Met Gala 2026: Everything to know about the theme, the timeline and the vision behind the show

The Met Gala will return on Monday, May 4, 2026, marking the opening of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s spring exhibition. The annual fundraiser, formally known as the Costume Institute Benefit, will once again set the tone for global fashion conversations. The exhibition will be open to the public from May 10, 2026, till January 10, 2027, inside the newly opened Condé M. Nast Galleries. This year’s sponsors include Saint Laurent, Condé Nast, and Jeff Bezos with Lauren Sánchez Bezos.

The 2026 theme is titled 'Costume Art'. The exhibition focuses on how clothing and the body interact, and how the human form shows up across The Met’s vast collection. No matter which gallery you walk into, curators say the idea of the dressed body appears in some shape or form.

Visitors will see nearly 200 artworks paired with around 200 garments and accessories. The works cover a huge timeline, from prehistoric pieces to contemporary fashion. The exhibition is divided into three main groups. The first looks at bodies that appear constantly in art, such as the nude form. The second brings attention to bodies that are usually overlooked, including pregnant, aging, or disabled bodies. The third focuses on universal forms such as anatomical studies.

A standout feature of the show will be the mannequins. Designed with mirrored faces by artist Samar Hejazi, they will let visitors see themselves reflected, creating an illusion of wearing the pieces on display. Curator Andrew Bolton told W Magazine that the idea is to help viewers feel more connected to the garments and to build a sense of empathy with the body being represented.

As for what guests will wear to the Gala, the dress code is still under wraps. Bolton shared that last year’s exhibition and dress code were closely linked, but the final guidelines for 2026 will be revealed closer to the event. Given the focus on the body, red carpet looks may lean towards sculptural outfits, form-fitting shapes, and sheer or skin-focused dressing. With Saint Laurent as a key sponsor, their silhouettes may dominate the night.

The 2025 Met Gala on May 5 saw a strong Indian presence, with Shah Rukh Khan, Diljit Dosanjh, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Kiara Advani who made her debut while visibly pregnant, Isha Ambani, Natasha Poonawalla, Manish Malhotra and Sabyasachi Mukherjee all marking standout moments on the red carpet.