NEW YORK — The Metropolitan Museum of Art has canceled a planned exhibition dedicated to fashion designer John Galliano following intense criticism over his history of antisemitic and racist remarks.
The exhibition, titled “John Galliano: Horizons,” had been scheduled as the Costume Institute’s spring showcase and was expected to open around the time of the annual Met Gala in May 2027. The museum said Monday that it and Galliano had jointly agreed not to move forward with the project.
Met Director and CEO Max Hollein said the decision followed discussions with the designer and others involved with the exhibition.
Galliano also acknowledged the controversy surrounding his past, saying he remained responsible for the hurt caused by his previous comments and expressing particular remorse toward Jewish and Asian communities.
Galliano’s controversial past
Galliano was once among the most influential figures in international fashion, serving as creative director of Christian Dior and becoming known for elaborate, theatrical collections.
His career suffered a major setback after videos surfaced in 2010 and 2011 showing him making antisemitic and racist remarks. The comments sparked widespread condemnation and ultimately contributed to his dismissal from Dior.
Galliano was later convicted in France in connection with antisemitic remarks. He subsequently spent several years attempting to rebuild his career and public reputation.
In 2014, he returned to a major creative role after being appointed by Paris-based fashion house Maison Margiela, where he continued working for roughly a decade.
Planned Met exhibition draws criticism
The proposed exhibition was intended to examine Galliano’s influential body of work while also addressing the controversies surrounding his career. The museum had consulted members of the Jewish community before announcing the project, but the effort did not prevent a strong public response.
Critics argued that giving Galliano a solo exhibition at the Met, particularly one associated with the highly prominent Met Gala, amounted to more than an examination of his fashion legacy. They viewed it as an institutional celebration at a time when antisemitism remains a serious concern.
New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin was among the prominent opponents. Menin, whose mother was a Holocaust survivor, said she had repeatedly raised concerns with museum officials and welcomed the cancellation.
She described the planned exhibition as deeply painful for the Jewish community and said withdrawing it was the appropriate decision.
Anna Wintour backs Galliano’s withdrawal
Anna Wintour, Vogue’s global editorial director and a longtime supporter of Galliano, also endorsed the decision.
Wintour characterized Galliano’s choice to step away from the exhibition as courageous and said she supported both the designer and the museum.
Andrew Bolton, the Costume Institute’s longtime curator, likewise backed the decision, citing the concern and distress the proposed exhibition had generated.
Galliano had been set to become only the third living designer to receive a solo exhibition at the Costume Institute, underscoring the significance of the planned tribute.
Holocaust Remembrance Day adds sensitivity
The controversy was further complicated by the timing of the 2027 Met Gala. The event traditionally takes place on the first Monday of May, which in 2027 coincides with Holocaust Remembrance Day.
The scheduling conflict had fueled speculation that the museum could reconsider the date of the gala, although no such change was announced as part of the exhibition cancellation.
Jewish and anti-discrimination groups welcome decision
Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the Anti-Defamation League, said the decision was appropriate given the current climate surrounding antisemitism.
Greenblatt had previously acknowledged Galliano’s efforts to apologize and rebuild his reputation but questioned whether the timing was suitable for such a prominent institutional honor.
Rabbi David Ingber, senior director for Jewish life at New York’s Bronfman Center at 92NY, also welcomed Galliano’s decision to withdraw.
Ingber distinguished between personal redemption and receiving one of the fashion world’s most prestigious public honors. In his view, acknowledging Galliano’s rehabilitation did not necessarily mean the Met had to devote its marquee fashion exhibition to him.
Met Gala exhibition plans now change
The cancellation means the Costume Institute will need to replace “John Galliano: Horizons” with another exhibition for the spring 2027 season.
The episode highlights the continuing debate over how cultural institutions should address the legacies of artists and designers whose creative achievements coexist with serious misconduct or offensive public statements.
For the Met, the decision also demonstrates the challenges involved in balancing artistic history, public recognition and the concerns of communities affected by an honoree’s past actions.
