Met Gala 2020 Will Be Canceled—Not Postponed—Missing Museum’s 150th Anniversary
Katy Perry at the Met Gala in 2017. Image via Ovidiu Hrubaru / Shutterstock.com
Those anticipating the Met Gala had been holding down the fort by dressing to the nines virtually and using objects they had at home to recreate its most iconic looks while they awaited a later event this year. Alas, things were not meant to be, as the Metropolitan Museum of Art has just announced that the “party of the year” is canceled.
The museum cited “the global health crisis” as the reason for the shutdown. This could mean a much lower budget for exhibitions, acquisitions, and capital boosts as the Met Gala is a key fundraiser for the Costume Institute. According to Vogue, last year’s star-studded gala is believed to have raked in US$15 million in funds.
Meanwhile, the exhibition at the Costume Institute, titled About Time: Fashion and Duration, is poised to kick off on 29 October instead of the intended 5 May date; the showcase will run through 7 February 2021. The establishment already set up the exhibition, and you can have an early preview of it right here.
In addition, the museum updated that it plans to reopen in mid-August “or perhaps a few weeks later.” When it does, it will follow social distancing guidelines by halting tours, concerts, talks, and other group activities scheduled this year.
The 2020 events would have been geared in honor of the Met’s 150th anniversary. Fortunately, things are expected to pick up in 2021, when activities should resume and a “belated celebration” of the 150th anniversary is scheduled to take place.
Daniel H. Weiss, the museum’s president, shared in a statement, “The Met has endured much in its 150 years and today continues as a beacon of hope for the future… As we endure these challenging and uncertain times, we are encouraged by looking forward to the day when we can once again welcome all to enjoy the Met’s collection and exhibitions.”
[via Vogue, images via Ovidiu Hrubaru / Shutterstock.com]
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