Met Museum Advances Fashion with New Condé Nast Galleries

The Metropolitan Museum of Art is set to enhance its focus on fashion with the introduction of the new Condé Nast Galleries. This initiative reflects the museum’s ongoing commitment to placing fashion at the forefront of artistic expression.

New Galleries at the Met

The Condé Nast Galleries will occupy nearly 11,500 square feet, formerly home to a gift shop adjacent to the Great Hall. The announcement was made on a recent Monday, marking a significant milestone in the museum’s long history.

Acknowledging Fashion’s Influence

This initiative has been backed by an undisclosed lead donation from Condé Nast, founded by Condé Nast himself. Anna Wintour, global editorial director of Vogue and a trustee of the museum, spearheaded fundraising efforts exceeding $50 million for the project.

Significance of the Galleries

The galleries are expected to elevate the museum’s engagement with fashion, a subject that has been increasingly important in contemporary culture. Max Hollein, the Met’s director and chief executive, emphasized the need for a prominent space dedicated to fashion.

• The previous Costume Institute space measured 4,300 square feet.
• Nearly 200 garments and accessories will be showcased alongside artworks during the inaugural exhibition titled “Costume Art,” opening May 10.

Thematic Exploration in Fashion

Andrew Bolton, the curator of the Costume Institute, noted that the new galleries would transform not just the department but also the perception of fashion itself. The inaugural exhibition will juxtapose fashion with classical art to highlight their interconnectedness.

• Exhibits will include a 5th-century B.C. terra-cotta statue paired with a 1920s gown.
• The show will categorize items into types such as “Naked Body,” “Classical Body,” and “Pregnant Body.”

Fashion as an Art Form

Bolton aims to redefine how fashion is viewed in the museum context, arguing that its inherent function does not diminish its artistic merit. The exhibit seeks to highlight fashion’s historical and cultural significance through themed displays.

The decision to elevate the Costume Institute to a prime location is expected to prompt mixed reactions among curators. Critics have previously noted that the Costume Institute’s visibility often overshadows other exhibitions.

Popular Appeal of Costume Exhibitions

Costume Institute shows consistently attract significant audiences. Half of the ten most-visited exhibitions in the Met’s history are focused on fashion, including the record-setting “Heavenly Bodies” exhibition in 2018, which drew 1.7 million visitors.

Wintour expressed optimism about the galleries’ potential to attract visitors interested in broader exhibitions, reinforcing the importance of costume shows in generating interest in the museum.

Future Exhibitions and Collaborations

The new galleries will not only host fashion-focused exhibitions but will also facilitate collaborations with other curatorial departments. This will foster a multidisciplinary approach at the Met, showcasing the relationship between fashion and fine art.

Renovations and Upcoming Events

In addition to the galleries, renovations will revitalize the Met’s entrance, enhancing visitor experience with new dining and retail options. The upcoming spring exhibition, which will run through January 10, 2027, has received backing from notable donors including Jeff and Lauren Bezos.

As excitement builds for the upcoming Met Gala, set for the first Monday in May, the new Condé Nast Galleries promise to be a focal point within the museum, celebrating the rich tapestry of fashion as integral to the Met’s identity.