The theme for the Met Gala 2026 has been officially announced as “Costume Art”. The Met Gala, formally known as the Costume Institute Benefit is the annual haute couture fundraising festival held for the benefit of the metropolitan museum of art’s costume Institute in New York city, United States.
The Met Gala is widely regarded as the world’s most prestigious and glamorous fashion event. The attendees are given opportunities to present themselves through their showcased outfits through inspiration of the theme set for the event often depicting a social cause.
Following the 2026 Met Gala, the curator, Andrew Bolton is challenging the traditional boundaries of the theme. In a recent chat with Vogue, Andrew Bolton explained that Costume Art explores “the centrality of the dressed body in the museum’s vast collection”. The exhibition will display paintings, sculptures and other artifacts spanning over the age of 5000 years.
The exhibition, he added, underscores “the indivisible connection between our bodies and the clothes we wear,” insisting that fashion holds “an edge on art because it is about one’s lived, embodied experience.” The exhibition will concentrate on how clothing shapes the image of the human body.
“Costume Art” will debut in its own beloved home, a brand-new 12,000-square-foot gallery situated right off the iconic Met Gala Hall. The celebrities will walk the steps at the 2026 Met Gala on May 4.
With the official full guest list and the co-chairs yet to be announced long-standing Met Gala chair Anna Wintour is expected to lead the event. She will be joined by Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez Bezos, who have been confirmed as sponsors alongside Saint Laurent.
As often, the guest list will bring together a mix of fashion houses, celebrated artists and other cultural personalities. With an art-inspired theme, we can expect to see bold silhouettes, body-centric designs and couture that blurs the line between garment and gallery object.
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When is the 2026 MET Gala taking place?
The Met Gala 2026 will take place on Monday, May 4, maintaining its signature slot on the first Monday in May. The accompanying Costume Art exhibition will open to the public on May 10, 2026, and will remain on view until January 10, 2027.
Written by: Atin Kevin