MAC Ball 2024 | Grand Gala of Fantasmagoria at Royalmount
On Saturday evening, September 14, Montreal’s movers and shakers gathered during a grand gala at the new Royalmount retail and lifestyle complex for the 2024 edition of the MAC Ball.
Under the enchanting theme of Fantasmagoria, nearly 800 distinguished guests, including philanthropists, public figures, and art lovers, came together to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal (MAC), marking a milestone for the city’s cultural landscape.
The ball, which raised almost 1 million dollars for the museum’s programs and initiatives, was an intriguing evening where glamour and gourmandise blended seamlessly, making it one of Montreal’s most prestigious events of the year.
A Journey into Inspiration
As the doors of the Royalmount complex opened at 6:30 p.m., guests arrived in classy attire, with flowing gowns and sleek tuxedos.
They were immediately swept up to Le Fou Fou, a European-style food hall, designed by the architecture firm LemayMichauds, on the upper floor of the Royalmount luxury mall.
Attendees flowed through a 35,000 square foot space that provides 12 distinct culinary offerings.
Guests were able to experience the impressive Fou Fou, which includes catering and 4 bars with indoor and outdoor dining, by freely sipping and savoring the many flavors on hand.
Descending from the heights of the cocktail setting to the ground floor at 8 p.m., the atmosphere palpably shifted as the crowd buzzed with excitement to find their assigned dinner tables.
After taking their seats, attendees delighted in a delicious full-course dinner meticulously prepared by Le Fou Fou‘s exclusive in-house catering partner Traiteur Brera.
The grand hallways of the Royalmount complex —conceived by real estate developer Andrew Lutfy of Carbonleo— had been transformed into a visual and artistic wonderland, reflecting the event’s Fantasmagoria theme, a nod to the mysterious and ephemeral nature of inspiration.
The event’s artistic direction led by Anita Bombita, and visual identity crafted by Cossette, set the tone for the evening, creating an immersive experience where every detail exuded sophistication.
Guests were treated to makeup retouching and photo opportunities courtesy of Rennaï.
The MAC Ball, known for its extraordinary production value, reached new heights this year, thanks to the creative team at LaBoum. The venue’s breathtaking décor and carefully curated artistic performances captivated the attendees, creating a dreamy atmosphere where reality and fantasy intertwined.
One of the highlights of the evening was the unveiling of Caviar Calèche, an immersive artwork by renowned Montreal artist Dean Baldwin Lew, specially designed for the event. Discussions and exchanges mingled with the tasting of caviar and champagne in a horse-drawn carriage, creating a unique moment.
Honoring Key Figures and Contributions
The 2024 edition of the MAC Ball was especially notable for the strong support of its honorary co-chairs, Stephen Bronfman, Julie Couture, and Laurent Ferreira. Their presence, along with the generous backing of partners like the Claudine and Stephen Bronfman Family Foundation and National Bank, was integral to the event’s achievement.
Under the leadership of event chair Marie-Josée Simard and a dedicated organizing committee, the ball was a resounding success, ensuring that the MAC will continue to thrive for future generations.
As this year’s edition drew to a close after guests had danced the night away to the rhythms of DJ Fafa Khan, it’s exciting to imagine what the next chapter holds for the MAC and its supporters. Until then, the memories of Fantasmagoria at Royalmount will continue to inspire, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.
Here is what you need to know about the MAC Ball
One of the season’s most highly anticipated events, the MAC Ball (Bal du MAC) is an annual benefit gala – with a glamorous red carpet, friendly opening cocktail, exquisite banquet and fun after-ball party – that allows the MAC Foundation (Fondation du MAC) to raise a substantial amount of funds in support of the mission of the Montreal Contemporary Art Museum (Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal).
Facebook: @FondationduMAC | @macmontreal
Instagram: @fondationdumacmontreal | @macmontreal
PREVIOUSLY: MAC Ball 2023 Built a Palace at Arsenal and Raised $1.4M
Red alert, art lovers! Royalmount, Montreal’s new shopping, dining, and entertainment district, is launching “Ode to Art” from October 17 to 20, offering an immersive four-day event that blends art, fashion, and music. With over 60 art installations from local and international artists, guided tours, DJ performances, and creative family-friendly activities, the event aims to inspire connection and discovery—all free of charge.
NEXT: Jessica Harnois Wine Club’s Tasting Lounge Returns at Private Club Saint-Denis
