Royal Ontario Museum announces 2026 ROM Immortal Gala: Forces of Nature

TORONTO, May 29, 2026 – The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) is pleased to announce the 2026 ROM Immortal Gala: Forces of Nature, to take place at ROM on November 2, 2026.

This year's fundraising gala will be a powerful exploration of the beauty of our planet and the compelling conversation around climate sustainability. At the heart of the evening is the presentation of the second annual ROM Immortal Award, which honours trailblazers in fields related to the Museum’s collections and research. This year, ROM is proud to recognize two remarkable Canadians whose work has helped to inform modern perspectives on humanity’s relationship with the environment: John Bianchini, a leader in sustainable engineering, and Edward Burtynsky, one of the world’s most influential contemporary photographers. 

The co-honourees share a longstanding friendship – deeply rooted in reverence for art, nature, and environmental stewardship – that embodies the spirit of Forces of Nature.

“This year’s ROM Immortal Gala invites us to reflect on the profound forces shaping our planet and our future,” says Janice Price, President & CEO of ROM Governors, the foundation responsible for generating all philanthropic support of ROM’s mission. “John and Ed have each illuminated humanity’s relationship with the natural environment – John through sustainable engineering solutions, and Edward through images that challenge and inspire. Honouring them together with the ROM Immortal Award celebrates the extraordinary impact of their work and the powerful harmony between art and innovation.”

Hosted at ROM, the 2026 Gala will offer guests an incredible evening of art, performances, and storytelling inspired by the wonders of the natural world and presented within the magical setting of Canada’s leading museum. 

“Receiving the ROM Immortal Award is a profound privilege, and sharing it with Ed makes it even more meaningful,” says John Bianchini, Chair & CEO of Hatch. “His work changes the way in which we see our planet and challenges us to make positive change. Creating a sustainable world is not just an engineering pursuit; it’s a cultural journey, and ROM has always been a place where those perspectives meet.”

“John and I come from different worlds, but we’ve always met on common ground when it comes to our passion for nature and our concern for its future,” says Edward Burtynsky. "I’m honoured to be recognized with the ROM Immortal Award, and to stand alongside a friend who has championed art, innovation, philanthropy, and environmental responsibility.”

The inaugural ROM Immortal Gala, The Art of Fashion, was held in November 2025 and raised more than $1.1 million. Funds raised by the ROM Immortal Gala support the Museum’s exhibitions, research, and educational programming, ensuring that ROM can continue to inspire curiosity, foster dialogue, and deepen understanding of the natural world for generations to come. 

Event details:
ROM Immortal Gala: Forces of Nature
November 2, 2026
Royal Ontario Museum

For sponsorship opportunities and sales, please contact:
Jennifer Green
Vice-President, Corporate Partnerships & Signature Events
ROM Governors
jennifer.green@rom.on.ca | 416 586 5530