The Metropolitan Museum of Art is preparing to launch its much-anticipated exhibition titled “Costume Art,” which will debut at the prestigious Met Gala in 2026. This exhibition aims to elevate the perception of fashion as a vital component of art, merging clothing with a diverse array of objects from the museum’s extensive collection.
Max Hollein, the museum’s CEO and director, shared insights into his vision for this exhibition, which seeks to guide visitors through a fashionable exploration of the interplay between art and fashion across various periods and styles. Hollein emphasized that the exhibition will incorporate a broad selection of artworks, ranging from paintings and sculptures to drawings, to showcase the deep-rooted connections between fashion and different artistic mediums.
Curated by Andrew Bolton, the exhibition will thematically explore the adorned body, dividing it into segments that reflect various body types, including the “Naked Body,” the “Classical Body,” as well as more contemporary themes such as the “Pregnant Body” and “Aging Body.” Bolton and his team are committed to revealing the multifaceted relationships within the world of fashion, from formal ties to conceptual notions and personal narratives to universal themes, thereby illuminating the significance of clothing choices and the stories they convey.
Among the noteworthy pairings within the exhibit will be a print by the German artist Albrecht Dürer, created in 1504, displayed alongside modern spandex bodysuits designed by Walter Van Beirendonck. This juxtaposition artfully bridges contemporary fashion with historical tales, such as the narrative of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.
The “Costume Art” exhibition resonates with previous museum showcases, like FIT’s “Dress, Dreams & Desire: Fashion and Psychoanalysis,” which explored the psychological underpinnings of fashion choices. This aligns with a broader trend in the fashion industry, recognizing clothing as more than just apparel but as an expression of deeper cultural narratives and identities.
For art enthusiasts and fashion lovers, “Costume Art” is set to be an inspiring journey that not only celebrates the beauty and intricacies of fashion but also solidifies its rightful place within the realm of fine arts. This shift in the perception of fashion as a critical art form suggests a promising future for cross-disciplinary creative explorations, encouraging a deeper appreciation for the artistic expressions that shape our cultural landscape.