From Rihanna and Beyoncé to Cher and Solange Knowles, these celebrities stood out on the red carpet at Met Galas over the years

Inside the history, architecture, and cultural influence of New York City’s storied art museum

Ahead of the 2026 Met Gala this Monday, ESSENCE looks back at some of the event's most eye-catching beauty moments over the years.

The following year, Beyoncé wore one of her most iconic Met Gala looks to date. For the “China: Through the Looking Glass Theme,” she donned a custom Givenchy Haute Couture gown by Riccardo Tisci, skin-toned, sheer, and encrusted with multicolored jewels and beading that made her look as if she were sparkling.

The Mexican architect is the first woman commissioned to design a wing of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, scheduled to open in 2030

As the Met Gala returns, we look back at the high-fashion drama and unforgettable 'shady' moments that have defined the red carpet for decades.

A massive tent outside the Metropolitan Museum of Art can only mean one thing: The Met Gala is just days away. Hundreds of stars are expected to attend Monday’s red carpet, which will spotlight this

The Costume Institute's spring 2026 exhibition is titled “Costume Art"

A look at how the Met Gala 2026 theme, Costume Art, could shape menswear, from historical references and tailoring to jewelry and red carpet style.

Beloved in Finland, Helene Schjerfbeck is just becoming hot in Manhattan, where a show of paintings at the Met Museum is likely to leave you awe-struck. By Deborah Solomon If you dislike the shortened daylight of winter, please know that you are luckier ...