Beyoncé will co-chair the 2026 Met Gala with Nicole Kidman, Venus Williams, and Anna Wintour. The announcement pushed next year’s event into instant must-watch territory. Beyoncé’s name alone signals a major moment for the Costume Institute, and the industry has already begun paying close attention to what this era of the gala might look like with her in a lead role.

The Met confirmed that the 2026 gala will take place on May 4. The night serves as the Costume Institute's primary fundraiser, supporting its exhibitions and operations throughout the year. Queen B’s involvement marks her first return to the event in a decade, and her role underscores her continued influence in cultural and fashion spaces. The timing also sparked new conversations about her ongoing trilogy since Renaissance and Cowboy Carter set the stage for a possible third installment.

Additional names were announced in a separate release. Zoë Kravitz and Anthony Vaccarello will guide the Gala Host Committee, and the group includes Doja Cat, Sabrina Carpenter, Teyana Taylor, Lena Dunham, and LISA. Each name brings a different audience and creative viewpoint to the table, which gives 2026 a dynamic foundation before the first look even hits the steps.

The theme Costume Art provides the direction for the exhibit and the night as a whole. Andrew Bolton described the concept as a focus on the dressed body with attention to materiality, movement, and the connection between clothing and physical presence. His approach breaks the exhibit into categories that explore stages of life, including the Naked Body, the Pregnant Body, and the Aging Body. Each section will trace how garments shape perception and storytelling in museum spaces.

Preparations for the next gala have already begun behind the scenes. Designers, stylists, and co-chairs will spend the next year shaping the vision that will unfold on the first Monday of May. With Beyoncé in a leadership role, the 2026 Met Gala already carries a level of anticipation that sets it apart from previous years.