Met Gala 2026: Inside fashion’s biggest night and its eye-watering price tag

The Met Gala returns today, bringing together some of the world’s biggest celebrities for one of the most exclusive and closely watched nights in fashion.

Held annually at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the event raises funds for the Costume Institute and typically hosts around 450 high-profile guests. While the guest list is kept under wraps, anticipation is high as A-listers prepare to make their mark on the red carpet.

Theme puts fashion in focus as art

This year’s exhibition, titled Costume Art, explores fashion as an artistic expression, with around 400 pieces spanning 5,000 years set to go on display.

The dress code, “Fashion Is Art”, invites guests to interpret style through the lens of art history. References to movements such as Baroque, Impressionism and the Renaissance are expected, although the theme’s broad scope means a wide range of looks will likely dominate the red carpet.

Star power returns to the spotlight

Met Gala chair Anna Wintour has tapped Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman and Venus Williams as co-chairs for the 2026 edition, marking Beyoncé’s first appearance at the event since 2016.

The host committee includes Sabrina Carpenter, Doja Cat, Teyana Taylor, Lisa, Elizabeth Debicki and Lena Dunham, with Anthony Vaccarello and Zoë Kravitz leading the group.

How to watch the Met Gala

Although the event itself is closed to the public, the red carpet remains one of the most widely viewed moments in global pop culture.

Vogue will livestream coverage across its digital platforms, including YouTube and TikTok.

The broadcast will be hosted by Ashley Graham, Cara Delevingne and La La Anthony, with Emma Chamberlain returning as red carpet correspondent.

Guests are expected to begin arriving from around 18:00 EST, with global audiences tuning in for live coverage.

The price of exclusivity

The Met Gala remains one of the most exclusive events in the world, with individual tickets reported to cost around $75,000, while tables can exceed $350,000.

Most celebrities attend as guests of fashion houses, which cover the cost in exchange for brand exposure. However, every attendee must still be approved by Wintour, who has overseen the event since 1995.

Despite its private nature, the Met Gala continues to dominate global attention each year, driven by its mix of celebrity culture, fashion spectacle and strict exclusivity.