The Metropolitan Museum of Art has decided not to hold its planned John Galliano exhibit, which was expected to be part of the museum’s 2027 spring fashion program.
The exhibition, titled John Galliano: Horizons, was planned for the Costume Institute and was expected to open next May around the time of the 2027 Met Gala. The museum announced the cancellation Monday after the proposed exhibit received criticism because of Galliano’s past antisemitic remarks.
The decision was made together with Galliano, according to a statement released by The Met.
Why Was the John Galliano Exhibit Canceled?
John Galliano has had a long career in fashion, but his past comments have remained a major source of controversy.
In 2011, Galliano was removed from his position as creative director of Christian Dior following antisemitic remarks. Later that year, a French court found him guilty of antisemitic behavior.
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When The Met announced the planned exhibition in late July, the decision quickly drew criticism because of that history.
The museum and Galliano later agreed that holding the exhibition at this time was not the right choice.
Galliano said he had thought carefully about the decision and understood that an exhibition celebrating his work could be painful for some people.
He also said he takes responsibility for the hurt caused by his words in the past, including the pain experienced by Jewish and Asian communities.
Galliano said that saying sorry is not enough on its own. He explained that making amends is an ongoing responsibility that involves listening, learning and showing change through one’s actions over time.
Galliano Says He Remains Sorry | John Galliano Exhibit
In his statement shared by The Met, Galliano expressed sadness about the cancellation but said he believed it was the best decision for the current situation.
He also said he did not want the controversy around him to put The Met in a difficult position or take attention away from the work of the museum’s Costume Institute.
Galliano has continued to work in fashion since the controversy. After taking time away from the industry, he became the artistic director of Maison Margiela, a position he held for about 10 years before leaving the fashion house in 2024.
Before that, he had also served as the head designer of Givenchy and became widely known for his work in the international fashion industry.
Anna Wintour Supports the Decision
Anna Wintour, Condé Nast’s chief content officer and chair of the Met Gala, also supported the decision to cancel the exhibition.
Wintour said Galliano’s decision not to move forward with the exhibition was courageous. She also said she believed it was the right choice and that both Galliano and The Met had her support.
The Met Gala is one of the most well-known annual fashion events in the United States. Held each spring, it also serves as an important fundraiser for The Met and its Costume Institute.
The annual gala traditionally takes place as the Costume Institute introduces its new exhibition. Because of this, the cancellation of the Galliano exhibit also changes plans for the museum’s 2027 spring fashion season.
What Happens Next?
The Metropolitan Museum of Art said a new spring Costume Institute exhibition will be announced at a later date.
The museum also said more details about the 2027 Met Gala will be shared in the future.
For now, the decision brings an end to plans for the John Galliano: Horizons exhibition. The cancellation also shows how a person’s past actions can continue to affect major cultural and public events, even years later.
For The Met, the focus will now move toward its next Costume Institute exhibition and the future of the 2027 Met Gala.
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