An exhibition that was supposed to kick off the Met Gala next spring has now come to an end more than eight months before its opening. The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York confirmed that the exhibition "John Galliano: Horizons" originally planned to commemorate the designer John Galliano will no longer be held, citing a "mutual decision" by the museum and the designer to suspend the project.
The exhibition was announced earlier this month and is designed to serve as the opening theme for the 2027 Met Gala. But as soon as the news came out, opposition quickly accumulated. Galliano was convicted of a hate crime by a French court in 2011 over a series of racist remarks he made against Jewish and Asian communities.
According to a report by The New York Times last week (August 28), the museum recently received statements from some donors that they would withdraw their donation commitments to the museum if the exhibition goes ahead as originally planned. New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin also wrote to the Met, calling the museum’s decision to commemorate Galliano “a mistake” and asking for reconsideration.
Galliano himself said via Instagram on August 31 issued a statement announcing the suspension of the exhibition: "After careful consideration and discussion with all relevant parties, I have decided with a heavy heart that it is best not to allow this exhibition to take place at this stage." He reiterated in the statement: "I am deeply concerned about the harm caused by my past remarks, especially to the Jewish and Asian communities. I have always taken full responsibility for the pain caused and am deeply sorry." He also mentioned that he understands that "real atonement cannot be accomplished through an exhibition, institutional recognition, or a single public gesture," but "ongoing responsibility, demonstrated in listening, learning, and long-term behavior." The statement also noted that he had been sober and free from alcohol and addiction problems for "15 years."
Met director and CEO Max Hollein confirmed in a separate statement: "After thoughtful discussions with John Galliano, we have mutually decided not to move forward with this exhibition." Anna Wintour, global editorial director of Vogue, who is also a Met trustee and co-chair of the Met Gala, said: "John decided that his solo exhibition should not take place. This is a very courageous decision and shows the kind of person he is. I believe it is the right decision, and he and the museum have my full support."
Menin later posted on the social platform, describing herself as the daughter of a Jewish Holocaust survivor and the first Jewish speaker of the New York City Council: "This decision is personal to me. As a member of the Jewish community, I and everyone feel a strong responsibility to speak out." She also affirmed that the museum "listened to my concerns and made the right decision."
The museum said details about the next spring Costume Institute exhibition and the 2027 Met Gala will be announced at a later date.
