Columbian Ball
In 1933, the Museum of Science and Industry opened its doors in what was once the Palace of Fine Arts from the World's Columbian Exposition of 1893. The Columbian Ball was named after this world-renowned Exposition and annually plays a crucial role in funding the Museum's exciting and inspirational exhibitions and educational programs.
Proceeds from the Columbian Ball go toward the Museum's Annual Fund, which in turn supports every aspect of the Museum experience. Examples include transformational interactive exhibits and science education and outreach. The Museum is a world leader in providing informal educational programming that welcomes more than 300,000 school children and an average of 1.5 million guests every year. With your generous support, the Museum can remain accessible to all these children and continue to inspire and motivate them to achieve their full potential in the fields of science, technology, medicine and engineering.
The 2013 Columbian Ball -- Save the Date!
Save the date for our 33rd Annual Columbian Ball on Saturday, October 19, 2013. Join our ball co-chairs Amy and Chris Crane and Anna and Robert Livingston at our annual black-tie fundraising event. Email Denise Hicks at denise.hicks(at)msichicago.org for more information.
The 2012 Columbian Ball
The 32nd Annual Columbian Ball was held on Saturday, October 20, 2012. It celebrated the spirit of innovation and the mystique of the ingenious White City of 1893.
The 2011 Columbian Ball
The 31st Annual Columbian Ball was held on Saturday, October 22, 2011. It highlighted our permanent exhibit Fast Forward ... Inventing the Future.
The 2010 Columbian Ball
The 30th Annual Columbian Ball was held on Saturday, October 23, 2010. The night included Science Storms, live auctioneer Robin Robinson of Fox Chicago, a performance by the Chicago cast members of Jersey Boys and more.
The 2009 Columbian Ball
The 29th Annual Columbian Ball – A Celebration of YOU! Mind, Body and Spirit – was held on October 23, 2009, and featured the Jesse White Tumblers and live auctioneer Bill Kurtis.
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about the museum
The Museum of Science and Industry opened its doors in 1933 and is the largest science museum in the Western Hemisphere.