The speed with which stories develop in the age of COVID-19 is fearfully quick, with no nation or institution absolved from the major operational disruption the virus brings. As New York became the latest major world hub to batten down the hatches this week, it came as little surprise when the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the arguable jewel in the city’s cultural crown, announced that it would temporarily be closing its doors to the public.
Provisionally slated to re-open on April 4, hopes were held high that the following month’s Met Gala would go ahead undisturbed. Until now, that is. “Due to the unavoidable and responsible decision by the Metropolitan Museum to close its doors, About Time, and the opening night gala, will not take place on the date scheduled,” read a statement from the event’s chairwoman, Anna Wintour. It also casts doubt over when the Costume Institute’s annual exhibition will open at all.
The decision follows a statewide ban on gatherings above 500 by New York governor Andrew Cuomo, as well as advice from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s that gatherings of more than 50 people should be avoided for at least the next eight weeks. Though the theme of this year’s gala and exhibition may have been About Time, it’ll just have to wait.