The Metropolitan Museum of Art has decided to cancel an upcoming exhibition honoring British designer John Galliano due to widespread criticism from the Jewish community and others over his history of making antisemitic and racist remarks. The exhibit, originally scheduled for the May 2027 spring Costume Institute show that kicks off the annual Met Gala, will now be replaced by a different exhibition, according to the museum’s announcement on Monday.
Max Hollein, the museum’s director and CEO, stated that after discussions with John Galliano, they mutually agreed not to move forward with the exhibition. Galliano also expressed regret, acknowledging the pain his past words had caused to the Jewish and Asian communities and taking full responsibility for his actions.
Once a prominent figure in the fashion industry as the creative director of Christian Dior, Galliano faced backlash and was dismissed from his role following the emergence of his offensive comments from 2010 and 2011. Despite facing repercussions, he later found opportunities for redemption and eventually resurfaced in the fashion world when he joined Maison Margiela in 2014.
Originally set to be the third living designer to have a solo show at the Met’s Costume Institute, Galliano’s exhibition would have coincided with the iconic Met Gala, an event overseen by influential fashion figure Anna Wintour, who has been a longtime supporter of Galliano.
Ahead of the exhibition announcement, the museum had consulted with Jewish community leaders to address potential concerns, but the decision still faced strong opposition. New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin, a vocal critic of honoring Galliano, commended the museum’s choice to cancel the exhibit, citing the inappropriateness of celebrating a designer with Galliano’s controversial history amidst the current climate of rising antisemitism.