The Metropolitan Museum of Art is once again the backdrop for fashion’s most illustrious night, as A-list celebrities take to its steps, showcasing their boldest fashions.
This year’s Met Gala promises a mix of eye-catching looks, potential baby bump unveilings, and moments ripe for meme-making.
Here is everything you need to know about the upcoming events.
Theme of the Year: Costume Art
Since its inception in 1948, the Met Gala has played a pivotal role in raising funds for the Costume Institute and its exhibitions. According to reports from The New York Times, the event generated an impressive $31 million last year.
Typically held on the first Monday of May, the gala is regarded as the premier fashion event of the year.
This year’s theme, “Costume Art,” aligns with the Costume Institute’s spring 2026 exhibition. Max Hollein, CEO and Director of the Metropolitan Museum, explained that the exhibition aims to connect various epochs in art history.
Hollein elaborated that the exhibition will uniquely utilize the museum’s collection, encompassing paintings, sculptures, and drawings.
Andrew Bolton, the curator responsible for the Costume Institute, shared that the exhibition will explore themes related to body image, featuring sections dedicated to “Naked Bodies,” “Classic Bodies,” “Pregnant Bodies,” and “Aging Bodies.”
With a dress code proclaiming that “fashion is art,” guests are encouraged to celebrate the myriad representations of the dressed body throughout art history, as outlined by the museum.
Beyoncé’s Highly Anticipated Return to the Gala
The buzz surrounding this year’s gala has intensified with the news that Beyoncé Knowles-Carter will make her long-awaited return for the first time in a decade.
Having attended the gala seven times, Beyoncé wore Givenchy on five occasions. While she made her debut in 2008, many remember her high-profile appearance in 2014, which famously coincided with an elevator incident involving her husband Jay-Z and sister Solange.
This year, she will co-host the event alongside actor Nicole Kidman, tennis star Venus Williams, and magazine mogul Anna Wintour, who has been at the helm of the gala for many years.
Kidman has served as gala chair in both 2003 and 2005 and has attended a total of six times.
Venus Williams, a first-time chair, has balanced a successful athletic career with her endeavors in fashion, including launching her own brand.
This will also mark Wintour’s first Met Gala since she stepped down as editor-in-chief of Vogue, now taking on new roles as chief content officer at Condé Nast and global editorial director at Vogue.
Expected A-List Attendees
This year’s ticket prices are set at $100,000 per seat, with tables of ten costing $350,000, as reported by the Associated Press.
As always, Wintour maintains full control over the guest list, requiring the approval of each attendee.
In addition to Wintour’s co-hosts, a separate organizing committee is led by Anthony Vaccarello of Saint Laurent and actress Zoe Kravitz.
There is speculation about whether Kravitz’s rumored fiancé, Harry Styles, will join her on the red carpet, with fans eagerly watching for a potential engagement ring.
Other anticipated guests include pop star Sabrina Carpenter, author Lena Dunham, singer Sam Smith, and WNBA star A’ja Wilson.
Frequent gala attendees from the Kardashian-Jenner family and renowned fashion icons such as Sarah Jessica Parker are also expected to make an appearance.
Typically, New York City mayors are present at this iconic event; however, Mayor Zoran Mamdani and his wife Rama Dhwaj will be absent, citing a focus on city affordability as their priority.
Controversy Surrounding Bezos’ Role
Jeff Bezos and his wife, Lauren Sanchez Bezos, have been named honorary co-chairs for the evening, a decision that has incited calls for a boycott among some New Yorkers.
In a March interview with TODAY, Sanchez-Bezos mentioned that Wintour approached them to sponsor this year’s exhibit. She appeared on the cover of Vogue shortly after their wedding in June 2025.
An anti-billionaire organization called Everyone Hates Elon has placed ads throughout New York, accusing Bezos of various forms of economic impropriety.
Livestream Details for the Event
Red carpet arrivals are expected to commence around 5pm ET and conclude by 8pm ET, with most livestreams, including Vogue’s, beginning at 6pm ET.
Notable attendees often arrive later; for instance, Rihanna made a memorable late entrance last year, coinciding with the reveal of her pregnancy.
The official live stream will be available on Vogue’s website, YouTube, and TikTok. Influencers and celebrities including Emma Chamberlain, Cara Delevingne, Ashley Graham, and Lala Anthony will host Vogue’s red carpet coverage.
Additionally, E! will be livestreaming departures from popular venues like The Mark Hotel, The Carlyle Hotel, and Pierre Hotel, where celebrities often prepare for the gala.
NBC News will provide live updates throughout the evening, ensuring comprehensive coverage of this high-profile event.
