66th Museum Ball Raises Over $2 Million for Montreal Museum of Fine Arts

On November 7, 2026, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA) hosted its 66th Museum Ball, welcoming over 800 guests for an evening dedicated to celebrating and supporting the arts. As the museum’s only fundraising event, the Ball annually brings together influential figures from the art, political, and business communities to champion culture and the MMFA’s mission.

This year’s theme, “Returning to Love,” emphasized the enduring bonds that art fosters within communities. Attendees were invited to experience the museum’s major autumn exhibition, "Chiharu Shiota: The Soul Trembles," which has been praised by both the public and critics. The internationally renowned Japanese artist Chiharu Shiota also created a special illustration for the occasion, which was distributed to guests.

Canadian artist Karilee Fuglem contributed as the guest scenographic artist, designing one of the galleries for the event. Montreal multidisciplinary artist Gabrielle Laïla Tittley, known as Pony, engaged with attendees by asking about their personal connections to art and the museum, adding an interactive element to the evening.

Throughout the banquet halls, guests could admire works from the MMFA’s collection, featuring artists from Canada and abroad. Chef Youssef Jbari of Vancouver’s Fairmont Pacific Rim crafted a special menu for the Ball, with each dish reflecting connections to place, culture, nature, and community.

After dinner, the Museum After-Ball welcomed hundreds more guests. The band Broken Nails and DJ Dr. MaD provided music, keeping the celebration lively into the early hours. The Ball’s fundraising success is vital for the MMFA, a not-for-profit institution that must raise funds for over half of its operating budget and the majority of its acquisitions.

The next Museum Ball is scheduled for November 6, 2027, continuing this important tradition of supporting and celebrating the arts in Montreal.