The Metropolitan Museum of Art has decided to cancel its upcoming exhibition that was set to celebrate the work of British designer John Galliano. This decision comes after facing significant criticism from the Jewish community and others due to Galliano’s history of making antisemitic and racist remarks.
In a statement released on Monday, the New York museum announced that the exhibit, initially slated to be the spring Costume Institute show for May 2027 and kick off the annual Met Gala, will no longer proceed. Instead, a different exhibition will be unveiled in its place at a later date.
Max Hollein, the museum’s director and CEO, stated, “Following thoughtful discussions with John Galliano, we have mutually agreed to halt the exhibition.” Galliano also expressed his regret, saying, “After extensive reflection and conversations with The Met and all involved parties, I have decided, with deep sadness, that it is best to cancel the exhibition at this time. I take full responsibility for the pain caused by my past words, especially the harm inflicted on the Jewish and Asian communities, and I am sincerely sorry for it.”
Galliano, known for his bold and extravagant designs, had a prominent role in the fashion industry as the creative director of Christian Dior. However, his career took a hit when his offensive comments from 2010 and 2011 came to light, resulting in his dismissal from Dior and a conviction in an antisemitism trial in France.
Despite facing setbacks, Galliano made efforts to rehabilitate his image and successfully returned to the fashion scene in 2014 by joining Paris fashion house Maison Margiela, where he worked for a decade.
Initially set to be the third living designer to have a solo exhibition at the Met’s Costume Institute, Galliano’s showcase would have marked the beginning of the spring season with the annual Met Gala, a prominent event in the fashion world overseen by Anna Wintour, the global editorial director of Vogue.
Before announcing the exhibition, the museum engaged in discussions with leaders from the Jewish community to address potential concerns. However, the backlash persisted, with NYC Council Speaker Julie Menin being a vocal critic of the planned exhibit. Menin commended The Met’s decision to cancel the show, emphasizing that honoring Galliano amid a rise in antisemitism would have been insensitive and unacceptable.