What Exactly is the Met Gala?
The Met Gala, officially known as the Costume Institute Benefit, is an annual fundraising gala held for the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute in New York City. Its primary purpose is to celebrate the opening of the Institute's blockbuster annual fashion exhibition. Often dubbed the "Super Bowl of Fashion," it's one of the most exclusive and highly anticipated social events globally, drawing an elite guest list of celebrities, designers, artists, and icons curated by Vogue's Anna Wintour.
When Does the Met Gala Traditionally Occur?
For decades, the Met Gala has consistently taken place on the first Monday in May. This established timing makes it a landmark date on the international fashion calendar.
While remarkably consistent, rare exceptions have occurred. The 2020 event was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the 2021 gala shifted to September to accommodate pandemic-related adjustments. However, the event swiftly returned to its traditional first Monday in May slot in 2022.
Met Gala 2025: Mark Your Calendar!
Barring any unforeseen circumstances, the 2025 Met Gala is expected to follow tradition and occur on the first Monday of May. Therefore, the anticipated date for the Met Gala 2025 is **Monday, May 5th, 2025**.
Why Does the Met Gala Command Such Attention?

The Met Gala's global significance stems from multiple factors: its crucial role in funding the Costume Institute, its function as the grand opening for a major fashion exhibition, and its status as a unique platform for unparalleled creative expression. The red carpet becomes a stage where designers and celebrities collaborate on bold, thematic interpretations of fashion, sparking conversations and trends worldwide.
A Glimpse at Iconic Past Met Gala Themes
Each Met Gala revolves around a specific theme, usually tied to the Costume Institute's corresponding exhibition. This theme dictates the evening's dress code, challenging guests to interpret it through their attire. Notable recent themes include:
- 2018: "Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination"
- 2019: "Camp: Notes on Fashion"
- 2021: "In America: A Lexicon of Fashion"
- 2022: "In America: An Anthology of Fashion"
- 2023: "Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty"
- 2024: "Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion"
How to Follow Met Gala News & Updates

To stay informed about the latest Met Gala developments, including the official confirmation of the date, theme, co-chairs, and guest list buzz, follow the primary sources: The Metropolitan Museum of Art (@metmuseum) and Vogue (@voguemagazine) across their websites and social media platforms.