It’s the first Monday of May. That mean’s Met Gala time.
The annual fundraiser for the Metropolitan Museum of Art attracts a who’s who of actors, socialites, influencers, models, athletes and even some politicians.
The extravagant black-tie affair tends to bring out the most unusual of outfits and accessories. It’s where Rihanna typically makes a very fashionably late entrance while wowing everyone with her look, where Jared Leto held a lifelike replica of his own head, and where Katy Perry once showed up as a cheeseburger and another year wore angel wings that were so large she had to arrive in a convertible.
Here’s what to know about the Met Gala this year:
When is the Met Gala?
The 2026 Met Gala is on Monday, May 4.
What time does the Met Gala start?
Guest arrivals are scheduled from 5:30 p.m. ET to 8 p.m. ET.
Where is the Met Gala held?
The Met Gala will be held at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on the Upper West Side of Manhattan.
How to watch the 2026 Met Gala
The Met Gala arrivals will be streamed live on Vogue.com as well as the fashion magazine’s YouTube and TikTok accounts beginning at 6 p.m.
Live coverage will also be available on E! from 6 to 9 p.m.
“New York Live” will have a special edition from 7:30-8 p.m. ET on NBC 4 on TV, on the NBC New York News streaming channel and in our NBC New York app.
What is the Met Gala theme this year?
While last year theme — “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” which emphasized Black dandyism — allowed for plenty of suits, this year’s promises to produce some truly flamboyant attire as guests mount the famous carpeted steps on May 4.
As always, the dress code is inspired by the spring exhibit at the Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. “Costume Art” will pair some 200 art objects with 200 garments to highlight the connection between fashion and art through the centuries.
What does the Met Gala raise money for?
The Met Gala is a fundraiser benefiting The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute.
Last year the evening brought in a record sum of more than $31 million.
Who’s hosting the Met Gala this year?
None other than Beyoncé, a familiar gala guest, is a co-chair, joined by Nicole Kidman,tennis champ Venus Williams and the one who runs it all, Vogue’s Anna Wintour. There’s also a “host committee” chaired by designer Anthony Vaccarello and filmmaker Zoë Kravitz, and featuring names from Sabrina Carpenter and Teyana Taylor to Lena Dunham and Misty Copeland.
