Auction Items
As always, the Gala will feature a live charitable auction, with all proceeds directly supporting IHES and its mission to advance fundamental research. This year’s exceptional lots are presented below, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to all friends, sponsors, and supporters who helped secure these unique experiences for our guests.
The auction will be graciously led by Caroline Robinson, Head Auctioneer at Bonhams.

3 DAYS FOR 2 PEOPLE IN TENNIS PARADISE AT 2026 BNP PARIBAS OPEN IN INDIAN WELLS, CALIFORNIA
You and a guest will surround yourself with tennis superstars at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California, also known as the fifth grand slam.
This package offers a 2-night stay at a premium tournament hotel, 3 full days of thrilling tennis action and a morning tennis clinic. You will receive a pair of tickets for you and an adult guest (21 or older) in the BNP Paribas luxury VIP Suite, with hospitality, including a food and beverage for the Women’s and Men’s Semis and Finals, plus accommodations at an official tournament hotel.
Lot Details
- Valid for 2 people. Both guests must be 21 years of age or older.
- You will have a pair of tickets to the following matches:
– Friday, March 13 – Men’s Doubles Final, Women’s Singles Semifinals
– Saturday, March 14 – Women’s Doubles Final, Men’s Singles Semifinals
– Sunday, March 15 – Women’s Singles Final, Men’s Singles Final - Food and beverage which includes premium catered food and open bar within the BNP Paribas luxury VIP suite on specified dates.
- 2 nights’ accommodation: March 13 and 14 at a premium official tournament hotel, located within close proximity to the tournament.
- Enhance your skills with a morning tennis clinic led by tennis professionals, perfect for players of all levels on either Saturday or Sunday morning.


EXPERIENCE THE 2026 INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS OF MATHEMATICS AND ENJOY AN EXCLUSIVE STAY AT THE FOUR SEASONS HOTEL PHILADELPHIA
Thanks to the generous support of the Simons Foundation and the Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center, we are thrilled to unveil an exciting auction item around the 2026 International Congress of Mathematicians (ICM).
You and a guest will take part in the most prestigious gathering of the mathematical community, the ICM, which returns to the United States for the first time in over 40 years. Held in Philadelphia in July 2026, this event is also where the new Fields Medalists—the highest distinction in mathematics—will be officially announced and celebrated.
This extraordinary package includes VIP access to the opening days of the ICM and a 2-night stay at Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia. As a highlight, you’ll enjoy an intimate private breakfast with a renowned mathematician, offering you the rare chance to engage with one of today’s greatest scientific minds.
Lot Details
- Valid for 2 people.
- You will have a pair of VIP tickets with access to:
– Wednesday, July 22
– ICM Welcome Reception
Thursday, July 23
– ICM Opening Ceremony and scientific sessions (lectures, talks, poster sessions, exhibitions - Food and beverage, including premium catering and open bar, within the event venue on specified dates.
- 2 nights’ accommodation at Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia (July 22 & 23), located within walking distance of the ICM venue.
- An exquisite dining experience for two at Jean-Georges Philadelphia with a $500 credit
- A pair of 60-minute treatments at the Four Seasons Spa
- Private breakfast with a renowned mathematician at the Four Seasons (July 24).


Caroline Robinson, Auctioneer
Caroline Robinson is the Lead Auctioneer at Bonhams. Previously an Associate Vice President, Jewelry Specialist and Auctioneer at Christie’s, Caroline was responsible for the development of the firm’s online platform, which she helped grow from $500k to $5 million+ sales. As a specialist, Caroline has worked on such landmark auctions as The Private Collection of Joan Rivers and The Private Collection of President and Mrs. Ronald Reagan. As an auctioneer, Caroline has sold everything from multi-million-dollar contemporary paintings to space memorabilia and important celebrity sales, including The David Gilmour Guitar Collection and Barbara Walters: American Icon.
Caroline holds a B.A. in Art History from Colorado College and a Graduate Gemologist degree from the Gemological Institute of America. She shares her favorite jewels and a glimpse into her auctioneering life, via her Instagram page @thecarolineervin.
