Met Museum Pulls John Galliano Exhibition After Backlash
The Metropolitan Museum of Art had announced in 2024 that it would host a major exhibition celebrating the work of fashion designer John Galliano, titled John Galliano: Horizons, set to open in May 2027. The show was meant to showcase the designer’s influence on couture and to serve as the theme for that year’s Met Gala.
On Monday, Galliano released a statement saying, After much reflection and discussion with the Met and all those involved, I have decided, with great sadness, that it is best for the exhibition not to take place at this time. He acknowledged his past convictions for making antisemitic remarks towards a Jewish curator in a Paris restaurant and for other racially offending incidents, including a declaration of love for Hitler. Galliano added that a single exhibition could never compensate for the pain caused, and he urged continued learning and responsibility.
The cancellation came amid public criticism from writers and political figures who feared the exhibition would be a painful reminder of antisemitism. New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin said the museum should not “honour John Galliano” and highlighted the need to protect the Jewish community. The Anti-Defamation League’s chief executive, Jonathan Greenblatt, described the move as “misguided” at a time of rising antisemitism.
Anna Wintour, the Met Gala’s co‑chair and a long‑time friend of Galliano, publicly expressed support for the decision: John’s decision that the exhibition devoted to his work should not take place at this time is very courageous and a measure of the man he is. I believe this is the right decision, and both he and the Museum have my full support. Wintour also clarified that the exhibition’s absence “will not distract from the remarkable work” of the Costume Institute.
Galliano’s career has run through notable periods, from his time as Dior’s creative director to a decade leading Maison Margiela. With legal vindication of his protest in the 2011 Dior case, Galliano’s return to fashion earned accolades and invitations, yet the backlash surrounding the 2027 exhibition ultimately forced an early culling of the Met’s planned celebration.
