Inside the Met Gala 2026 Costume Institute Exhibition

The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute opened its doors to media and guests on Monday morning (May 4) in New York City for an exclusive preview of this year's exhibition, giving attendees a first look at what celebrities will experience during tonight's Met Gala event.

The exhibition, titled "Costume Art" and curated by Andrew Bolton, examines how garments interact with and respond to the body. The show is structured around various body types as thematic anchors, spanning from the Naked Body through the Pregnant Body and the Aging Body. The display brings together both historical and contemporary garments and artworks housed within The Met's extensive collection.

A notable aspect of this year's event is the venue itself. "Costume Art" marks the inaugural exhibition in The Met's newly constructed Condé M. Nast Galleries, a nearly 12,000-square-foot space situated adjacent to the Great Hall.

Fashion enthusiasts won't have to wait long to experience the show firsthand. The exhibition runs from May 10, 2026, through January 10, 2027, making it accessible to the public for an extended eight-month period.

Tonight's Met Gala will feature several celebrities serving as co-chairs for the event, continuing the tradition of high-profile hosts for fashion's biggest night.