The Met Gala, a major fundraising event for The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute, is scheduled to return on Monday, May 4, 2026.

The 'Costume Art' Theme

The 2026 Gala will center around the theme “Costume Art,” exploring the historical and artistic importance of clothing and its connection to art over 5,000 years of human history.

Exhibition Details

Curated by Andrew Bolton, the accompanying exhibition will showcase approximately 400 objects, including 200 garments and accessories, alongside 200 paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts.

The exhibit will be organized around six recurring ‘body’ types: the ‘Naked Body,’ ‘Classical Body,’ ‘Pregnant Body,’ ‘Aging Body,’ ‘Anatomical Body,’ and ‘Mortal Body.’ This approach highlights the diverse representations of the human form throughout time.

Star-Studded Hosts and Sponsors

Anna Wintour will lead the host committee, joined by Grammy-winning artist Beyoncé, tennis champion Venus Williams, and Academy Award-winning actress Nicole Kidman.

Anthony Vaccarello, creative director of Yves Saint Laurent, and actress Zoë Kravitz will serve as cochairs. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez Bezos are acting as lead sponsors and honorary chairs.

Lauren Sánchez Bezos expressed her anticipation for the event, stating she looks forward to the innovative designs and celebrating the world of fashion.

A New Gallery and Public Access

The 2026 Gala will also mark the debut of The Met’s new Condé M. Nast Galleries, a nearly 12,000-square-foot space dedicated to costume and fashion.

The exhibition will be open to the public from May 10, 2026, to January 10, 2027, offering a wider audience the opportunity to experience “Costume Art.”