Honourees John Bianchini And Edward Burtynsky
GALA CO-CHAIRS:
HELEN BURSTYN, C.M. & AMY BURSTYN FRITZ
À propos
Established in 2025, the ROM Immortal Gala returns for an evening unbound—an immersive night at the Museum offering exclusive after-dark access to some of its most iconic galleries and spaces. A newly imagined lounge experience sets the stage for a dynamic and unforgettable celebration inspired by Forces of Nature.
Drawing on the exceptional creativity and scholarship found in the Museum’s world-class collection of artworks, cultural objects, and natural history specimens, the ROM Immortal Gala: Forces of Nature Gala honours John Bianchini and Edward Burtynsky for their transformative contributions to environmental stewardship and innovation.
ROM IMMORTAL GALA
An unforgettable celebration inspired by Forces of Nature on November 2, 2026.
The evening features the ROM Immortal Award, honouring two visionary leaders whose creativity, innovation, and determination have left an enduring mark on their fields.
The reception begins at 6:30 p.m. and offers guests exclusive access to remarkable treasures from the Museum’s collections, alongside curated culinary and handcrafted cocktails.
Dinner will be served at 7:30 in private lounges, as part of an immersive concept to bring the Gala into the Museum. This extraordinary culinary experience will feature distinctive food stations.
Black Tie, and inspired by nature. Let the elements shape your expression.
HONOURING JOHN BIANCHINI AND EDWARD BURTYNSKY
John Bianchini is a leader in sustainable engineering and the Chair and CEO of Hatch, a global engineering company committed to delivering innovative and responsible solutions for a rapidly changing world.
Canadian artist Edward Burtynsky is one of the world’s most influential contemporary photographers, whose internationally acclaimed work examines the profound impact of industry on the natural environment and challenges audiences to reconsider humanity’s relationship with the planet.
Longtime friends, John and Ed share a deep respect for art, nature, and environmental stewardship, reflecting the spirit of the 2026 ROM Immortal Gala: Forces of Nature. Through their respective practices—engineering innovation and photography—they have each helped shape contemporary perspectives on sustainability, environmental impact, and the urgent need for responsible stewardship of the natural world and its future.
Together, they embody a powerful dialogue between art and innovation, and a shared commitment to advancing environmental understanding and inspiring meaningful, lasting change.
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Hosting & Engagement:
• 3 lounges (10 guests per lounge)
• Premium lounge placement
• Verbal recognition in the Gala’s opening remarks and speaking opportunity at VIP reception
• First access to VIP cocktail reception for meet and greet with honourees
• Complimentary full-access passes for use throughout the year (50)
• 1 private tour at ROM with a ROM curator or expert
Brand Recognition:
• Colour logo included in title lockup
• Title lockup included on all gala-related marketing and event material such as invitations, event webpage, program, presentation screens, and onsite signage
• Title lockup recognition on print advertising, such as thank you ads
• Colour logo Presenting Sponsor recognition in gala related media releases, as well as opportunity to include a company quote
• 1 LinkedIn article with tag (with opportunity to highlight a brand activation)
Brand Activation:
• 1 premium brand activation opportunity that is fully integrated into the event
$300,000 (1 available)
Hosting & Engagement:
• 2 lounges (10 guests per lounge)
• Premium lounge placement
• VIP cocktail reception for meet-and-greet with honourees
• Complimentary full-access passes for use throughout the year (30)
• 1 private tour of ROM with a ROM curator or expert
Brand Recognition:
• Black and white logo inclusion on most gala-related marketing and event material such as invitations, program, event webpage, presentation screens, onsite signage, media releases, and post event thank-you ad
• Verbal recognition in the Gala’s opening remarks
• 1 LinkedIn article with tag (opportunity to highlight brand activation)
Brand Activation (optional)
• 1 prominent brand activation with a physical onsite footprint such as a photobooth, product giveaway or beauty touch-up station
$200,000 (1 available)
Hosting & Engagement:
• 1 lounge (10 guests per lounge)
• Premium lounge placement
• VIP cocktail reception for meet-and-greet with honourees
• Complimentary full-access passes for use throughout the year (20)
Brand Recognition:
• Black and white logo inclusion on most gala-related marketing and event material such as invitations, program, event webpage presentation screens, onsite signage, media releases, and post event thank-you ad
• Verbal recognition in the Gala’s opening remarks
• 1 LinkedIn article with tag (with opportunity to highlight a brand activation)
Brand Activation (optional)
• 1 prominent brand activation with a physical onsite footprint such as a photobooth, product giveaway, or beauty touch-up station
$100,000 (2 available)
As a Gallery Sponsor, your support unlocks a rare opportunity—granting gala guests private, after-hours access to explore the museum in an intimate and extraordinary way. Gallery Sponsors can choose to support the following gallery spaces: Willner Madge Gallery: Dawn of Life; Teck Suite of Galleries: Earth’s Treasures; Gallery of Chinese Architecture; and the Temerty Galleries of the Age of Dinosaurs. This support unlocks a sophisticated evening of discovery, wonder, and private access to one of the Museum's most sought-after spaces.
Hosting & Engagement:
• 1 lounge (10 guests per lounge)
• Cocktail reception before seated dinner showcasing select items from ROM's collections
• Complimentary full-access passes for use throughout the year (10)
Brand Recognition:
• Black and white logo inclusion in select gala-related marketing and event material such as program, event webpage, presentation screens, and post event thank-you ad
Brand Activation (optional)
• 1 brand activation without a physical footprint such as providing a gifting opportunity or branding an existing bar
$50,000 (4 available)
Hosting & Engagement:
• 1 lounge (10 guests per lounge)
Brand Recognition:
• Black and white logo or text credit recognition on select Gala-related event material such as program, event website, and post-event thank-you ad
$20,000
Single tickets available at $2,000. Please contact ROMGala@rom.on.ca.
ROM Immortal Gala: The Art of Fashion sold out last year! To explore sponsorship options, please contact ROMGala@rom.on.ca.
ROM Immortal Gala Committee
Our sincere thanks to the ROM Immortal Gala Committee:
Helen Burstyn, C.M. and Amy Burstyn Fritz (Co-Chairs)
Suresh Pal Singh Bhalla • Shikha Kasal • Josh Kay • Heather Ogden
Roly Browning Watt • Jeff Willner
SUPPORT ROM
If you are unable to attend the ROM Immortal Gala: Forces of Nature but would still like to support ROM and its mission of art, culture, and nature, please click below.
Last year, countless visitors engaged with a wide range of exhibitions, programs, and experiences at ROM-many made possible through the extraordinary support of donors like you.
