Vancouver prepared a special menu. The ball's theme was 'Returning to Love'.
The Signal
The ball is the museum's sole fundraising event and is critical to its financial health; as a not-for-profit, the MMFA relies on such events for over half its operating budget and most acquisitions. This year's edition introduced a Virtual Auction, offering items like a night at the museum and a signed photograph by hockey player Cole Caulfield, expanding donor engagement. The involvement of contemporary artists Shiota and Fuglem underscores the museum's commitment to integrating living artists into its programming. The next Museum Ball is scheduled for November 6, 2027.
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- Artists: Chiharu Shiota, Karilee Fuglem, Gabrielle Laïla Tittley
- People: Rana Ghorayeb, Yves Lalumière, Annamaria Testani, Youssef Jbari, Cole Caulfield
- Museums: Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
- Locations: Montreal
- Prices: $2 million
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