Metropolitan Museum Unveils 2026 Costume Art Exhibition and New Galleries

(New York, November 17, 2025)—The Metropolitan Museum of Art announced today the Costume Institute’s spring 2026 exhibition, Costume Art. This exhibit will explore the connection between the dressed body and objects from the Museum’s extensive collection.

Costume Art opens on May 10, 2026, and runs until January 10, 2027, in the newly established Condé M. Nast Galleries. This nearly 12,000-square-foot space is named after the founder of Condé Nast, thanks to significant contributions from the company and others, including fashion designers Thom Browne, Michael Kors, and Lance Le Pere.

The exhibition, organized by Andrew Bolton, Curator in Charge of The Costume Institute, will focus on Western art from prehistory to the present, categorizing garments into thematic body types such as the “Naked Body,” “Classical Body,” and “Aging Body.” By pairing garments with artworks, the exhibit aims to highlight the relationship between clothing and the human form, showcasing both perspectives in a new light.

“Costume Art will present a dynamic and scholarly conversation between garments and an array of artworks,” said Max Hollein, The Met’s Marina Kellen French Director and Chief Executive Officer. He emphasized the Museum’s commitment to presenting fashion as an art form within the context of 5,000 years of art.

The Costume Institute Gala, known as the Met Gala, will take place on May 4, 2026, in honor of the exhibit’s opening. Funds raised through this annual event are crucial for The Costume Institute, supporting its exhibitions, publications, and operations.

Local fashion icon Misty Copeland spoke about the exhibition, highlighting its focus on body positivity and the notion of fashion as an embodied art form. Her remarks reinforced the exhibition’s goal of celebrating individuality and diversity in the human body.

The new galleries and exhibition represent a transformative moment for The Met, with plans for additional renovations including upgrades to dining and retail spaces. Comprehensive updates will enhance visitor experiences at the Museum.

Organized by Andrew Bolton and supported by Costume Institute staff, the exhibition will showcase around 200 pieces of fashion alongside similarly themed artworks. Special programming and an illustrated catalogue will accompany the exhibit, enriching the conversation surrounding costume and art.