Met Gala 2026 theme revealed as ‘Costume Art’

The Metropolitan Museum of Art has unveiled the theme for its 2026 Met Gala: Costume Art. The announcement coincides with the launch of the Costume Institute’s new permanent galleries, the nearly 12,000-square-foot Condé M. Nast Galleries, marking a milestone for fashion in a central museum space. Curator in charge Andrew Bolton described the exhibition as transformative, not only for the Costume Institute but for fashion as a whole, arguing that clothing deserves the same artistic recognition as painting or sculpture.

Titled simply Costume Art, the spring 2026 exhibition will explore the intrinsic link between the dressed body and artistic expression. The show pairs historical and contemporary garments with artworks spanning five millennia, from classical Greek sculptures to modern installations. Bolton explained that fashion has historically been undervalued as an art form because of its association with the body, but the exhibition seeks to challenge that perception by placing clothing and the body front and centre.

The exhibition is organised around thematic body types, including the classical, nude, aging, pregnant, anatomical, and abstract bodies, showcasing the variety of ways human form has been depicted across history and fashion. Designs by renowned creatives like Walter Van Beirendonck, Rei Kawakubo, and Riccardo Tisci will be featured alongside artifacts such as terracotta statuettes of Nike and historical prints.

Visitors will encounter innovative displays, including mannequins mounted on six-foot pedestals with mirrored heads, created by artist Samar Hejazi. Bolton emphasised that this design allows viewers to see themselves reflected, fostering empathy and engagement with the clothing and the body it inhabits. Additionally, some garments will be worn by real bodies, offering a more diverse and dynamic presentation of beauty than typical runway or museum displays.

Costume Art will run from May 10, 2026, to January 10, 2027, following the Met Gala on May 4, which continues to be the primary funding source for the Costume Institute. Bolton’s vision for the exhibition is simple yet radical: to disband hierarchical distinctions between fashion and art and celebrate the human body as an essential canvas for creativity.

By integrating clothing, history, and human form, the 2026 Met Gala and Costume Art exhibition promise a bold and innovative exploration of fashion’s power to reflect culture, identity, and artistic expression.