Metropolitan Museum and designer John Galliano cancel planned Costume Institute exhibition amid backlash

The Metropolitan Museum of Art and British designer John Galliano have canceled a planned exhibition honoring the designer, following widespread backlash over his history of antisemitic statements. Met director Max Hollein announced on Monday (31 August) that the decision was made after "thoughtful discussions" with Galliano. The exhibition, which was first announced on 31 July, had been scheduled to open in early May 2027, coinciding with the Met Gala benefit.

Galliano's work has been part of the museum's collection since 1984, but the cancellation came as a result of his past antisemitic remarks. In 2011, he was convicted of making hateful comments about Jews and Asians to a couple at a restaurant in Paris, and was fired from his position at Dior. He later made amends by attending Jewish religious events and apologizing for his past actions.

Despite the controversy, supporters like Vogue editor Anna Wintour and Met Costume Institute curator Andrew Bolton expressed their support for the exhibition. The cancellation came just hours before planned discussions among museum officials about the exhibition's future. Critics, including New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin, had already raised concerns about the decision.

The exhibition would have been the third solo show of a living fashion designer at the Met, following a period without such honors.