ROM Immortal Gala: Forces of Nature

Honourees John Bianchini And Edward Burtynsky

for their enduring contributions to shaping humanity's relationship with the natural world

GALA CO-CHAIRS:
HELEN BURSTYN, C.M. & AMY BURSTYN FRITZ
Aerial view of rice terraces

About

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.

John Bianchini and Edward Burtynsky looking at artwork.

HONOURING JOHN BIANCHINI AND EDWARD BURTYNSKY

for their enduring contributions to shaping humanity's relationship with the natural world

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

Sponsorship Inquiries

Sponsorship Opportunities

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.

DONATE HERE

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.

Image of ROM Weston Entrance for our ROM Immortal Gala: Forces of Nature

Other Programs

View All
Meiji period “Flowers of a Hundred Worlds (Momoyogusa 百々世草), vol. 1” by Kamisaka Sekka (1866 - 1942), album of woodblock prints; ink and colour on paper, 1909-10, Japan, 2001.78.1. © ROM. This acquisition was made possible by a generous grant from the ROM Foundation.
Program
Bishop White Committee: Friends of East Asia
Support the Bishop White Committee! Help preserve East Asian heritage and promote cultural exchange. Donate, become a member, or attend events—every contribution makes a difference. The Bishop White Committee: Friends of East Asia supports ROM in preserving and promoting East Asian art, history, and culture. Named after Bishop William C. White, a pioneering scholar of Chinese art, our committee fosters appreciation through exhibitions, educational programs, and cultural initiatives. By engaging donors, volunteers, and the community, we help expand the East Asian collections and share stories
Eva Holtby Lecture
Program
Eva Holtby Lecture on Contemporary Culture
The Annual Eva Holtby Lecture on Contemporary Culture brings powerful voices to the Royal Ontario Museum to discuss provocative and engaging contemporary ideas. Since its launch in 2006 with Adam Gopnik as the inaugural lecturer, the Holtby Lecture has been presented by Kwame Anthony Appiah, Glenn D. Lowry, Lewis H. Lapham, Henry Louis Gates Jr., Carlos Fuentes, Ingrid Betancourt, Anthony Gormley, Bob Colacello, Sheika Hoor al-Qasimi, Jameel Jaffer, Timothy Snyder, Jesse Wente and Laurie Anderson. The Eva Holtby Lecture is generously supported by the Holtby and Schury Families.
A boy excitedly holds an open activity book showing his stamps and stickers.
Program
Guild of Immortals
The Guild of Immortals welcomes young ROM Members into its ranks. If you are curious about the world, join us as we explore the Museum from top to bottom in search of answers. When you register, you will receive a handbook filled with fun activities and interesting facts. Seekers who complete their handbook will receive a Guild of Immortals seal and a special glow-in-the-dark enamel pin to commemorate their accomplishment.
Meiji period “Flowers of a Hundred Worlds (Momoyogusa 百々世草), vol. 1” by Kamisaka Sekka (1866 - 1942), album of woodblock prints; ink and colour on paper, 1909-10, Japan, 2001.78.1. © ROM. This acquisition was made possible by a generous grant from the ROM Foundation.
Program
Bishop White Committee: Friends of East Asia
Support the Bishop White Committee! Help preserve East Asian heritage and promote cultural exchange. Donate, become a member, or attend events—every contribution makes a difference. The Bishop White Committee: Friends of East Asia supports ROM in preserving and promoting East Asian art, history, and culture. Named after Bishop William C. White, a pioneering scholar of Chinese art, our committee fosters appreciation through exhibitions, educational programs, and cultural initiatives. By engaging donors, volunteers, and the community, we help expand the East Asian collections and share stories
Eva Holtby Lecture
Program
Eva Holtby Lecture on Contemporary Culture
The Annual Eva Holtby Lecture on Contemporary Culture brings powerful voices to the Royal Ontario Museum to discuss provocative and engaging contemporary ideas. Since its launch in 2006 with Adam Gopnik as the inaugural lecturer, the Holtby Lecture has been presented by Kwame Anthony Appiah, Glenn D. Lowry, Lewis H. Lapham, Henry Louis Gates Jr., Carlos Fuentes, Ingrid Betancourt, Anthony Gormley, Bob Colacello, Sheika Hoor al-Qasimi, Jameel Jaffer, Timothy Snyder, Jesse Wente and Laurie Anderson. The Eva Holtby Lecture is generously supported by the Holtby and Schury Families.
A boy excitedly holds an open activity book showing his stamps and stickers.
Program
Guild of Immortals
The Guild of Immortals welcomes young ROM Members into its ranks. If you are curious about the world, join us as we explore the Museum from top to bottom in search of answers. When you register, you will receive a handbook filled with fun activities and interesting facts. Seekers who complete their handbook will receive a Guild of Immortals seal and a special glow-in-the-dark enamel pin to commemorate their accomplishment.