13 photos show what it's really like inside the Met Gala, from crowds of guests to the place settings

Erin McDowellApr 30, 2023, 17:58 IST

The Metropolitan Museum of Art decorated for the 2022 Met Gala.Cindy Ord/MG22/Getty Images; Matt Winkelmeyer/MG22/Getty Images

When you think of the Met Gala, you might picture the sweeping stairs and expansive red carpet.
The public rarely sees what happens inside the event, mainly due to the event's social-media ban.

The Met Gala, which benefits the Costume Institute, is held annually on the first Monday of May.

The Met.Maurizio de Mattei/Shutterstock

The museum completely transforms for the annual event.

A view of the venue during the 2022 Met Gala celebrating "In America: An Anthology of Fashion" at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2022.Cindy Ord/MG22/Getty Images

Last year, a large spiral-staircase sculpture was erected in the middle of the room to greet celebrity guests.

A view of the venue during the 2022 Met Gala celebrating "In America: An Anthology of Fashion" at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2022.Matt Winkelmeyer/MG22/Getty Images

Entertainment begins the second guests arrive inside the museum.

Janelle Monáe attends the 2022 Met Gala celebrating "In America: An Anthology of Fashion" at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2022.Cindy Ord/MG22/Getty Images

The Met's grand staircase was completely covered in red roses.

Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour attends the 2022 Met Gala.Matt Winkelmeyer/MG22/Getty Images

In years past, the grand staircase has been open to guests.

A view of the grand staircase at the 2019 Met Gala.Kevin Tachman/MG19/Getty Images

Last year, a large arched floral arrangement welcomed guests into the main seating area.

A view of the venue during the 2022 Met Gala celebrating "In America: An Anthology of Fashion" at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2022.Matt Winkelmeyer/MG22/Getty Images

The event's guest list is meticulously curated by Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour.

A view of the venue during the 2022 Met Gala celebrating "In America: An Anthology of Fashion" at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2022.Matt Winkelmeyer/MG22/Getty Images

The actual seating chart is designed by Vogue contributing editor Eaddy Kiernan — a process that she says takes months to organize.

A view of table settings at the 2022 Met Gala celebrating "In America: An Anthology of Fashion" at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2022.Matt Winkelmeyer/MG22/Getty Images

Guests were also invited to mingle inside the Met's American Wing.

A view of the venue during the 2022 Met Gala celebrating "In America: An Anthology of Fashion" at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2022.Matt Winkelmeyer/MG22/Getty Images

There's usually one headline performer for the night's festivities.

Lenny Kravitz performs onstage during the 2022 Met Gala celebrating "In America: An Anthology of Fashion" at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2022.Kevin Mazur/MG22/Getty Images

Impromptu music performances can happen throughout the night.

Jon Batiste attends the 2022 Met Gala celebrating "In America: An Anthology of Fashion" at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2022.Matt Winkelmeyer/MG22/Getty Images

However, the main attraction for celebrities attending the Met Gala is the chance to meet and mingle with the biggest names in Hollywood.

Emily Ratajkowski, Lily James, Gigi Hadid, and Donatella Versace attend the 2022 Met Gala.Kevin Mazur/MG22/Getty Images

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13 photos show what it's really like inside the Met Gala, from crowds of guests to the place settings

The Met Gala, which benefits the Costume Institute, is held annually on the first Monday of May.

The museum completely transforms for the annual event.

Last year, a large spiral-staircase sculpture was erected in the middle of the room to greet celebrity guests.

Entertainment begins the second guests arrive inside the museum.

The Met's grand staircase was completely covered in red roses.

In years past, the grand staircase has been open to guests.

Last year, a large arched floral arrangement welcomed guests into the main seating area.

The event's guest list is meticulously curated by Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour.

The actual seating chart is designed by Vogue contributing editor Eaddy Kiernan — a process that she says takes months to organize.

Guests were also invited to mingle inside the Met's American Wing.

There's usually one headline performer for the night's festivities.

Impromptu music performances can happen throughout the night.

However, the main attraction for celebrities attending the Met Gala is the chance to meet and mingle with the biggest names in Hollywood.