Met Gala 2026 Raises $42 Million Amid Protests Over Bezos Sponsorship

The 2026 Met Gala raised a record $42 million for the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute, organizers confirmed, marking a significant financial milestone for the annual event. The funding will support the newly relocated exhibition in the Condé M. Nast Galleries, which now features mannequins modeled on diverse real bodies, including those with disabilities and during pregnancy.

The gala's success was overshadowed by widespread protests over the lead sponsorship of Jeff Bezos and his wife, Lauren Sánchez Bezos, drawing criticism over billionaire influence in public culture. Activists staged a 'Labor is Art' fashion show nearby, featuring Amazon warehouse workers and union members, while demonstrators outside the museum questioned the ethics of arts funding tied to companies with contested labor practices.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani did not attend the gala, releasing a fashion portfolio hours before the event to honor garment workers, retail staff, and former Amazon employees. The portfolio, created with illustrator Rama Duwaji and filmmaker Mira Nair, served as a direct counterpoint to the Met's billionaire-backed celebration.

The gala proceeded with corporate broadcasting partnerships, including live coverage on YouTube and TikTok sponsored by Colgate and eBay, amplifying its digital footprint. The Costume Institute confirmed the funds will support exhibitions and operations through 2027.

The Met will host a public forum on museum funding ethics on June 10, addressing growing scrutiny over donor influence in cultural institutions.