The 2026 Met Gala has officially begun at Metropolitan Museum of Art, celebrating the museum’s new spring exhibition, “Costume Art.” This year’s event is co-chaired by Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman, Venus Williams, and Anna Wintour. The gala also marks the opening of the Costume Institute’s first permanent space inside the museum.
The theme for 2026, “Fashion is Art,” focuses on fashion as a form of artistic expression. Unlike last year’s theme, which explored the history of Black style and dandyism, this year’s exhibition looks at clothing as wearable art and examines how fashion shapes the way people see the human body.
The exhibition also reflects on fashion history. In 1983, Yves Saint Laurent became the first living designer to receive a solo exhibition at the museum, sparking debates about whether fashion should be considered fine art. This year’s exhibition continues that conversation by displaying clothing alongside classic sculptures and artworks.
On the red carpet, many celebrities embraced bold and artistic looks inspired by Surrealism and classic designer collaborations. Some outfits referenced the work of Elsa Schiaparelli and artist Salvador Dalí, while others drew inspiration from Jean Paul Gaultier’s iconic designs.
The “Costume Art” exhibition opens to the public on May 10, 2026, and will run until January 10, 2027, at The Met Fifth Avenue.
