What to Expect from the Met Gala 2025 Red Carpet
The Met Gala remains the most prominent fashion fundraiser and cultural spectacle each spring. For Met Gala 2025, the event is scheduled for Monday, May 5, 2025, with the theme “China: Through the Looking Glass” announced in advance to set expectations for styling and exhibition planning. The red carpet, typically beginning around 10:30pm ET on the east steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, will be streamed and televised to global audiences. Tickets for the formal benefit cost approximately $30,000 per person, and invitations are by invitation and committee only.
Confirmed Details for Met Gala 2025
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Event Date | Monday, May 5, 2025 | Calendar/Annual Pattern |
| Theme | China: Through the Looking Glass | The Met Press Release |
| Location | The Met Fifth Avenue, New York City | The Met |
| Ticket Price (approx.) | $30,000 per person | Past Auction and Press Reports |
| Expected Red Carpet Start | ~10:30pm ET | Historical Coverage |
Where to Watch the Met Gala 2025 Red Carpet Live
Viewers can follow the red carpet in real time across linear television and streaming platforms. The traditional U.S. television broadcaster is ABC, which typically airs the live red carpet coverage beginning around 10:30pm ET. Internationally, regional partners may carry feeds; check local listings for exact timing and channel numbers. For cord-cutters, the red carpet and subsequent live ceremony streams are usually available through the ABC app and compatible connected TV apps with TV Everywhere authentication via your cable or streaming subscription.
Live Streaming Options
- ABC TV app — Free with TV Everywhere credentials from a participating provider
- Local ABC affiliate site/app — Region-dependent streams with authentication
- Met Gala official channels (Metropolitan Museum social accounts) — Often share highlights and red carpet clips post-broadcast
How to Follow the Red Carpet Remotely
Even if you cannot attend or watch live, you can track looks, moments, and reactions as they happen. The Met maintains a strict media embargo on certain images before the broadcast, but stylists, brands, and celebrities typically release red carpet shots immediately upon arrival. To stay updated, follow the museum’s official channels and major fashion outlets; avoid unofficial leaks that may violate embargoes. For those unable to attend in person, seated viewing parties are sometimes organized by museums, cultural institutions, and retailers.
Red Carpet Timeline and Key Moments
On the day of the event, arrivals typically begin in the mid-afternoon, with the main red carpet starting in the early evening. Expect the following sequence: arrival and credentialing, first looks on the red carpet, brief interviews on the Met steps, and, following the red carpet, the live ceremony inside the museum. Press days and the exhibition opening may feature separate events; refer to the Met’s calendar for non-public invite details.
Practical Information for Viewers
If you plan to watch locally, confirm your cable or satellite package includes ABC in your area, and verify any authentication requirements for streaming. International viewers should consult local broadcasters for rights and scheduling. Prices and availability for premium viewing experiences, such as seated packages or after-parties, vary widely and are not part of the public broadcast; these arrangements are typically extended through private invitations only.
Evergreen Guidance: Attending or Accessing the Gala
The Met Gala is not an open public event; tickets are limited and allocated via committee invitation. If you are not an invitee, the most reliable access is through authorized broadcasts and streams. Plan for potential traffic and security restrictions in the area around the museum, and consult the Met’s official channels for any updates closer to the date. For ongoing interest, consider following the associated exhibition at the Met, which often runs through the spring and provides deeper context on the season’s look and research.