About The Met Gala
The Met Gala is the annual fundraising benefit for the Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, and the most glamorous, exclusive event on the fashion calendar. Established in 1948 by publicist Eleanor Lambert as a modest dinner with $50 tickets, it has become "fashion's biggest night" — a red-carpet spectacle watched and dissected around the world.
Held on the first Monday of May, the gala marks the opening of the Costume Institute's headline exhibition, and each year follows a theme tied to that show which guests are invited to interpret through daring couture. Under Vogue's Anna Wintour, who has chaired the event since 1995, the carefully curated guest list draws stars from fashion, film, music, sport and beyond, raising tens of millions of dollars for the museum.
The Met Gala falls on the first Monday of May each year, so the countdown above always points to the next one. Whether you follow the red carpet, the themes or the after-parties, add the Met Gala to your own countdown page and count down to fashion's biggest night.
Upcoming dates
| 2027 | Monday, May 3, 2027next |
| 2028 | Monday, May 1, 2028 |
| 2029 | Monday, May 7, 2029 |
| 2030 | Monday, May 6, 2030 |
| 2031 | Monday, May 5, 2031 |
FAQ
When is the Met Gala?
The Met Gala is held on the first Monday of May each year at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. The countdown above shows the time until the next one.
Why is the Met Gala important?
It is the Costume Institute's main fundraiser, raising tens of millions for the museum, and the most influential event in fashion, setting trends and headlines.
How does the Met Gala work?
Guests dress to an annual theme linked to the Costume Institute's new exhibition, walk the red carpet and attend a private dinner; attendance is strictly by invitation.
When was the first Met Gala?
The first Met Gala was held in 1948, founded by fashion publicist Eleanor Lambert as a fundraising dinner for the newly established Costume Institute.