What time does the Met Gala start
The Met Gala typically begins in the late afternoon or early evening, with the red carpet starting around 5:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. in New York time and the formal gala proceeding after 6:00 p.m. These times can vary by year depending on the event date, security logistics, and broadcast needs. The Met Gala is held on the first Monday of May at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, honoring the opening of the Costume Institute exhibition. For 2025, the event is scheduled for Monday, May 5, and the start time will be confirmed closer to the date by the museum and its partners.
2025 Met Gala confirmed date
Event date and location
The 2025 Met Gala will take place on Monday, May 5, 2025, at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. The exhibition opening and related festivities follow the museum’s calendar, with the Costume Institute exhibition opening to the public on that date. Event timing is planned to align with the exhibition opening and to accommodate security, media, and guest arrival protocols.
Typical start and red carpet schedule
When to expect the red carpet and main programming
The Met Gala is a evening event anchored by a formal dinner and multi-hour program. While exact times are not finalized until closer to the event, the usual pattern is:
- Red carpet arrival and pre-show: 5:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
- Main gala and dinner: after 6:00 p.m.
- Fundraising appeals and performances: late evening
These windows can shift based on the theme, guest arrivals, security considerations, and broadcast requirements. The Met often communicates timing through invited guests, media partners, and its own channels once details are confirmed.
Who sets the event start time
Coordination with the museum, designers, and security
The Met, in partnership with the Costume Institute leadership and producers, determines the start time to balance guest arrivals, exhibition access, and broadcast commitments. Security protocols, transportation logistics, and high-profile attendee schedules influence the final time. Announcements typically appear weeks before the event through the museum’s website, press releases, and official social channels.
How to follow the 2025 Met Gala timing
Where to check for official updates
Because exact start times are generally confirmed closer to the event, the best approach is to monitor the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s official channels:
- Metropolitan Museum of Art website and homepage
- Met Gala and Costume Institute social accounts (Instagram, X, and Facebook)
- Press releases and media advisories from the Met
- Authorized broadcast and livestream partners, if applicable
Once announced, the museum will share precise check-in windows, red carpet schedules, and viewing options for audiences. Until then, treat any stated time as an estimate and plan to confirm closer to the event.
Why the start time matters for attendees and viewers
Implications for guests, media, and virtual audiences
The Met Gala start time affects transportation, security screening, and access for invited guests, designers, and media. For media and audiences, it determines when red carpet coverage, interviews, and any livestream or broadcast begin. The timing also influences after-parties and related events, many of which are scheduled in relation to the official start. Because of these dependencies, the Met emphasizes confirmed logistics over speculation when communicating schedules.
Quick facts at a glance
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 event date | Monday, May 5, 2025 | Official Met announcement |
| Typical red carpet window | Approximately 5:00 p.m.–5:30 p.m. ET | Observed historical range |
| Typical gala start | After 6:00 p.m. ET | Observed historical range |
| Event location | The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City | Official venue |
| Event anchor | Fundraiser opening the Costume Institute exhibition | Annual tradition |
Planning if you are attending or covering the event
Checklist before the day
- Confirm the announced start time on the Met’s official channels
- Review security and entry requirements for invited guests
- Arrange transportation and accommodations early
- Check media credentials and press access windows
- Note livestream or broadcast availability, if applicable
Because the Met Gala is by-invitation and tightly managed, public ticketing is not available. Coverage for general audiences relies on official statements and authorized media partners. When the 2025 schedule is released, prioritize the museum’s channels for the most reliable start-time information.