It's not uncommon for us to look at the Met Gala dresses every year and think, "Wow, this dress is a work of art." In 2026, that concept goes even further. The theme of the next Met Gala is "The Art of Costume," inspired by the Metropolitan Museum of Art's vast collection.
This is not a simple topic, so below we are providing all the details you need to know about fashion's biggest night.
What is the theme of the 2026 Met Gala?
Next year, the Met Gala and accompanying exhibition will have the theme of Costume Art, which focuses on "the clothed bodies of works in the museum's vast collection," according to curator Andrew Bolton.
This will place the Met's art collections: sculptures, paintings and objects from five centuries alongside historical and modern clothing. For example, a classical Greek sculpture will be compared to a Fortuny dress from the 1920s, which mimics the color and material of the dress in the 5th-century work.
As for the guests' outfits, expect a lot of art and fantasy. Also, expect a lot of Saint Laurent clothing, as the brand is a sponsor of the exhibition.
When is the 2026 Met Gala held?
As usual, the Met Gala is held on the first Monday in May. In 2026, it will be on May 4. The exhibition will be open from May 10, 2026, to January 10, 2027.
Who will host the 2026 Met Gala?
As usual, Anna Wintour will be the main host of the evening. She will be joined by Jeff Bezos and his wife, Lauren Sanchez Bezos, who are sponsoring the event.
What does the accompanying exhibition include?
The “Art of Costume” exhibition will focus primarily on Western art. Nearly 200 works of art will be displayed along with 200 garments and accessories. The exhibition will be divided into three categories:
- Permanent bodies in art (e.g. naked form)
- Bodies that are often neglected (e.g. pregnant women or aging bodies)
- Universal bodies (e.g. anatomical body)
Although there will be art and fashion, Andrew Bolton has emphasized that fashion is the priority. He also plans for the mannequins to have reflective faces, created by artist Samar Hejazi, to create more empathy and connection between the viewer and the mannequin.
What is the dress code for the Met Gala 2026?
The theme is “The Art of Costume,” but there is usually a dress code to provide clear guidelines. For example, last year the theme was “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” and the code called for structured suits.
However, the dress code is usually announced very close to the event, so we'll have to wait a bit for the full details of what guests are expected to wear.
