The John Galliano retrospective John Galliano: Horizons, originally set to show at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art, has been confirmed canceled, with Galliano himself confirming the news on August 31. The exhibition was organized by the Costume Institute and planned to open in May 2027 alongside the Met Gala; Galliano would have become one of the few living designers to receive this honor, after Yves Saint Laurent and Rei Kawakubo.
The controversy has long been brewing: in 2011 he was convicted by a French court for anti-Semitic and racist remarks, and LVMH ended its partnership; the exhibition’s announcement reignited the old fire. In his statement, Galliano said that after long reflection and discussion, canceling the exhibition was the “right decision” at this time, that he once again acknowledges the harm caused by his past remarks and takes full responsibility, and that he did not want to put The Met in a difficult position or cause pain to those who were hurt. Museum director Max Hollein confirmed both sides jointly decided to stop the project, with Anna Wintour also expressing support.
John Galliano’s statement:Instagram
FAQ
Q: Will the John Galliano retrospective still take place?
A: It has been confirmed canceled. Galliano himself stated on August 31 that after long reflection and discussion, canceling was the “right decision” at this time.
Q: What is the reason for the cancellation?
A: The official account is that both sides jointly decided after in-depth communication; the controversy over Galliano’s discriminatory remarks from 2011 resurfaced as a focus of public opinion after the exhibition was announced.
Source: The John Galliano Met exhibition was canceled due to controversy
