The 2020 Met gala has officially been cancelled this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Following the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s mid-March decision to shutdown and postpone the gala “indefinitely” in the face of the coronavirus pandemic, the Met announced on Tuesday that this year’s event has been called off entirely.
In a statement to Vogue, the Met said fashion’s big night has officially been called off “due to the global health crisis.”
Fashion Director and Chief Fashion Critic at The New York Times, Vanessa Friedman said on twitter: “The Met Gala is officially canceled for this year; though the museum expects to open in aug., “Initially, the days and hours will likely be reduced, and, the Museum will not have tours, talks, concerts, or events through calendar year 2020.”
The Met Gala is one of the biggest event in the entertainment and fashion industry. The theme this year was supposed to be “About Time: Fashion and Duration” to complement the museum’s exhibit on the same topic.
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The exhibit will still open on October 29. However, all talks, tours, concerts and events have been canceled through the end of the year.
Met President Daniel H. Weiss said in the statement that “the Met has endured much in its 150 years and today continues as a beacon of hope for the future. This museum is also a profound reminder of the strength of the human spirit and the power of art to offer comfort, inspiration, and community. 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.”