The Met Gala, formally known as the Costume Institute Benefit, is an annual fundraising gala held on the first Monday in May to benefit the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute in New York City

. Often referred to as "fashion's biggest night out," the event marks the opening of the Costume Institute's annual fashion exhibit

. Key aspects of the Met Gala:

• Purpose It serves as a charity event and fundraiser for the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute

. The Met Gala is the Costume Institute's primary source of funding

• Attendees The guest list includes celebrities, fashion icons, and culturally relevant personalities from various fields, including fashion, film, television, music, business, sports, social media, and politics

• Theme Each year's event celebrates the specific theme of that year's Costume Institute exhibition, which sets the tone for the formal attire of the night

. The 2025 theme is "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style"

• Exclusivity The event is invitation-only, with Anna Wintour, editor-in-chief of Vogue , overseeing the guest list

. The guest list is limited to around 650-700 people

• Tickets The price of admission has increased over the years, costing $75,000 per seat in 2024

• History The Gala was founded in 1948 by Eleanor Lambert

• Activities While the details of what happens inside are kept private, the event includes dinner, a high-profile performance, and an opportunity for attendees to explore the exhibition

. Guests are asked to abide by a no-phone (and, therefore, no social media) policy once they’ve entered the museum