The Metropolitan Museum of Art has decided to cancel its upcoming exhibition honoring British designer John Galliano due to widespread criticism within the Jewish community and beyond regarding Galliano’s history of making antisemitic and racist remarks.
The museum announced on Monday that the exhibit, initially scheduled as the spring Costume Institute show for May 2027, will be replaced by a different exhibition to be revealed at a later date.
In a joint statement, Max Hollein, the museum’s director and CEO, stated, “Following thoughtful discussions with John Galliano, we have mutually agreed not to move forward with the exhibition.” Galliano also expressed his regret, acknowledging the pain caused by his past words and apologizing specifically to the Jewish and Asian communities.
Once a prominent figure in the fashion industry for his extravagant designs, Galliano faced repercussions in 2010 and 2011 when his racist and antisemitic comments came to light, leading to his dismissal as the creative director of Christian Dior and a subsequent conviction in France.
After being dropped by Dior, Galliano worked on rebuilding his reputation over the years. He made a comeback in 2014 by joining Maison Margiela, where he remained for a decade.
Initially set to be the third living designer to have a solo exhibit at the Met’s Costume Institute, Galliano’s show has now been called off. The Met Gala, which marks the beginning of the spring season and is a significant event in the fashion world overseen by Anna Wintour, the global editorial director of Vogue, was expected to coincide with the exhibit.
Despite engaging in discussions with leaders from the Jewish community prior to the announcement of the exhibit, the museum faced mounting criticism. New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin, a vocal opponent of the exhibition, commended the decision to cancel, citing concerns about rising antisemitism and the harm it could cause to the Jewish community.