Galliano exhibition at Met cancelled after backlash

John Galliano, famed for his opulent designs while at Dior, has cancelled a planned exhibition at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art. The show, titled John Galliano: Horizons, was set to open in May 2027 but the museum withdrew it after backlash from the public and the Jewish community.

Galliano said, "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." His decision came after the museum received criticism because of his 2011 conviction for making antisemitic remarks towards a Jewish curator in Paris, and for racist insults at a South‑Asian friend.

In his statement, Galliano reiterated his remorse: "I remain fully accountable for the pain caused by my words in the past, particularly the hurt I caused to the Jewish and Asian communities, and I remain deeply sorry for it." He added that meaningful atonement requires more than an exhibition, “It is a continuing responsibility, demonstrated through listening, learning and one’s conduct over time.” He also highlighted that he has been sober for 15 years.

The exhibition would have showcased Galliano’s work and provided the theme for the 2027 Met Gala, set to occur on 3 May, the same day as Yom HaShoah, the Holocaust remembrance day. Anna Wintour, the Met Gala’s co‑chair and a trustee of the museum, expressed support for Galliano’s decision, calling it “very courageous and a measure of the man he is.”

The cancellation followed earlier opposition to the exhibition. New York City Council speaker Julie Menin, for instance, praised the museum for not honouring Galliano, citing the rising tide of antisemitism. Jonathan Greenblatt, chief executive of the Anti‑Defamation League, said honouring Galliano would have been "misguided" at a time when antisemitism is at crisis levels.

Galliano remains regarded by some as a seminal fashion designer, having returned to the industry after his conviction and served as creative director at Maison Margiela until 2024. The Met’s decision underscores the importance of context and timing for public recognitions and the responsibility of institutions to address historical injustices. Metropolitan Museum of Art.