Met Gala exhibit on John Galliano canceled

By the Editorial Team · Thursday, September 3, 2026

The Metropolitan Museum of Art has canceled the John Galliano exhibition originally planned for its 2027 spring Costume Institute show due to controversy over the designer's past antisemitic and racist remarks. The museum and Galliano mutually agreed to call off the exhibit after public backlash reignited debate over his previous misconduct, leaving the Met to seek a replacement presentation.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art has decided to cancel its planned exhibit dedicated to British fashion designer John Galliano amid ongoing controversy surrounding his past antisemitic and racist remarks. The show, entitled "John Galliano: Horizons," was scheduled to open alongside the annual Met Gala in May 2027 as the spring Costume Institute exhibition.

Max Hollein, director and CEO of the museum, announced Monday that after careful deliberation and consultations with Galliano, both parties agreed not to move forward with the exhibition. "Following thoughtful discussions with John Galliano, we have together decided not to proceed with the exhibition," Hollein said in a statement.

Galliano also issued a statement expressing regret over the decision and reaffirming his accountability for previous offensive comments. "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," Galliano said. He acknowledged the pain caused by his remarks, particularly toward Jewish and Asian communities, and apologized for the hurt he inflicted.

John Galliano rose to international prominence as the creative director of Christian Dior, a position he held until 2011. His career faced a major setback after a series of antisemitic and racist statements he made between 2010 and 2011 emerged publicly, resulting in widespread condemnation and a criminal conviction for antisemitism in France. Following his dismissal from Dior, Galliano spent several years undergoing both public and private rehabilitation efforts.

In 2014, he returned to the fashion world with a leadership role at the Parisian fashion house Maison Margiela, where he remained for a decade. Despite this professional comeback, the planned exhibition recognizing his work reignited debate over his past misconduct, prompting the museum's decision to withdraw the show.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art has not yet announced the replacement exhibit for its spring 2027 Costume Institute presentation.

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