Travel the world in a night at the CMA’s Anniversary Gala
PRESS RELEASE
November 18, 2025
New collection galleries unveiled at the museum’s largest fundraiser
Columbia, S.C. – The Columbia Museum of Art celebrates 75 years of creativity and community with a night of cocktails, art, and memories at the 75th Anniversary Gala on Friday, January 16, from 7:00 to 11:00 p.m. This landmark gala marks the culmination of the museum’s yearlong gallery lighting project and the grand unveiling of the newly reinstalled collection galleries.
“All year we’ve been building toward this moment with heart, vision, and creativity,” says CMA Executive Director Della Watkins. “On January 16, as we celebrate the CMA’s 75th anniversary and the completion of this transformative lighting project, we’re not just honoring our past — we’re illuminating the path ahead. We can’t wait for visitors to see their museum shining with new possibilities and a future full of light.”
Through food, décor, and entertainment, guests will be transported around the globe as an homage to the four pillars of the CMA Collection: Asian, American, European, and modern and contemporary art. This travel-themed evening features catering from City Grit and Scott Hall, themed bars with specialty cocktails from Twist Bartending, and florals from WAS Design Works. Entertainment includes live painting, special guest appearances, and live music from The Root Doctors — dubbed “the funkiest band around” — bringing their signature party sound with covers new and old.
The public is encouraged to come bust a move, serve a look, and get a look at the refreshed CMA Collection during the 75th Anniversary Gala, where the museum’s past meets its future in a celebration of light, legacy, and limitless possibility.
Attracting many prominent community citizens, museum supporters, and art lovers from around the state, the CMA Gala raises critical funds to support the museum’s mission to provide outstanding art and arts education for lifelong learning and community enrichment.
$200 / $175 for members | Doors open at 7:00 p.m. | Creative black-tie attire | Complimentary valet parking on Hampton Street at Boyd Plaza.
For tickets and more information, visit columbiamuseum.org/gala.
This event is made possible with the support of generous contributions from our sponsors. America Sponsor: Dominion Energy. Asia Sponsor: BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina. Europe Sponsor: Lexington Health. Art of Arrival and Valet Sponsor: McDaniels Porsche. Frequent Flyer Sponsor: LS3P. Additional support from many others.
For information on sponsorship opportunities, please contact Karen Campbell at [email protected] or 803-343-0485.
Photo courtesy Drew Baron / The Columbia Museum of Art.