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Met Debuts “Costume Art” Exhibit Featuring Interactive Mirrors

5/4/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Metropolitan Museum of Art opened the “Costume Art” exhibition in Condé Nast Galleries, pairing Impressionist, Ancient Greek and Arms-and-Armor artworks with garments and nine mannequins that feature steel ovals reflecting visitors’ faces.
Model Aimee Mullins said the mirrors create self-reflection, noting artist Michaela Stark frames the exhibition as institutionalizing bodies as different.
Black trans model Aariana Rose Philip said the installation signals the Met’s commitment to inclusivity despite clamp-downs.

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Story summary

The Metropolitan Museum of Art opened the “Costume Art” exhibition in Condé Nast Galleries, pairing Impressionist, Ancient Greek and Arms-and-Armor artworks with garments and nine mannequins that feature steel ovals reflecting visitors’ faces.
Model Aimee Mullins said the mirrors create self-reflection, noting artist Michaela Stark frames the exhibition as institutionalizing bodies as different.
Black trans model Aariana Rose Philip said the installation signals the Met’s commitment to inclusivity despite clamp-downs.