Williams will appear at the Streeterville museum’s 50th anniversary gala June 3 at 220 E. Chicago Ave. The gala will come three days before the debut of a new exhibit by Japanese artist Takashi Murakami. Williams is the “musical curator” of the Murakami exhibit, said Karla Loring, a museum spokeswoman.
Janelle Monae will perform at the gala, Loring said.
It’s unclear what role Williams will have at the gala, which is a formal affair with a hefty cost of admission: Individual tickets are $2,500, and tables cost $50,000. Proceeds will go toward museum programming.
Known for a distinctive style inspired by Japanese comics, Murakami has crossed into commercial ventures ranging from Adidas sneakers to an album cover for Kanye West.
Williams has produced scores of hit songs for himself and others for decades, including the chart-topping “Happy.” He was a producer and co-composer for the Oscar-nominated “Hidden Figures,” a film about African American women at NASA who helped launch John Glenn into space.
The museum has tapped famous musicians to headline its galas before. Prior headliners include Patti Smith, George Clinton and Roxy Music’s Bryan Ferry.
The Tribune first reported Williams’ appearance Thursday morning.
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