The Metropolitan Museum of Art has decided to cancel its upcoming exhibition honoring British designer John Galliano following widespread criticism from the Jewish community and beyond due to Galliano’s history of making antisemitic and racist remarks. The exhibit, originally slated for the May 2027 spring Costume Institute show that kicks off the annual Met Gala, will be replaced by a different show, with details to be revealed later.
Max Hollein, the museum’s director and CEO, stated that after engaging in thoughtful discussions with John Galliano, they mutually agreed to halt the exhibition. Galliano, in collaboration with The Met, expressed regret, acknowledging the pain caused by his past words, particularly towards the Jewish and Asian communities.
Galliano, renowned for his extravagant designs, faced a downfall in his career after facing backlash for racist and antisemitic comments made in 2010 and 2011, leading to his dismissal as the creative director of Christian Dior. Following his conviction in an antisemitism trial in France, Galliano embarked on a journey of rehabilitation and eventually made a comeback in 2014 with Maison Margiela.
Originally set to be the third living designer to have a solo exhibition at the Met’s Costume Institute, Galliano’s show was a significant event tied to the prestigious Met Gala overseen by influential figure Anna Wintour, Vogue’s global editorial director and a longtime supporter of Galliano.
Despite prior consultations with Jewish community leaders, the museum faced heightened criticism upon announcing the exhibition. New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin, a vocal opponent of the exhibit, lauded the museum’s decision to cancel, emphasizing the inappropriateness of honoring Galliano amidst rising concerns of antisemitism.
