Next year’s theme, Costume Art, is mostly about the museum’s collection. It will span centuries, mediums and interpretations of the human format. Interestingly, curator Andrew Bolton is set to unveil an exhibition that pairs approximately 200 garments with 200 artworks. This is to show how the dressed body has been depicted, idealised and abstracted throughout art history.
These pairings will include connections such as Rei Kawakubo’s avant-garde silhouettes shown alongside Hans Bellmer’s surreal, contorted forms or classical sculptures displayed beside Mariano Fortuny’s pleated gowns.
The exhibition will unfold across three thematic sections. The first, Bodies Omnipresent In Art, will examine familiar portrayals of the human figure. It will also examine the nude form. The second, Bodies Overlooked, will highlight those representations that have traditionally been underexamined, such as aging, pregnant or otherwise marginalised bodies.
The final section, Universal bodies, will consider anatomical and scientific interpretations that go beyond cultural boundaries. While the theme is more of an artistic choice, the show will ultimately keep fashion at its core.
Interesting line of sponsors including Saint Laurent is expected to subtly influence the red carpet looks. While the fashion side of things is currently being kept under the wraps, we may see a surge of inventive textiles and cultural forms. The theme gives way to focus on structure, anatomy and artistic expression anyway.
While the official celebrity co-chairs and full guest list are 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 always, the guest list will likely bring together a mix of fashion houses, models, musicians, filmmakers and cultural figures. 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.
When is the 2026 MET Gala taking place?
The 2026 Met Gala 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.
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