​ Since it started in 1948, the Met Gala has delivered boundary-pushing fashion modeled by celebrities and cultural icons, from rock stars to activists. The star-studded event generates millions of dollars for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute.

“Fashion’s biggest night” is hosted annually on the first Monday in May. It began as a fundraiser for the newly-founded institute, with tickets at only $50.

Instead of modeling looks on the museum’s famous steps and partying in the Temple of Dendur as they do today, attendees were hosted at famous New York City venues including the Waldorf Astoria and Central Park for the first 20 years of the event.