John Galliano announced on August 31 that his planned exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, titled "John Galliano: Horizons," will not proceed as scheduled in May 2027, coinciding with the Met Gala [1, 2, 3, 4]. The nine-month exhibition would have been only the third solo show at the Met's Costume Institute devoted to a living designer [3].
Galliano said the decision followed "much reflection and discussion with all those involved" and expressed deep sadness that it was best "not to take place at this time" [1]. The Met’s director and CEO Max Hollein confirmed the decision after talks with Galliano, stating, "we have together decided not to proceed with the exhibition" [2, 3].
The cancellation came after significant public backlash due to Galliano’s 2011 conviction by a French court for racist and antisemitic remarks, including hateful slurs targeting Jewish and Asian individuals. These comments led to Galliano’s dismissal as Dior’s creative director [1, 2, 3, 4].
Jewish leaders voiced strong opposition to the exhibition plans, and some donors threatened to withdraw support. New York City council speaker Julie Menin was among political figures criticizing the Met’s decision to honor Galliano [2, 3, 4]. The Met’s board of trustees met on August 31 in response to the controversy [3].
Galliano issued a public apology, saying he remains "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, "meaningful atonement is not achieved through an exhibition, institutional recognition or a single public gesture. It is a continuing responsibility, demonstrated through listening, learning and one's conduct over time" [1].
Anna Wintour, a Met trustee and Met Gala co-chair, praised Galliano’s decision as "very courageous" and expressed her full support for both him and the museum [1, 2]. Galliano has also reportedly maintained 15 years of sobriety and recovery from alcoholism and addiction [1].
The planned exhibition opening was set for May 3, 2027, coinciding with the Met Gala and Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day [1, 3].
