The Metropolitan Museum of Art has decided to cancel its upcoming exhibition dedicated to British designer John Galliano due to significant backlash from the Jewish community and beyond over the designer’s history of making antisemitic and racist remarks.
In an announcement on Monday, the New York museum revealed that the exhibit, originally slated to be the centerpiece of the May 2027 spring Costume Institute show and the annual Met Gala, will no longer proceed. Instead, a different exhibition will be unveiled at a later date.
Max Hollein, the museum’s director and CEO, stated, “After thoughtful discussions with John Galliano, we have mutually agreed to halt the exhibition.” Galliano also expressed his regret, saying, “After careful consideration and dialogues 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 my past words, especially those directed at the Jewish and Asian communities, have caused, and I sincerely apologize for it.”
Galliano, known for his bold designs, previously served as the creative director of Christian Dior but was dismissed from the position following the surfacing of racist and antisemitic comments from 2010 and 2011. Despite his fall from grace, Galliano underwent efforts, both public and private, to rehabilitate his reputation. He later resurfaced in 2014 at Maison Margiela, where he worked for ten years.
The decision to cancel the exhibition comes as a surprise, as Galliano was set to be only the third living designer to have a solo show at the Met’s Costume Institute, a prestigious honor in the fashion world. The Met Gala, which kicks off the spring season and is organized by influential figure Anna Wintour, was anticipated to showcase Galliano’s work.
Before announcing the exhibit, the museum engaged in talks with Jewish community leaders to address potential concerns. However, the discontent surrounding the exhibition only grew, prompting criticism from various quarters. New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin, a vocal opponent of the exhibition, commended The Met’s choice to call off the show, emphasizing the inappropriateness of honoring Galliano amid rising antisemitism concerns.