Met Gala 2026 unveils theme ‘Costume Art,’ exploring the power of 'embracing the body'

Met Gala 2026 will take place on May 4. Photo Courtesy: Official Instagram of `The Met` Museum

There are only a few nights each year that fashion lovers truly await, and one of them is the annual Met Gala. Although the 2026 edition is still more than six months away, preparations are already underway. On November 17, The Metropolitan Museum of Art unveiled the theme for its spring 2026 exhibition, setting the tone for fashion's biggest night.

Theme
The Metropolitan Museum of Art has announced the theme of the 2026 Met Gala: ‘Costume Art.' Curated by Andrew Bolton, the exhibition will explore the presence and power of the dressed body by blending garments with paintings, sculptures, and immersive reflective installations.

The show will feature nearly 200 artworks displayed alongside 200 garments and accessories, highlighting how the human body dressed, adorned, or imagined has shaped artistic expression across eras. The exhibition will be divided into three sections:
Bodies omnipresent in art: including the classical nude form.
Bodies often overlooked: such as aging, pregnant or historically excluded bodies.
Universal bodies: including anatomical interpretations.

While art will frame the narrative, fashion remains the central focus, continuing the Met Gala's legacy of bridging couture and culture.

Dress code
The dress code - typically a more specific interpretation of the exhibition - has not yet been revealed. It is usually announced closer to the event to help guests shape their red-carpet looks.

Who will chair the 2026 Met Gala?
The co-chairs for 2026 have not been confirmed. However, Anna Wintour is expected to return as the primary host. The newly-married couple and event sponsors, Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez Bezos, are also anticipated to play significant roles in the evening's proceedings.

Last year's theme
The 2025 Met Gala, themed ‘Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,' was the museum's first exhibition centred on Black American design and the first major menswear-focused show since 2003. The gala raised a record USD 31 million, with individual tickets costing around USD 75,000.

Among the Indian celebrities who stole the show last year were Shah Rukh Khan, Priyanka Chopra and Kiara Advani.

Met Gala 2026 will take place on May 4, while the accompanying exhibition will run from May 10, 2026, to January 10, 2027