capitol hill tour dress code

How Do I Tour the U.S. Capitol and See Congress in Session?

Learn all you need to know about visiting and touring america’s center of democracy..

UPDATE: The U.S. Capitol Visitor Center is open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. All tours are free and are led by professional tour guides and do not include the Senate and House Galleries. The tour route is subject to change. Note that advance reservations are required for a tour. Visitors enter through the Capitol Visitor Center, located underground on the east side of the Capitol. Please leave time to go through security and review the U.S. Capitol’s prohibited items list before your visit.

The U.S. Capitol Building is one of the most recognizable buildings in the world and the center of American democracy. The world-famous domed building is home to the United States House of Representatives and Senate; where America’s congressmen and congresswomen conduct business, debate laws and pass bills on behalf of the American people. The U.S. Capitol and U.S. Capitol Visitor Center  is also one of DC’s most popular monuments and museums and welcomes millions of visitors each year.

Tour groups in United States Capitol Building Rotunda - Attractions and landmarks in Washington, DC

How do I arrange a tour of the United States Capitol Building?

Plan your visit in advance! A public tour of the U.S. Capitol is free and open to anyone who makes an advanced reservation, although there are some same-day tickets available by standing in line at the U.S. Capitol Visitors Center (note that lines will be long during spring and summer).  We recommend reserving a  reserving a tour date and time .

All tours begin and end at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, open Monday-Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (except Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day and Inauguration Day).  Tours typically take about 90 minutes and are  fully accessible for people with disabilities.

What will I see on a Capitol tour?

Guided tours begin with a 13-minute intro film, followed stops in the Capitol Rotunda, where guides point out the center point of the District of Columbia, as well as demonstrate the unique acoustical effect where a speaker several yards away can be heard more clearly than a speaker close to the listener. The Capitol Dome is encircled by murals, and the fresco on the eye of the ceiling is called The Apotheosis of Washington showing President Washington rising to the heavens in glory with Liberty and Victory/Fame beside him. Below, on the walls of the Rotunda, are large paintings depicting significant events in American history: The Signing of the Declaration of Independence, The Baptism of Pocohontas, The Embarkation of the Pilgrims, The Landing of Columbus and General George Washington Resigning His Commission. Other stops on the 45-minute walking tour include the Crypt, National Statuary Hall and connecting corridors of the U.S. Capitol, where you’ll see statues representing every state.

Can I see Congress in session?

The guided tour doesn't include the Senate and House galleries. However, visitors can obtain free passes through their congressmen to view both chambers when Congress is in session. International visitors can ask about gallery passes at the House and Senate Appointment Desks on the upper level of the Capitol Visitor Center. When Congress is not in session, the galleries are open to the public Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. However, viewing hours are subject to change and are not always the same for the House and Senate galleries. You can check the schedules with your Congressional office when requesting gallery passes. Read more information about  watching Congress in session  and viewing the House and Senate galleries.

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What’s in the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center?

You’ll find a cafeteria and gift shop in the Capitol Visitor Center. The gift shop carries merchandise inspired by the art and architecture of the U.S. Capitol. The restaurant is open Monday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. for continental breakfast and lunch from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you haven’t printed your tour reservation, bring along the number you were assigned. There are free listening devices in multiple languages for international visitors.

How do I get to the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center?

Because there is very little parking, it is best to travel via the  Metro or the DC Circulator. There are three Metro stops within walking distance of the U.S. Capitol: Union Station (Red Line), Capitol South and Federal Center SW (Orange, Silver and Blue lines). The Capitol Visitor Center, which serves as the main public entrance, is located beneath the East Front plaza of the U.S. Capitol at First and East Capitol streets.

Looking for more in the neighborhood? Take advantage of  our guide to Capitol Hill .

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Welcome to Washington, DC, the nation’s capital. You will find an abundance of cultural, educational, and just plain fun attractions and events here. Start your trip planning with the useful resources below.

United States Congress

U.S. Capitol Visitor Center Book a tour, look at a Capitol map and find other useful information. The mission of the Visitor Center at the U.S. Capitol is to provide a welcoming and educational environment for visitors to learn about the unique characteristics of the House and the Senate and the legislative process as well as the history and development of the architecture and art of the U.S. Capitol.

Map of Capitol Grounds The Capitol, House and Senate office buildings.

Map of Accessible Transportation at the Capitol Accessible entrances and transportation servicing the Capitol and surrounding buildings.

Virtual Tour of Capitol Explore the nation's Capitol, including the old and current House chambers.

Library of Congress

Each of “America’s Library buildings”, named for a U.S. President (Adams, Jefferson, and Madison), contains millions of cataloged books and other print materials on 530 miles of shelving is a world-renowned research center for scholars easily accessible to both Congress and the public. Special exhibitions —including a permanent display of the Gutenberg Bible, the first book printed with movable type—make the Library a favorite tourist attraction. First Street and Independence Avenue, SE.

Supreme Court of the United States

“Equal Justice Under Law” is the promise on the portals of the Supreme Court building.Court sessions begin the first Monday in October and continue two weeks per month through April. Courtroom seats are available to visitors on a first-come, first-served basis when the Court is in session. Twenty-minute courtroom lectures are available every hour on the half-hour when the court is not in session. Group tours are available and must be made in advance. First and East Capitol Streets, NE.

United States Botanic Garden

Located at the base of Capitol Hill, the conservatory features more than 20,000 plants, including exotic flowers and fruit species. First Street and Maryland Avenue, SW.

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Tips for Dress Code While Sightseeing Washington, DC

• DC TRAVEL GUIDE

It’s always worth it to take some time in getting to know a place’s history, especially when it is your first time to travel there. It gives more meaning and depth to your travel experience when you visit places like museums and historical parks. That said, one of the best ways to see and get to know a new place as well is through its National Institutions.

Tips for Dress Code Etiquette when Touring National Institutions

So, perhaps, you’ve already decided to book a tour of the National Institutions in Washington D.C. What could be the next necessary thing to prepare now? The answer is simply what you will wear or pack in your luggage when you’re heading there.

The National Institutions in D.C., much like the Capitol or National Archives, do not have a very strict dress code to follow. This is true especially if you are just there as a tourist looking around and visiting the place. Other people might typically expect they are required to wear neat and professional business attire such as suits for men or blazers for women. However, this is not always the case.

The following are some of the things you might want to consider when choosing what to wear to your National Institutions tour. Additionally, to look even more presentable and respectable, there are online resources such as The Better Fit that educate you on how to dress appropriately for your body type.

Is there a dress code for a White House tour?

As mush as we know, there is no dress code to tour the White House, but due to the importance of the building, we recommend you dress neatly.

It’s Okay to Wear Casual

You will still be allowed inside the National Institutions even if you’re not wearing professional business or smart casual attire. Tourists are allowed to go with jeans or khaki shorts and simple shirts, as long as they still look respectable. That said, it will be best to avoid wearing short shorts or tank tops when going to these types of places.

Feel free to pack light and opt to include blouses or tops that may be casual yet still presentable enough. Wear jeans or skirts that are conservative.

Wear Comfortable Walking Shoes

There may be lots of walking when you’re a part of these tours. It is highly recommended that you wear your most comfortable shoes. For some, this could be tennis shoes, sneakers, or flats. Try to avoid heels or anything that will make you uncomfortable while walking around throughout the tour and may cause pain in your feet afterward.

Don’t Use Hats or Caps Inside

During summer, it will be very common for you to see people who wear hats or caps outside these institutions, especially if the sun is shining so brightly outside. However, when going inside the National Institutions, you may be asked to remove your hat or cap when passing by security personnel. This is only for security measures and it is best to follow through with their requests.

When In Doubt, Wear Business Casual

Many of the National Institutions, like the Smithsonian Institution complex , the National Portrait Gallery , and the Natural History Museum are around the same area. This gives you a highly conservative and political vibe.

If you are uncertain about what to wear, your final option could be something business casual. This could be a bit dressier than the normal tourist. Just make sure you have your utmost comfort in all your pieces.

Leave Your Backpacks or Large Bags

Similar to the restriction of not wearing hats or caps inside, your backpacks or large bags will not be allowed to be brought inside while you’re touring around these buildings or institutions. This is because of security measures. That said, you may opt to leave these in your tour bus or vehicle. You could trade your backpack with a small purse or handbag instead.

These are just some of the things to take note of in planning your outfit for your tours in the National Institutions in Washington, D.C. To reiterate, it is not at all required to wear business attire when visiting and touring around in the area. You may still wear your casual jeans and tops but ditch your short shorts, ripped shorts, and tank tops. The main goal is still to look respectable and conservative.

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Capitol Hill 101: What to know and where to go (and how to dress!)

By Alex Griffith

Science plays a vital role in the policy process, and relationships with policymakers are a great way for you to expand the impact of your work! Washington, DC has many norms and customs that can help guide your time there, get you talking to the right people, and (for better or worse) shape how you are perceived by your target audience, be it an agency expert, a congressional staffer, or even a congressperson themself. A vital part of being a strong science communicator is being a prepared communicator, and in order for your science to be heard, understood, and acted upon, there are concrete steps you can take to prepare yourself for a meeting in the capital (or Capitol).

Below is a list of tips and tricks to help you navigate your interactions with federal lawmakers and officials!

What are you walking into?

• Do your research: Some questions to guide your research: who are your congresspeople? What congressional offices are working on your issues? Who is sitting on committees that relate to your area of expertise? What bills are currently being worked on? Organizations like COMPASS can serve as boundary-spanners, and are happy to consult with you and provide background information and point you towards resources that may be helpful. Other tools, like congress.gov , can help you figure out who you might want to talk to as well, or at least orient you in a certain direction.
• Contact your government relations office (if relevant): It’s up to you as to whether you want to reach out as an agent of your institution or as a private citizen or, better yet, constituent, but if you work at an academic institution, your government relations office can be a vital resource. They will have access to offices through preexisting relationships, more resources to help you prepare, and will ideally have specific expertise as to how you should approach your policy engagement. On the flip side, however, they will likely want to review your message and research, and may have their own priorities in terms of how they want the institution to present itself on the Hill.
• Virtual vs. in-person? One upside of the COVID-19 pandemic is that it dramatically expanded the ease of access and willingness of government offices to use platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet to facilitate meetings. If you can offer a virtual option, it may help you get across the finish line of scheduling a meeting!

Preparing for your meeting

• Refine your message, and clarify your ask: we’re COMPASS, so of course we’re going to recommend that you use a Message Box to focus and hone your message ( and we’d love to help you with it! ). Staffers handle a wide portfolio of subjects and topical areas in helping congresspeople prepare legislation, so the more prepared and focused you can be beforehand, the more likely it is your meeting will be constructive. Be prepared, however, to ultimately make an ask —ideally, your conversation should naturally lead to this point.
• Practice! Work on sharing your key points with someone who isn’t an expert in your field, or, better yet, isn’t even a scientist! This will help you prepare for unexpected questions, and is a more likely representation of where your staffer is coming from.
• Prepare a one pager: have succinct printouts, highlighting your key points and statistics, ready to go! A strong one-pager is a vital tool in your toolbox to help staffers understand what you’re saying and may help you stick in their mind in the future.

The day of your meeting

• Review recent press releases: Congressional offices publicize what they’re doing through press releases, so consult them ahead of time to see if there’s been recent movement in your area of expertise, and consider how your message relates to what your office has been most recently working on.
• Dress well: The Hill is well-known for its culture of formal business attire. While suits aren’t necessarily required, they’re the safest bet. However, norms do shift over time, and when Congress isn’t in session, people tend to dress down (relative to formal business wear). This resource from Texas A&M has some strong tips, with an admittedly Texas bent. Rules of thumb: no matter what you’re wearing, be professional, make sure your clothes are clean and ironed, and don’t show your toes.
• Know where you’re going! House and Senate office buildings are mid-century mazes, and congresspeople are scattered across them. Make sure you know, at a minimum, which building(s) you’re going to, and don’t be afraid to print off maps or ask for directions (security guards are helpful in this regard).
• Bring business cards: self-explanatory. Along with a one-pager, this is the surest bet that you may hear back from who you talked to.
• Have a conversation: though you may be the topical expert in the conversation, understand that your audience may have different priorities and goals in the conversation. Ask if they have questions, and be willing to make small talk! You never know where it might take you.

Following up

• It’s an ongoing process: followup may happen quickly, but it might take months. Don’t be afraid to send multiple emails—it’s easy for communication to get lost in the shuffle, and just because someone doesn’t get back to you immediately doesn’t mean they’ve forgotten you or lost interest in what you shared.
• Keep your contacts updated: Make sure that the people you talked to know what you’ve been up to! Send them updates about your research, blog posts, and projects, and even popular articles about your field of study—it reinforces you as an expert who, importantly, is active in their field.
• Structure your communications: it’s a good idea to structure emails in such a way that makes it easy for your audience to quickly parse the key points of your message. Bullet points and overviews before the main body of an email can help your messages further stick in a staffer’s mind.
• Understand your contact’s context: congressional staffers are busy, and may be working on a wide variety of topics whose prioritization is constantly shifting. Be succinct and clear in your communication, and be flexible and understanding of their background and workload!

Working in the policy process is a constant conversation between you and the offices you’ve opted to work with. However, by being prepared and personable, you can be a vital resource for policymakers, and may see your impact in a piece of legislation further down the road. For more tips about the policy engagement process, see this compilation of COMPASS policy tips.

What other questions do you have? What did we miss, and what advice would you give a scientist preparing for their first Hill meeting? We’d love to hear from you!

A Role for Science in a Policy Storyline

Budget Trade-offs—a Zero-Sum Game

Briefing Debrief with 'Shoring Up' Scientists

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Capitol Hill Staffers Explain DC’s Complex Dress Codes

Dressing for a career in politics means stashing an “emergency blazer” at your desk and avoiding dry cleaning at all costs.

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Everyday fashion on Capitol Hill doesn’t look like much from afar. Our attention is inevitably diverted to the most famous and powerful people, and only when their outfit choices are especially bizarre , heavy with meaning , or expensive in an inflammatory way . What we know of everyone else’s style tends to come from the pictures at the top of articles about hearings and State of the Union addresses. What it looks like is indistinguishable suits and blazers in dark colors.

Naturally, things are more complicated than that in a town where optics count for a lot (and in any town, for that matter). People who work on the Hill say that it’s full of its own dress codes and particularities — they just exist in shades of business casual. I spoke to four Hill staffers about how they dress for work, where they shop, and how they do it on a government salary. (Proximity to power doesn’t guarantee a big clothing budget.) They didn’t all have identical experiences, but Republican or Democrat, they did agree on a few major points.

Capitol Hill has its own set of fashion rules, spoken and otherwise

Jen*, a staffer working for a Democratic senator: Every individual senate office is like its own small business. The tone when it comes to vacation policy and office hierarchy and dress code is set by every office independently. I have the benefit of working for someone who is really pragmatic about dressing and would prefer that people are in comfortable shoes as opposed to stylish shoes. I think there are other offices that put more of a premium on presentation, so their dress codes are stricter.

That said, Congress is an institution, and it’s an arcane institution. There are rules about what you can and can’t wear on the senate floor. Men have to be in suit and tie. For women, if you’re wearing a dress, you have to have your shoulders covered. If you’re wearing slacks, you have to wear a jacket. One day I was in slacks and a sweater and I tried to swipe onto the floor and the sergeant at arms said, “You can’t be out there, you don’t have a jacket on.” My boss was with me and was like, “Really?” They were like, “Unfortunately, she can’t accompany you.”

In recess, some offices will say you can only do jeans if the member is out of town for the full week. In some, you can’t wear jeans if you’re a front office staffer. Others say you can wear them if you’re not taking meetings with outside individuals.

Kate, who works for a House Republican: I think the lines are a lot more blurred on the Hill than in a corporate setting, because every office is different, but you’re still in the same building. You might see someone wear something and it’s appropriate for their office, but not yours. That’s where it gets confusing: Everyone has a different standard and yet we’re all in the same Dunkin’ Donuts.

I don’t think people realize that we change what we wear, depending on whether members are in town or not.

Emmanual, a staffer on a House committee: When we’re in session, we’re wearing suits. If you’re like me, you don’t want to wear the same suit every day or the same outfit combinations. I like to change it up: I wear knit ties, regular skinny ties, bow ties, pointed bow ties. Different colors, stripes, prints, all sorts of things. Make it fun! Sometimes I change my shoelace colors according to my outfit. I think I have at least 16 shoelaces.

Heather, a staff member for a House Democrat: When we’re in recess, I wear jeans and a sweater. I sleep in an extra 30 minutes.

Shopping on a Hill staffer’s salary means deal-hunting

Kate: A lot of people don’t realize how little Hill staffers make, so they probably don’t realize what a struggle it is to find clothes that you’re able to wear to work and that are still acceptable. I’m just trying to make rent! I make $65,000, but I know some staff assistants that make $25,000.

I shop at Marshalls , T.J. Maxx , and Nordstrom Rack — I go to the Nordstrom in the mall, and then I go to the Rack and find the same stuff. I would never pay full price for something. On birthdays and Christmas, I try to get as many clothes as I can.

Heather: I typically shop at Marshalls and Nordstrom Rack. I still shop at H&M , but some of their stuff is more expensive and wears out quickly. I’ll only shop at J.Crew Factory and Banana Republic Factory if it’s something that I love and fits me really well. Otherwise, I won’t splurge on it. Anthropologie is where I wish I could shop if I had that kind of money, but I don’t.

I won’t spend more than $80 on one particular item of clothing, unless it’s a coat. For dresses, I won’t go over $70 unless I love it. Tops I like to be $20 to $30. Pants and shirts, $40.

Emmanual: I love me a good J.Crew suit. I think most of my suits are from there. Suit Supply in Georgetown also has good suits that I think are great. I do have a blazer from Banana Republic . You can go to the outlet mall and you can get a nice suit there that’s not too expensive. As long as it fits your body, you can wear a suit that costs not even $300 and it can look like you spent over $1000.

In a place like this, with a lot of powerful people, you want to sprinkle in items that do cost a lot of money. I’ll wear a Burberry scarf with an overcoat; I carry a Tumi bag. If they see items on you that they can recognize and that they know the value of, they then assume that [everything you’re wearing] is expensive, when little do they know you got your suit for under $300 and your shoes were on sale for $50.

Desks are closets, too

Heather: I have an emergency blazer in my desk that I can whip out if I feel I need to, and then an extra pair of flats in my desk. You do so much walking in DC that flats wear out really quickly. I’ll keep Band-Aids and Neosporin in my desk, too, for when I’m breaking in a pair of shoes. I’ll get new flats every four months — I’ll just go to Marshalls and get what’s on sale.

Jen: I’m a big fan of having a lot of jackets that I keep in the office. You never know what day you’ll need to go staff your boss on the senate floor. Jackets that you can put on regardless of whether you’re wearing slacks or a dress or a skirt and a top — I think that’s one of the easiest things to keep on hand. Then I have a black sweater, because these buildings can be terribly temperature controlled.

Dry cleaning should be avoided at all costs (because it’s a big one)

Jen: I definitely splurge on clothes that don’t require dry cleaning because those costs add up. That’s a major hit, especially in the summer months. [DC] is literally just a swamp. You walk outside and you feel like you need to take another shower. I would say I spend $100 to $120 a month on dry cleaning in the summer.

People keep their suits in the office and change into them here so they don’t have to do so much dry cleaning in the summer. Especially in my first year here, I’d walk to work in shorts and a T-shirt and change when I got here.

Emmanual: All of the shirts I get are non-iron shirts. That’s a key to the budget: buying stuff you don’t have to take to the dry cleaners. I take my suits to the dry cleaners once a year. I wash my shirts in cold water and hang them to dry. And you want to steam everything — it keeps everything looking like it went to the dry cleaners.

*Name has been changed.

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How Is the Pandemic Changing Dress Codes on Capitol Hill?

• March 9, 2022

It’s time to reopen the US Capitol to visitors , say a growing number of lawmakers.  Last month, 26 Republicans senators cosponsored a  resolution  to reopen the US Capitol and Senate Office buildings to the public, and Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI) said he’s  supportive of restarting tours  in the Capitol building.   Even external stakeholder are joining the call  – the National Institute for Lobbying and Ethics sent a  letter  to congressional leaders today urging leadership to start a dialogue with them on how to reopen the Capitol to the public without appointments .

But Congress can’t reopen to the American people without staff members to take meetings and give tours.   Like a lot of Americans, congressional staff have spent most of the past two years working remotely while wearing casual, everyday attire.   What does this mean for the dress code once staffers return to in-person work in Washington?

Before the pandemic, congressional staff wore  professional, business attire on days Congress was in session , while casual attire was permitted when Congress was in recess.

Since May 2021,  staff have been gradually returning to in-person work in Congress , although the actual number of people in offices have shifted based on the surges of the pandemic ( for instance, in early January 2022the Office of Attending Physician  urged staff to return to  “maximal telework” due to a surge of the Omicron variant ).  Since then, DC-based staff have been dressing more casually in congressional offices, although some exceptions remain.  For example,  professional attire is still the norm when appearing on the House or Senate floor or in a committee hearing .  Additionally, staff for congressional leadership like Speaker and the Senate Majority Leader also tends to lean professional.

It’s no surprise that most congressional staff reporting to work in-person can get away with more casual attire when they aren’t taking in-person meetings as congressional offices and the Capitol are still effectively closed to visitors.  Therefore,  what does this mean for when the US Capitol Complex reopens to the public?

While the pandemic has shaken up many aspects of office life,  dress codes on Capitol Hill aren’t likely to change significantly , at least for when Congress is in session.  Even though office workers throughout the US have been drifting towards casual clothing more and more in the years leading up to the pandemic,  attire in the halls (and offices) of Congress  have been slow to change .   Even amid the brutally hot summers of DC, congressional staff still make their way to Capitol Hill in suits.  Once visitors return to the Hill, staffers are likely to greet them in the kind of professional attire they would have seen pre-pandemic – albeit with some slightly casual tones.

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Met Gala 2024 highlights: Red carpet looks from Zendaya, Kim Kardashian, Cardi B., Sydney Sweeney and more

Major moments from fashion's biggest night of the year:.

• The theme of this year's Met Gala was "Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion." Celebrities, including Kim Kardashian, Lizzo, Cardi B. and others, donned looks inspired by the "Garden of Time" dress code
• In addition to Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, this year's co-chairs included: Zendaya, Jennifer Lopez, Bad Bunny and Chris Hemsworth. Loewe creative director Jonathan Anderson and TikTok CEO Shou Chew served as honorary chairs.
• The red carpet arrivals began at around 5:30 p.m. ET, and Vogue's live stream of the affair wrapped up around 8:30 p.m. ET.

Zendaya returns with second look

Daysia Tolentino

Zendaya, who co-chaired this year's gala, surprised people with a second look.

She returned to the carpet after the livestreams had wrapped wearing a 1996 Givenchy black gown and a 2007 bouquet-inspired headpiece from Alexander McQueen, according to Harper’s BAZAAR .

What happens after the red carpet?

Isabela Espadas Barros Leal

While the red carpet certainly feels like the Met's main event, the stars are now enjoying the actual festivities, which include dinner and a performance by a yet-to-be-revealed artist.

There's a strict no-phones policy inside, but photos of celebs enjoying the exclusive evening usually emerge by the end of the evening.

No Rihanna sighting on the carpet

Kaetlyn Liddy

Rihanna, who is a Met Gala mainstay, was not spotted on the red carpet throughout the duration of Vogue's livestream.

The singer arrived very late to last year's event. Although she recently teas ed her Met Ga l a l ook in an interview with Extra, some outlets reported that she ended up skipping the event this year.

A spokesperson for the artist did not immediately respond to request for comment.

Camila Cabello is dripped out with a purse made of ice

The singer, who announced her upcoming album today, said her purse was a block of ice that melted into a clutch by the time she reached the Met's stairs.

She said the accessory evoked the idea of "impermanence" and was partially inspired by her new album: "Things are melting, it's hot," she told "Entertainment Tonight."

Sydney Sweeney goes brunette for the Met

"Anyone but You" star and famous blonde Sydney Sweeney took what may be the biggest risk of all tonight: She went brunette.

Sweeney added a splash of color to a sea of neutrals on the red carpet, donning a baby-blue gown and black gloves up to her elbows.

Amanda Seyfried debuts a fresh color

Angela Yang

Amanda Seyfried used the Met Gala red carpet to debut a major hair change. The actor's new silver-blue hair was styled in a bun with a vinelike gemstone headpiece and old Hollywood curls framing her face.

Her silver Prada gown is adorned with glittering pink flowers, and she added another pop of color to her look with bright purple lipstick.

Cardi B clears the Met Gala carpet with her voluminous train

The rapper's black gown from Giambattista Valli consumed the entire bottom part of the carpet as she arrived on the steps.

Broadway takes the Met Gala

The lights of the Great White Way are typically dark on Mondays. Stars of some of Broadway's biggest hits made their way to the Met on their night off.

Jonathan Groff, Eddie Redmayne, Elle Fanning, Jeremy Strong and Sarah Paulson all walked the red carpet tonight.

The red carpet livestreams have come to an end

The red carpet livestreams have shuttered as celebs head inside to enjoy the rest of their night.

Demi Lovato is working on new music

Lovatics, assemble! Demi Lovato revealed that she is working on new music.

"I'm in the studio right now working on new music," Lovato said on the E! carpet. "Hopefully it will be out in the near future."

Elle Fanning is still the perfect Sleeping Beauty

If anyone could embody this year's theme, “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion," it's Sleeping Beauty herself. The actor played the role of Aurora in the 2014 film "Maleficent."

Tonight, she's wearing a custom Balmain dress with icelike birds atop the shoulders.

Lewis Hamilton's Burberry fit pays tribute to Britain's first Black gardener

Lewis Hamilton, one of the top stars in Formula 1 racing , told Vogue that his outfit is inspired by John Ystumllyn, the first Black gardener in Britain.

He also said a quote from a poem by Alex Wharton is embroidered into his coat lining. Hamilton is known for uplifting and highlighting Black artists and designers at the Met Gala.

Sabrina Carpenter is working late — on the red carpet

That's that Sabrina, espresso.

Pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter, whose recent hit "Espresso" has become the unofficial song of the summer, arrived on the red carpet in a gown that features a black strapless bodice and a blue full skirt.

Her rumored boyfriend, Barry Keoghan, was also on the carpet.

"Espresso" became Carpenter's first No. 1 on the global Spotify charts last week, edging out Taylor Swift's "Fortnight (feat. Post Malone)." The former Disney star opened for Swift's Eras Tour on its most recent legs in South American and Asia and was part of this year's Coachella lineup.

Lily Gladstone is sparkling at her first Met Gala

“Killers of the Flower Moon” and "Under the Bridge" star Lily Gladstone, who finished a historic awards run this year, is attending her first Met Gala tonight.

The actor is wearing a bedazzled Gabriela Hearst gown with a matching sheer cape that resemble the night sky. She told The New York Times that her Indigenous roots inspired the gown.

"We say we come from the stars,” she said.

Kylie Jenner goes for classic cream-colored gown

Kylie Jenner opted for an ethereal cream gown at this year's Met Gala after wearing bold colors last year.

Her look was a custom design by Laura Kim and Fernando Garcia of Oscar de la Renta, inspired by garden statues, according to Vogue . Garden statues were mentioned in "The Garden of Time," the J.G. Ballard short story that inspired the official dress code. 

Jenner's sisters Kendall Jenner and Kim Kardashian, as well as their "momager," Kris Jenner, also walked the carpet earlier tonight.

Dua Lipa wears Marc Jacobs set

Dua Lipa paired a black corset with a black netted skirt that featured nature-inspired details.

Da’Vine Joy Randolph praises Zac Posen

Saba Hamedy

Da’Vine Joy Randolph said that she's "very particular" but that when she was working with Zac Posen for her Met Gala dress, she didn't have much feedback.

"You're not afraid of the silhouette, the form, the body," the Oscar winner said while standing beside Posen and being interviewed by Vogue.

"I love women; I love celebrating them," Posen said, describing the dress as a Gap Gown inspired by denim.

Kendall Jenner says she's the 'first human' to wear Givenchy dress

Supermodel Kendall Jenner told Vogue that her Met Gala look this year "feels meant to be."

Jenner said she's the "first human" ever to wear the archival 1999 Givenchy gown by Alexander McQueen, which had previously only been shown on a mannequin.

“I couldn’t do any tailoring, I couldn’t do anything, and it just fit perfectly," she said.

Demi Moore steals the spotlight

Demi Moore is catching the internet’s attention in a flashy black velvet dress by Harris Reed, who is also at the event. The dress is complete with "pink peonies procured from dead stock wallpaper," according to Vogue .

Kim Kardashian stuns in silver

Met Gala veteran Kim Kardashian arrived on the red carpet in a silver corseted gown designed by John Galliano of Maison Margiela.

“It’s all metal, metal waist,” Kardashian told La La Anthony on the red carpet.

Between Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez and Michelle Yeoh, silver appears to be a top color pick for attendees this evening.

Serena Williams goes for gold at Met Gala

Serena Williams wore a  golden Balenciaga  gown and black gloves to the Met Gala.

Williams was styled by Kesha McLeod.

Lana Del Rey looks straight out of a fairy tale

The singer is wearing a brown veil over a crown of branches. She's dressed in Alexander McQueen and is holding a red rose, leaning into the floral themes.

Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo walk carpet together

Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, who co-star in the coming "Wicked" film, reunited on the Met Gala carpet.

Grande wore a Loewe gown made of "actual of mother of pearl," she told Vogue on the carpet livestream. Erivo, who wore a Thom Browne beaded gown, told "Entertainment Tonight" the look was inspired by "running through a garden."

Both stars told Vogue on the carpet that they are excited for fans to see the film, based on the popular musical and book.

Gigi Hadid reveals her favorite song from Taylor Swift's new album

Model Gigi Hadid, a member of Taylor Swift's celeb squad, was asked an important question on the red carpet: What's your favorite song on "The Tortured Poets Department"?

Hadid revealed that the fourth track, "Down Bad," is her favorite from Swift's 11th studio album.

She later told Vogue that she is wearing Thom Browne, saying 70 people worked on the look, which has 2,800,000 beads.

“It was that slow to walk up with because I’m literally wearing a sculpture,” Hadid said.

'Challengers' director loves the response to that 'churro scene'

Director Luca Guadagnino and "Challengers" stars Zendaya, Mike Faist and Josh O'Connor have all made their arrivals.

Guadagnino told Variety that he's been loving fans' reactions to the film, especially the TikTok re-creations of an intimate scene in which O'Connor and Faist share churros.

Charli XCX wears Marni gown made of recycled T-shirts

Charli XCX told Vogue that the T-shirts she's wearing tonight are from the "’50s, ’60s and ’70s."

It's a nod to the exhibition "Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion," which emphasizes sustainability.

Nicholas Galitzine gushes about co-star Anne Hathaway

Actor Nicholas Galitzine has made his Met Gala debut days after the premiere of his latest romantic comedy, “The Idea of You.” Galitzine is wearing a custom Fendi tuxedo with silk embellishments.

He told Vogue that Anne Hathaway, who plays his love interest in the film, is “a bit of a nerd — in the best way.”

“She’s so incredibly well-read and very kind and very open, but I mean, you meet her for a second and those things are to be expected,” he said. “She’s really wonderful.”

Eddie Redmayne ditches the suit

Eddie Redmayne, fresh off a Tony nomination for his turn as the Emcee in the Broadway revival of "Cabaret," matched with his wife, Hannah Bagshawe, on the carpet tonight.

The Oscar-winning actor and his wife both wore black-and-white flowy attire designed by Steve O Smith.

Fans say images of Katy Perry circulating on X look AI generated

Some people online circulated two images of Katy Perry on what appear to be the Met Gala steps, saying that it looked like the photos were AI generated.

The images of the “Teenage Dream” singer show her in attire that appears to match the theme of this year's event.

NBC News has no indication whether they were AI-generated. However, one of the photos of the pop star that circulated appeared on social media on April 18 .

Both images racked up hundreds of thousands of views.

A spokesperson for Perry did not immediately reply to a request for comment. It was unclear if she was on the Gala's guest list.

Greta Lee's dress may keep her from eating

Greta Lee is afraid she might have to forgo dinner tonight. The “Past Lives” star, who has been collaborating with Loewe all year, is wearing a structured white dress draped in flowers that covers nearly half her face.

"How am I gonna eat? What am I gonna do? I don't know," Lee told Variety on the red carpet.

Pro-Palestinian protesters attempt to interrupt Met Gala

Jonathan Dienst

A NYPD spokesperson told NBC News that several arrests are in the process of being made at a pro-Palestinian protest near, but not at, the Met Gala.

Hamas said in a statement earlier today that it has agreed to a cease-fire proposal, but Israel said that the deal was “far from” its requirements and that it would push ahead with a Rafah operation and send a delegation to talks.

Rita Ora's gown is made of centuries-old beads

Singer Rita Ora's colorful dress made quite the impression on the red carpet. She and husband Taika Waititi are both wearing Marni.

Ora told Vogue that the gown's unique material ages "back to the first and second century B.C." The strings of beads cover a sheer bodysuit that shows off her tattoos.

Kris Jenner steps out in white Oscar de la Renta outfit

Kris Jenner and her partner, Corey Gamble, hit the red carpet matching in head-to-toe white.

"It's so fun and exciting to be at this event," Jenner, who is wearing Oscar de la Renta, told Vogue during the livestream. "I love seeing everything they've done ... the beautiful murals and flowers. I love the theme. It's just a wonderful night."

She said people will "get to see the kids in a little while," referring to the rest of the Kardashian-Jenner family.

A round up of Met Gala carpet looks (so far)

Chelsea Stahl Chelsea Stahl is the art director for NBC News Digital

Take a peek at some of the looks featuring this years’ dress code: “The Garden of Time.” It’s giving botanicals!

Lea Michele shows off baby bump in light blue Rodarte

Lea Michele's voluminous blue dress is dotted with light flowers across the neckline.

She is wearing Rodarte. She and her husband, Zandy Reich, announced in March that they are expecting their second child.

Balmain creative director reveals why he used sand for Met Gala looks

Balmain Creative Director Olivier Rousteing is wearing a mold of his face made with sand.

He told Vogue that the use of sand made the Balmain looks "once in a lifetime," paying homage to the "Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion" exhibition.

The exhibition, like the sand-made garments, features clothing that is too fragile to be worn again.

Chris Hemsworth can't move on from a pair of flip-flops

Anna Wintour may have made Chris Hemsworth a Met Gala co-chair, but that doesn't mean she approves of all his fashion choices.

“She made a reference last night at dinner to me wearing flip-flops on one of my first red carpets back in Australia. And the interesting thing was that was me making an effort," Hemsworth told E! on the red carpet.

The "Furiosa" actor is wearing Tom Ford tonight, so he's come a long way.

'Challengers' stars Josh O'Connor and Mike Faist serve on carpet

Josh O’Connor and Mike Faist, who star alongside Zendaya in "Challengers," are both dressed in Loewe.

Their looks have subtle garden-inspired touches: O'Connor is wearing floral shoes, while Faist has a radish-shaped brooch.

Jonathan Anderson, creative director of Loewe and honorary chair of tonight's event, also created the costumes for "Challengers."

Mindy Kaling's dress has a name: 'melting flower of time'

Mindy Kaling arrived to the Met Gala dressed in Gaurav Gupta.

The showrunner and actor said the beige dress, which has many swirls, is called the "melting flower of time."

Tyla is wearing a gown made of real sand

Tyla is dressed in Balmain for tonight's gala.

The South African singer's gown is inspired by the "sands of time," she told Vogue, a nod to the "Garden of Time" theme.

Tyla revealed in a red carpet interview with ET that her dress is made with real sand. She is also holding an hourglass bag.

Ayo Edebiri makes Met Gala debut in Loewe

Ayo Edebiri, wearing a dress that features floral appliques, has become somewhat of a fashion icon over the past year.

It's "The Bear" star's first Met Gala. Many of her fans were eager to see what she'd wear on the carpet.

J.Lo is thriving at her 14th Met Gala

Co-chair Jennifer Lopez, now attending her 14th Met Gala, said she still appreciates the event for the people she gets to meet.

“So many artists come together from different genres, from music, from film, from fashion. You have businessmen here, private equity,” Lopez told Vogue on the red carpet. “There’s all kinds of people here tonight. And so it’s not often that you get that mix of all different kinds of society.”

Lopez added that her custom Schiaparelli gown has 2.5 million bugle beads and took 800 hours to create.

Lots of celebrities are on time

Many of this year's A-list attendees actually showed up on time to show off their looks on the Met Gala steps.

Co-chairs Zendaya, J.Lo, Chris Hemsworth and Bad Bunny arrived before the livestream kicked off.

But other stars, including Matt Damon, Lea Michele, Mindy Kaling, Greta Gerwig and Rebecca Ferguson, arrived on the carpet sooner than expected.

Jessica Serfaty Michel rocks florals

Jessica Serfaty Michel took this year’s theme as literally as possible.

The “Days of Our Lives” star is turning heads on the carpet with her bright red gown embellished with colorful flowers.

Anna Wintour says Met Gala prep takes a 'garden of time'

In a red carpet interview with co-host La La Anthony, Wintour invoked the dress code for the night, saying it takes a "garden of time" to prep for the annual Met Gala.

“I’m just so grateful for the army of people who put this together," Wintour said. "We start planning it over a year in advance. We’re already onto 25 and 26. God is in the details.”

Ben Simmons is right on time

Brooklyn Nets point guard Ben Simmons arrived on the red carpet sporting a clock bag in a subtle interpretation of the theme.

Zendaya debuts Met Gala 2024 look

Zendaya was dressed by Maison Margiela, who also dressed fellow co-chair Bad Bunny. Her gown nods to the themes of the natural world on display during tonight's event.

Zendaya has not attended the Gala in recent years. Her last appearance was at the 2019 event, "Camp: Notes on Fashion."

J.Lo is a vision in silver

Jennifer Lopez stepped out on the red carpet in a sheer silver gown that quickly had the words "best dressed" flying on social media . The superstar is wearing a custom Schiaparelli gown, according to Vogue.

Lopez is one of tonight's four co-chairs alongside Chris Hemsworth, Bad Bunny and Zendaya.

Met Gala is starting soon

Less than 10 minutes until the official red carpet livestream kicks off. Keep following along for updates from the NBC News team.

Anna Wintour embraces floral theme

Vogue's editor-in-chief and overall queen of the Met Gala is wearing a floor-length embroidered floral cape over a white dress, all by Loewe.

Jonathan Anderson, Loewe's creative director, is an honorary chair for this year's event.

Vogue tweeted that the cape was inspired by a piece in the "Sleeping Beauties" exhibition originally designed by Charles Frederick Worth.

Co-chair Bad Bunny arrives in gothic getup

Bad Bunny, one of tonight's co-hosts, was dressed by Maison Margiela for this year's Met Gala.

Some believe the dark florals are an homage to the protagonist in the short story "The Garden of Time," which inspired this year's dress code.

The artist also held a floral bouquet in hand, made of the same material as his jacket. According to Vogue , "The flora inside the bouquet tells a story all its own: there are Flor de Maga, the national flower of Puerto Rico; roses, a symbol of beauty and purity; and the flax plant, which Sleeping Beauty pricked her finger on in the famed fairy tale."

Baby bump watch

Last year,  Serena Williams and Karlie Kloss announced their pregnancies at the Met Gala.

Will another celeb surprise us with a baby bump on the carpet? We're keeping an eye out.

Will celebrities make political statements with their Met Gala looks?

For years, celebrities have taken the opportunity to share political messages through their Met Gala looks.

Some attendees have put direct statements on their garments. For instance, during the 2019 gala, Lena Waithe wore a jacket with embroidered text paying homage to the pioneers of camp: Black queer people.

In 2021, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., wore a white gown with the words “Tax the Rich” on the back, a bold — and controversial — statement at an event known for its wealthy clientele.

Others have taken more subtle approaches. In 2022, actor Riz Ahmed dressed in homage to immigrant workers whose labor built the Gilded Age.

Throughout awards season this year, various artists, actors and other entertainment professionals have been wearing " Artists 4 Ceasefire " pins with their red carpet looks. As a result, some people anticipate some attendees will use their looks to draw attention to the conflict in Gaza .

Blake Lively watch

Elise Wrabetz

Blake Lively fans are eager to see if the star will make her way to this year's Met Gala.

The actor is known for her iconic looks each time she attends the event.

TikToker Reece Feldman sets the tone with floral Thom Browne set

Social media users are praising Reece Feldman's pleated floral skirt-suit, which is accessorized with a dog-shaped bag.

Feldman is a creator known for interviewing celebrities on the red carpet.

LaLa Anthony, Ashley Graham and Gwendoline Christie stun on carpet

Vogue.com's red carpet hosts — LaLa Anthony, Ashley Graham and Gwendoline Christie — have all made it to the carpet in their themed attire.

Graham told Entertainment Tonight that her handmade Ludovic de Saint Sernin dress took "over 500 hours" to make.

Christie wore a a custom creation designed by Maison Margiela’s John Galliano, according to Vogue .

Their live stream kicks off at 6 p.m. ET.

Emma Chamberlain returns as red carpet interviewer

Emma Chamberlain is back and ready to spark more conversation as the internet’s favorite Met Gala interviewer, serving as Vogue’s red carpet correspondent for the fourth year in a row.

From her immediate rapport with stars like Billie Eilish and Gigi Hadid , to her ongoing flirtatious bit with Jack Harlow , the social media personality has built a reputation for creating viral red carpet moments with celebrities at the annual event.

Chamberlain's look for tonight took over 640 hours to make, according to Vogue .

TikTok users will be able to livestream the Met Gala, vote on favorite looks

TikTok, one of the Met Gala sponsors, launched a portal with various tabs for users to check out the red carpet looks, the behind-the-scenes work that goes into the event and information about the exhibition.

TikTok users will be able to watch a livestream of the red carpet on Vogue's profile. The app launched a polling feature that will allow users to vote on their favorite Met Gala looks this year.

Marc Jacobs teases who the brand is dressing

The Marc Jacobs social media account is bringing its playfulness to Instagram ahead of the Met Gala.

The brand asked its followers to guess who it will be dressing tonight. The post has four silhouettes and numerous guesses in the comments.

Last year, the brand dressed pop stars Anitta and Kim Petras and reality TV legends Paris Hilton and Kendall Jenner.

Model Eugenio Casnighi claims he was fired from Met Gala after going viral last year

Eugenio Casnighi, a model and greeter who went viral during the 2023 Met Gala, claimed in a TikTok video that he was fired ahead of the 2024 event. Last year, Casnighi was spotted in images behind Kylie Jenner throughout the evening. He said he was hired as a model and greeter in 2022 and 2023.

"It’s Friday and the Met Gala is on Monday and they let me know today that they cut me off, they fired me because I went viral last year," Casnighi said in the video. "So basically they said, 'You made it about yourself so we can't have you work there anymore.'"

A spokesperson for The Met did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

In a statement to NBC News, Casnighi said, “I am a little sad I won’t see in person all the looks and the celebrities, but maybe there will be some surprises about me tonight, who knows! All the best to the foundation and the people working and attending there."

The Met Gala carpet fits the theme

This year’s Met Gala red carpet isn’t actually red.

Early photos from the Metropolitan Museum of Art show a cream carpet, bordered by greenery and wall murals that reflect this year’s dress code, “The Garden of Time.”

What are the rules for Met Gala attendees?

Even VIPs have to follow rules sometimes.

Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour told “ TOD AY” that cellphones are not allowed at the Met Gala — and neither are garlic, onion or chives.

Attendees must also abide by a seating chart, which Vogue staffers created .

What does the Met Gala raise money for?

The glamorous fundraising gala raises millions every year for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute, which houses the world’s most comprehensive costume collection.

Proceeds from the Met Gala, which is charging $75,000 per ticket this year, make up the institute’s main source of funding as it exhibits, conserves and studies more than 33,000 objects spanning global fashion history.

Doja Cat and Jared Leto dressed as cats at Met Gala 2023

Celebrities always showcase their most bold looks at the Met Gala. And their definition of bold always seems to vary.

Take last year , for example, when not one , but two people wore cat costumes on the carpet. Jared Leto and Doja Cat both showed up in feline-inspired attire. wserved as a nod to the gala's celebration of the late designer Karl Lagerfeld , whose cat Choupette was basically a celebrity, also.

Only time will tell if there will be any animal-themed attire this year.

Condé Nast union strikes deal ahead of Met Gala

Magazine giant Condé Nast, which owns Vogue, reached an eleventh-hour deal with its union , averting a strike on a pivotal night for the media company.

The union, which represents over 500 employees at Vogue, Vanity Fair and other publications, pledged to do “whatever it takes” ahead of the Gala to make its demands heard.

The agreement includes a $61,500 starting salary floor, $3.3 million in total wage increases and eight weeks of severance for employees affected by layoffs. 

TikTok CEO Shou Chew is expected to be at the Met Gala

This year’s Met Gala is sponsored in part by TikTok, with CEO Shou Chew serving as an honorary chair.

Chew is slated to wear something from Ralph Lauren, according to The New York Times. His presence at fashion's biggest night of the year comes at a precarious moment for the company, which faces a potential ban from the U.S. government. President Joe Biden signed a bill last month that presented ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese-owned parent company, with an ultimatum: sell to an approved buyer or be banned in the U.S. 

Met Gala? More like meme gala

Some extreme costumes and styles rocked by celebrities at the Met Gala can stir an internet frenzy, making the Met Gala a very meme-able event.

Kim Kardashian’s head-to-toe black Balenciaga attire in 2021 provided meme  fodder for many. In 2015, Rihanna’s gold Guo Pei gown, which featured a fur-lined cape with a 16-foot train, also generated commentary online. And of course, last year, when both Jared Leto and Doja Cat showed up dressed as cats, the internet couldn't resist making memes.

The Met has leaned into its virality in the past. Saint Hoax, an  influencer  with more than 3.4 million followers on Instagram, made  memes  live from the event’s red carpet in 2021 using hashtags like #MemetheMet.

Rihanna teases her ‘simple’ look

Rihanna, perpetual queen of the Met Gala, recently shared that she was going to focus on her hair and makeup this year. 

Speaking to Extra , the singer-turned-entrepreneur said she is “keeping it real simple” compared to looks she has donned in the past. 

Some fan favorites from previous Met Galas have included a papal-inspired bejeweled set for the 2018 “Heavenly Bodies” theme, and a show-stopping yellow gown with a massive train for the 2015 “China: Through the Looking Glass” event. 

Met Gala 2024 Photos: Onlookers reach for the carpet

Some fans are already gathering outside the Metropolitan Museum of Art in hopes of catching a glimpse of celebrities when they start walking the carpet later this afternoon.

When was the first Met Gala?

Before it became the most glamorous and star-studded night in fashion, the Met Gala started off as a fundraising benefit attended primarily by New York City socialites, according to the Met Museum's website .

The first gala, which cost $50 per ticket, was held in December 1948 to raise money for the Met Costume Institute. It was a midnight dinner at the Waldorf Astoria hotel in Manhattan.

It wasn’t until decades later that the Met Gala began to resemble the iconic cultural event it is today.

Zendaya's highly anticipated Met Gala return

Zendaya, who is a co-chair of the Met Gala, is returning to the event for the first time since 2019. Notably, her last Met Gala look five years ago was a Cinderella-inspired gown that changed color with the wave of a wand.

The actress is having quite the year, with her "Challengers" and "Dune: Part Two" press tour looks turning her into even more of a red carpet force of nature.

Zendaya’s longtime stylist, Law Roach, will be styling her once again for tonight's affair.

The Mark Hotel and The Carlyle: Where celebrities get ready

New York City has no shortage of hotels, but The Carlyle or The Mark Hotel are usually the go-to spots for celebrities as they get ready for the Met Gala.

Both hotels are conveniently located on the Upper East Side, within a few blocks of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The Mark is home to the largest penthouse suite in the U.S. and the unofficial "pre-red carpet," where fans and photographers gather to catch the first glimpses of stars like Kim Kardashian, Gigi Hadid and Anna Wintour on their way to the Met Gala.

"Timing is essential on the day," The Mark's General Manger Etienne Haro said in an interview with PEOPLE . "A celebrity’s journey is monitored so that our transportation coordinators can get the right car in front of the hotel at the right time and ensure the process is flawless."

Who is going to the Met Gala?

With just a few hours until the carpet, it's officially celeb watch time.

Actresses Lily Gladstone of “Killers of the Flower Moon” and Ayo Edebiri of “The Bear” are rumored to be on the invite list for the first time, according to to Page Six . Lauren Sánchez, the fiancée of Jeff Bezos, is also rumored to make her Met Gala debut.

Kendall Jenner is reportedly attending (though there's been no confirmation from any of the Kardashian-Jenner family members). And K-pop fans are speculating on whether members of the popular boy band Stray Kids will make an appearance, after some members hinted at preparations on social media.

Zendaya and Jennifer Lopez are among Met Gala co-chairs

Bad Bunny, Chris Hemsworth, Jennifer Lopez and Zendaya co-chair alongside Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour. 

TikTok CEO Shou Chew and Loewe creative director Jonathan Anderson are honorary co-chairs. 

Kim Kardashian's Met Gala 2022 look sparked controversy

Kim Kardashian caused an internet frenzy two years ago when she wore Marilyn Monroe’s infamous “Happy Birthday, Mr. President” gown to the 2022 Met Gala.

Originally worn by Monroe to President John F. Kennedy’s birthday fundraiser in 1962, the gown was valued at more than $10 million when Kardashian borrowed it from Ripley’s Believe It or Not! museum. But her choice to wear the historical garment stirred viral backlash when a Monroe historian shared photos online comparing the gown’s condition prior to and after the Gala, causing many online to accuse her of damaging the gown.

In 2021, Kardashian’s head-to-toe black Balenciaga also proved to be  meme  fodder.

We're keeping an eye out for the entrepreneur and reality star queen on tonight's carpet.

How much does a Met Gala ticket cost?

Celebrities like Zendaya and Rihanna are not paying their way to the Met Gala. Instead, they are invited by high-profile brands who purchase entire tables at the event. These tables go for upward of $350,000, according to The New York Times . 

For the rich but not famous, individual tickets can be purchased for $75,000, but final approval of the guest list and the seating chart must go through Wintour.

Met Gala 2024: This year’s theme, explained

The theme of this year’s Met Gala is “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion," which is also the title of the Costume Institute’s new exhibition. The exhibition celebrates and finds unique ways to display clothing that has been deemed too fragile to be worn again — hence “sleeping beauties.” 

The dress code is “The Garden of Time,” in reference to the beauty of nature and garments. The dress code is derived from a 1962 short story of the same name, written by J.G. Ballard.  Vogue has suggested  the dress code might evoke many floral and botanical looks on this year’s carpet.

Wintour told TODAY that "the idea of ‘Sleeping Beauties’ is taking these masterpieces from different periods."

"And because so many of them are very fragile, and have to be laid flat, they can’t even be displayed on a mannequin or in any other way," she said. "They are laid flat, behind glass wall and around them are the inspirations that are muses, as (curator Andrew Bolton) calls them."

Will Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce be at the Met Gala?

Taylor Swift, who will embark on the European leg of her Eras Tour on Thursday, is not expected to attend this year’s Met Gala. Swift and her boyfriend, Travis Kelce, declined their invitations, according to TMZ . 

Swift last attended in 2016, when she sported a bleach-blonde hairstyle that would go down in infamy as “Bleachella.”

Kelce, who recently signed a two-year contract extension with the Kansas City Chiefs, has never attended the Gala. He was spotted at the Kentucky Derby over the weekend.

Anna Wintour shares how Met Gala 2024 broke her 'cardinal rule'

Anna Wintour, global editorial director of Vogue and queen of the Met Gala, sat down with TODAY’s Jenna Bush Hager to talk all things 2024 Met Gala.

"This exhibition broke my cardinal rule," she said, sharing that she fears she "unleashed a lot of confusion" about the theme (Sleeping Beauties) and gala dress code (Garden of Time). “We came up with the title ‘Sleeping Beauties.’ It’s wonderful, it’s poetic, its romantic, but actually it could be many, many things."

Wintour said she predicts people will be wearing a lot of flowers on the red carpet. Watch the full interview below.

When does Met Gala coverage start?

The red carpet arrivals typically begin around 5 p.m. ET and end around 8 p.m. ET. Most red carpet livestreams, including Vogue’s , will begin at 6 p.m.

But some of the most well-known guests tend to show up on the later side: Last year, Rihanna made her red carpet appearance at about 10 p.m.

How to stream the Met Gala

As usual, Vogue will livestream the red carpet arrivals on its website.

Content creator Emma Chamberlain is slated to return as the magazine’s special correspondent. Actor Gwendoline Christie, producer and actor La La Anthony and model Ashley Graham are serving as carpet hosts for the publication’s official stream. 

The event will also be broadcast on “Live From E!” on the E! network. Social media platforms like X, TikTok and Instagram are typically bastions of memes, hot takes and outfit reviews on Met Monday.

Daysia Tolentino is a culture and trends reporter for NBC News.

Angela Yang is a culture and trends reporter for NBC News.

Isabela Espadas Barros Leal is an associate editor for NBC News' diversity verticals based in New York. 

is culture and trends editor for NBC News Digital.