Met Gala 2026: Date, location, time, theme, host, guest list, dress code and all details

The Met Gala returns in 2026 with its signature blend of celebrity, couture, and creativity. Held in New York City at the iconic Metropolitan Museum of Art, the event draws global attention as stars arrive in striking, high-fashion looks on the museum’s popular steps.

Date, time and venue

The Met Gala 2026 is set to take place on May 4, 2026, following its tradition of the first Monday in May.

• Venue: Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York
• Red carpet: 4:30 p.m. EST
• Livestream: 6:00 p.m. EST via Vogue

Each year, the museum shuts its doors for the day as designers and artists transform the space into a visual extension of the theme, with a grand setup covering the iconic staircase.

Theme and exhibition: “Costume Art”

The 2026 event will support the museum’s “Costume Art” exhibition, curated by Andrew Bolton. The Met Gala theme is associated with this exhibition, which delves into fashion as an artistic expression grounded in the human form.

In an official statement, the museum shared: "Celebrate fashion as an art form this spring at The Met," noting that the exhibition will explore the relationship between clothing and the body through artistic interpretation.

The exhibition will be housed in the newly built Condé M. Nast Galleries, spanning around 12,000-square-foot space.

Dress code: “Fashion Is Art”

The official dress code for 2026 is “Fashion Is Art.”

According to Vogue, "the dress code encourages attendees to consider the many ways that designers use the body as their blank canvas."

Unlike stricter dress codes of past years like 2022’s “gilded glamour, white tie” this year’s theme permits broader interpretation. Designers are anticipated to draw from creative movements such as Baroque, Surrealism, and Impressionism. The openness of the theme indicates a diverse range of experimental and artistic looks on the red carpet.

MET Gala 2026 Live Streaming

Where can I watch the livestream?

The 2026 Met Gala livestream will be hosted exclusively by Vogue and will be available across its digital platforms. Viewers will also be able to watch the event on YouTube and TikTok, ensuring global accessibility for fashion fans everywhere.

Additionally, Vogue will run a live blog alongside the broadcast, offering real-time commentary and fashion analysis from its editorial team, making it easier for audiences to follow every moment of the night.

What time does the livestream start?

The Met Gala 2026 red carpet livestream is scheduled to begin on Monday, May 4, at 11pm UK time. From that moment, viewers can watch celebrities arrive, showcase their outfits, and explore the night’s fashion highlights as they unfold live from New York.

Who’s hosting the livestream?

This year’s Met Gala 2026 coverage will feature a star-studded hosting lineup:

• Ashley Graham, La La Anthony, and Cara Delevingne will guide viewers through the red carpet arrivals, interviews, and fashion highlights.
• Emma Chamberlain will return as the official red carpet correspondent, continuing her role in delivering candid celebrity interviews and real-time reactions.
• The livestream is being produced in collaboration with Full Day Productions, Feed the Animals, and Dream Machine, along with director Micah Bickham, known for his work on major live performances and music visuals.

Guest list and expected attendees

The Met Gala remains one of the most exclusive events worldwide, with almost 450 attendees invited annually. Tickets reportedly begin at $75,000, with brands sponsoring tables and dressing celebrity guests.

Regular attendees such as Rihanna, Kim Kardashian, Gigi Hadid, and Sarah Jessica Parker often dominate headlines. So far, Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez have confirmed their attendance. Fans are also wishing to witness Lady Gaga, Cardi B, and Zendaya on the red carpet. However, the official guest list typically remains under wraps until the event unfolds.

Why the Met Gala matters

Since its inception in 1948, the Met Gala has served two main purposes:

• Fundraising: Supporting the Costume Institute’s exhibitions
• Cultural influence: Offering a global stage where fashion meets art and celebrity

Each attendee must interpret both the theme and the dress code, two distinct challenges that often generate iconic fashion moments.

FAQs:

Q1. When is the Met Gala 2026?
The Met Gala 2026 will be held on May 4, following its tradition of the first Monday in May. This timing has been consistent for decades.

Q2. Where does the Met Gala take place?
The event is hosted at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. It takes place on the museum’s iconic steps and inside its galleries.