Guide to Met Gala 2026: Theme, Dress Code, and More

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Fashion’s most prestigious night is drawing near. The Met Gala 2026 is set to once again become the ultimate stage for A-list celebrities to unveil their most unforgettable looks and define fashion moments to the world.

From Rihanna’s heavenly, history-steeped ensembles to Zendaya’s Joan of Arc–inspired silver gown, it is only fitting to expect equally iconic and showstopping interpretations of this year’s “Fashion Is Art” dress code.

Ready to witness the spectacle unfold? Here is everything you need to know about the Met Gala 2026. 

What Is the Met Gala?

Citing Vogue and Yahoo!, the Met Gala is an annual charity fundraiser for the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute. Each year, the event raises eight-figure sums, with the 2025 edition recording the highest total in its 77-year history at $31 million.

The Met Gala is traditionally held to coincide with the launch of the department’s spring fashion exhibition. The event features a curated guest list, ranging from celebrities to designers and athletes, all expected to dress in accordance with the annual theme.

As an invitation-only event, there is no public entry. According to The New York Times, individual tickets are priced at a staggering $100,000, while tables start at $350,000.

When and Where Is the Met Gala 2026?

The Met Gala 2026 will take place on Monday, May 4, at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. The date continues the event’s long-standing tradition of being held on the first Monday of May.

What Is the Met Gala 2026 Theme?

Like previous editions, the 2026 gala will carry its own distinct theme. According to various sources, this year’s theme is “Costume Art.” The exhibition will also mark the inauguration of the new Condé M. Nast Galleries, a nearly 12,000-square-foot permanent space dedicated to celebrating the history of fashion.

What Is the Met Gala 2026 Dress Code?

In February, officials announced that the Met Gala 2026 dress code is “Fashion Is Art.” Open to interpretation, the theme is designed to encourage creativity while steering guests away from extreme takes on naked dressing, as The New York Times noted.

As stated by the Met Museum, “Fashion Is Art” invites guests “to express their own relationship to fashion as an embodied art form and celebrate the countless depictions of the dressed body throughout art history.” 

Who Are the Met Gala 2026’s Co-Chairs?

This year, Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman, Venus Williams, and Anna Wintour will serve as co-chairs of the gala. This will be Kidman’s third time as co-chair, while Beyoncé previously served as honorary chair. Williams debuts as co-chair, while Anna Wintour has led the event every year since 1995.

Additionally, Jeff Bezos and his wife, Lauren Sánchez Bezos, are set to serve as honorary chairs, representing the lead sponsor and helping support the primary funding for both the exhibition and the gala itself.

The Met Gala 2026 will also feature a host committee, with Anthony Vaccarello and Zoë Kravitz taking on key roles, alongside members Sabrina Carpenter, Doja Cat, Gwendoline Christie, Alex Consani, Misty Copeland, Elizabeth Debicki, Lena Dunham, Paloma Elsesser, LISA, Chloe Malle, Sam Smith, Teyana Taylor, Lauren Wasser, Anna Weyant, A’ja Wilson, and Yseult.

Read: Met Gala 2026: Bodies, Artworks, and the Fundraising Mission

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