Met Gala 2026 Dinner: Edible Art Inspired by Italian Gardens and Costume Silhouettes
The 2026 Met Gala, taking place at the Temple of Dendur, promises an engaging culinary journey. Event designer Raúl Àvila drew from Northern Italian gardens, using actual fruits and garden flowers for centerpieces, alongside custom green-and-off-white striped tablecloths and uniquely crafted garden chairs. Guests will pass through a wall designed to resemble a romantically weathered Italian garden, created by Tony-winning set designer Derek McLane, who has been involved with the gala since 2023, comparing it to a one-night-only Broadway performance. Olivier Cheng Catering prepared a three-course meal that echoes the garden theme and the 'Costume Art' exhibition, featuring dishes such as a burrata appetizer and a lamb main course, culminating in desserts inspired by iconic fashion pieces selected by Anna Wintour and Andrew Bolton. Executive chef Shane O'Neill focused on making the food both visually stunning and delicious.
Key facts
- 2026 Met Gala dinner designed by Raúl Àvila inspired by Northern Italian gardens.
- Table centerpieces feature real fruits: pomegranates, pears, black wine grapes, artichokes, kumquats.
- Custom green-and-off-white striped tablecloths and garden chairs by Àvila.
- Derek McLane created a romantically decayed Italian garden wall entrance.
- McLane has worked on the Met Gala since 2023 and compares it to a Broadway show.
- Olivier Cheng Catering created a three-course menu: burrata appetizer (garden), rack of lamb (statue), dessert (silhouette).
- Dessert inspired by three exhibition silhouettes: Alexander McQueen (spring 2001), Robert Wun (spring 2023), Christian Dior (spring 2024).
- Silhouettes selected by Anna Wintour and Andrew Bolton.
Entities
Artists
- Raúl Àvila
- Derek McLane
- Olivier Cheng
- Shane O'Neill
- Alexander McQueen
- Robert Wun
- Christian Dior
- Anna Wintour
- Andrew Bolton
Institutions
- Metropolitan Museum of Art
- The Costume Institute
- Olivier Cheng Catering
- Vogue
Locations
- Temple of Dendur
- New York City
- United States