The Costume Institute at The Metropolitan Museum of Art will debut 25 new mannequins for its 2026 Met Gala exhibition, "Costume Art." The mannequins are modeled on a diverse range of real body types, including individuals with disabilities, and are intended to challenge the fashion industry's historical reliance on standardized, thin display figures.
The initiative represents a significant institutional shift towards body positivity and inclusivity in museum display practices. By incorporating mannequins based on real people like disability activist Sinéad Burke and athlete Aimee Mullins, the exhibition aims to foster broader conversations about embodiment, fashion, and art, and the mannequins will enter the museum's permanent collection for future use.