The Costume Institute is a department of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, dedicated to the preservation and exhibition of historical and contemporary fashion. It houses a vast collection of over 35,000 costumes and accessories, showcasing the evolution of fashion from the 15th century to the present day. Each year, the Costume Institute hosts the Met Gala, a high-profile fundraising event that benefits the museum. The gala coincides with the opening of a major fashion exhibition, drawing celebrities and fashion enthusiasts who celebrate the art of fashion and its cultural significance.