Met Museum Debuts Mannequins with Diverse Body Types for 2026 Costume Art Exhibition

The Metropolitan Museum of Art has introduced mannequins with diverse body types for its upcoming 'Costume Art' exhibition, opening May 10, 2026, in new galleries named for Condé M. Nast. The mannequins, a first for the museum, include larger, pregnant, trans, and disabled bodies, with mirrored faces to reflect visitors. They were created using 3D printing and hand-finishing, based on real-life models including artist Michaela Stark, model Antwan Tolliver, activist Sinéad Burke, and Black trans model Aariana Rose Philip. Each model posed in front of 175 cameras. The exhibition pairs roughly 400 artworks with garments, such as Georges Seurat's 1884 study for 'A Sunday on La Grande Jatte' next to an 1880s walking dress. Curator Andrew Bolton stated the show is structured around a typology of bodies, aiming to highlight fashion's artistry on every body and to look at art through the lens of fashion. The exhibition runs through January 10, 2027, after which the mannequins will enter the permanent collection. The Met Gala will be held May 4, 2026, to celebrate the exhibition.