Fashion meets fine art: Met Gala 2026's theme, 'Costume Art'
What's the story
The Metropolitan Museum of Art has announced the theme for the 2026 Costume Institute exhibition: "Costume Art." Set to open on May 10, this exhibition will feature almost 200 artworks with around 200 garments and accessories. The goal is to explore the relationship between fashion and fine art. The theme will also be central to the renowned Met Gala event, which takes place annually in New York City.
Exhibition details
'Costume Art' to challenge idealized body perceptions
Andrew Bolton, the curator of the Costume Institute, said at a press conference that "Costume Art" refers to the history of the Costume Institute. He explained that fashion has "the status of art because of, and not in spite of, its relation to the body." The exhibition will challenge perceptions of an idealized body by showcasing garments and artworks as embodiments of art.
Twitter Post
The annual Met Gala will be held on May 4
Celebrate fashion as an art form this spring at The Met! Opening May 10, 2026, “Costume Art” is The Costume Institute’s annual exhibition.
— The Metropolitan Museum of Art (@metmuseum) November 17, 2025
Focusing primarily on Western art from prehistory to the present, the show will explore artistic representations of the dressed body,… pic.twitter.com/4gZo3tizTQ
Space expansion
New exhibition space dedicated to Costume Institute
The Met has also announced a new 12,000-square-foot space dedicated to the Costume Institute, located just off the museum's Great Hall. Bolton told CNN that this move recognizes "the central role of fashion not just within the Met but within culture." The new galleries are named after Condé M. Nast, the late founder of Vogue's parent company Conde Nast. This expansion was made possible by an undisclosed donation from the company.
Gala details
Jeff Bezos, Lauren Sanchez are sponsors for 2026 Met Gala
Anna Wintour, Vogue's global editorial director and chief content officer for Conde Nast, was present at the press conference. The French luxury label Saint Laurent is the fashion sponsor for the 2026 Met Gala. Other sponsors include Conde Nast and Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez. The gala is known for raising record funds for the museum, with last year's event bringing in a staggering $31 million.