The 2026 Met Gala will take place on Monday, May 4, 2026. The theme is ‘Costume Art,’ marking Andrew Bolton’s first theme without a subtitle.
This year’s dress code is ‘Fashion Is Art.’ The exhibition will showcase nearly 12,000 square feet of the Condé M. Nast Galleries. It will include paintings, sculptures, and garments from the Costume Institute.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art announced the theme on November 17, 2025. It draws inspiration from the importance of the dressed body in the museum’s collection.
Bolton stated, “What connects every curatorial department and what connects every single gallery in the museum is fashion, or the dressed body.” He emphasized that removing the subtitle felt liberating — “We took it out and it was like taking off a corset.”
The Met Gala serves as an annual fundraiser for the Costume Institute. It is widely regarded as fashion’s biggest night. The event attracts top celebrities and designers from around the world.
Fashion’s acceptance as an art form has evolved significantly over time. The upcoming gala aims to reflect this shift within the fashion industry.
Attendees can expect innovative designs and creative expressions on the red carpet. The anticipation surrounding this year’s theme has already sparked discussions among fashion enthusiasts.
