What: The annual blockbuster fashion exhibition by the Metropolitan Museum’s Costume Institute, this time focusing on Catholicism and its enduring influence on fashion.

Why: It’s the Met’s largest exhibition to date, taking up some 58,600 sq ft (that’s nearly double the size of the Institute’s mega, record-breaking 2015 exhibition China: Through The Looking Glass), according to The New York Times. Equally significant, some might say, is the potentially provocative nature of the subject, but – say what you want – there’s no doubt that visitors will be in for one breathtaking visual spectacle. On display: more than 140 archival and contemporary looks from industry icons as diverse as Coco Chanel, Azzedine Alaia and Raf Simons that highlight the connection between fashion and religion – some obvious, some less so (Chanel, for example, was raised by nuns). In addition, 50 sacred artefacts dating as far back as the 18th century and on loan from the Sistine Chapel – most of which have previously never been allowed to leave the Vatican – are showcased separately (out of respect), making this all the more a cultural must-see.

When: May 10-Oct 8

Where: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York