Fashion’s biggest night, the Met Gala, is almost here. On 4 May, the annual extravaganza will take over the Met steps—and social media. As we know, the event is a charity fundraiser for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute, timed to coincide with the opening of its spring fashion exhibition. It’s a night defined by world-famous co-chairs, iconic celebrity fashion, viral soundbites, and unforgettable pop culture moments.
As we gear up for the first Monday in May and all the fashion that comes with it, you might still be asking what the Met Gala is really all about. Ahead of the 2026 Met Gala, we break down the biggest questions—and the answers you need.
When Is the 2026 Met Gala?
The Met Gala is famously held annually on the first Monday in May. This year’s event will take place on Monday, May 4, 2026.
Read More
Where Is the 2026 Met Gala?
The Met Gala takes place at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Guests arrive by ascending the museum’s iconic steps, which are transformed with a red-carpet setting. Many depart from nearby hotels, such as The Mark Hotel and The Carlyle Hotel, both of which have become attractions in their own right. Fans often line the streets behind barricades, hoping to catch a glimpse of arriving celebrities before they make it to the evening’s main event.
What Is the Theme of the 2026 Met Gala?
This year’s exhibition theme is Costume Art. It focuses on the dressed body, placing garments alongside paintings, sculptures, and other works from across the museum’s collection. While the exhibition sets the tone for the evening, it is not the same as the red-carpet dress code. The two are often connected, but they serve different purposes.
What Is the 2026 Met Gala Dress Code?
This year’s Met Gala dress code is “Fashion Is Art”. It is an open-ended brief that encourages guests to be creative and interpret it in their own way. This could mean wearing pieces inspired by well-known artworks, turning garments into literal canvases, or embracing sculptural, avant-garde couture. Think painted gowns, reimagined masterpieces, or high-concept looks that blur the line between clothing and art. Strong examples include Wales Bonner’s collaboration with artist Kerry James Marshall, as well as the surreal, sculptural edge of Schiaparelli haute couture.
Who Is Attending the 2026 Met Gala?
While at least two individuals have confirmed they will not be attending this year’s event, the full guest list remains under wraps. Familiar names are still expected on the carpet, including Rihanna, Zendaya, and Colman Domingo.
The co-chairs, however, have been confirmed. Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman, Venus Williams, and Anna Wintour will serve as co-chairs of the 2026 Met Gala. This year marks Beyoncé’s first appearance at the event in a decade, following her last in 2016, when she wore a latex Givenchy look.
In addition to the co-chairs, a host committee has also been announced. The 2026 members include Anthony Vaccarello, Zoë Kravitz, Doja Cat, Misty Copeland, Paloma Elsesser, Teyana Taylor, A’ja Wilson, Sabrina Carpenter, Adut Akech, Angela Bassett, LISA, artists Tschabalala Self, Anna Weyant, and Amy Sherald, Alex Consani, Gwendoline Christie, Chase Sui Wonders, Yseult, Elizabeth Debicki, Lena Dunham, Sam Smith, Sinéad Burke, Lauren Wasser, and Chloe Malle.
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez Bezos will serve as honorary co-chairs. They are also the lead sponsors of the 2026 gala and exhibition.
How Much Does it Cost to Go to the Met Gala?
Last year, Complex Editor-in-Chief Aria Hughes broke down the hefty $75,000 price tag in great detail.
Do All the Guests Pay?
While some guests pay to attend, many celebrities, artists, and cultural figures are hosted by brands that purchase tables and curate their guest lists. In return, those guests are typically dressed by the hosting house. For last year’s Superfine: Tailoring Black Style Met Gala, Fear of God and its founder Jerry Lorenzo hosted and dressed a table that included Yara Shahidi, Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, Amy Sherald, Arthur Jafa, DeAndre Hopkins, Lauren Halsey, Andre Walker, Adrien Brody, and Spike Lee.
Can I Go to the Met Gala?
It may come as no surprise, but unless you are personally invited by Anna Wintour or Chloe Malle, or connected to a brand with a table, attendance is unlikely. However, the real focus of the evening—the Costume Art exhibition—will be open to the public at the Metropolitan Museum of Art from 10 May 2026 through 10 January 2027, offering everyone the opportunity to experience it.
