The Metropolitan Museum of Art and fashion designer John Galliano jointly announced on August 5, 2024, that the 2027 Costume Institute exhibition and Met Gala originally planned to honor Galliano’s four-decade career would no longer proceed as scheduled.
The decision followed widespread criticism of Galliano’s past racist and antisemitic remarks. In a statement shared on social media, Galliano said: “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.” He added that he remained “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.”
The Metropolitan Museum of Art confirmed the cancellation in a separate statement, noting that the re-themed exhibition would not proceed as planned. The museum did not provide additional details about future plans for the 2027 Costume Institute exhibition or Met Gala.
Galliano’s Statement and Acknowledgment
Galliano’s statement emphasized his personal accountability for past remarks, which he described as causing harm to specific communities. He expressed gratitude to the Metropolitan Museum of Art leadership, including Max Hollein (CEO), Andrew Bolton (Costume Institute curator), and Anna Wintour (Vogue global editorial director), for their consideration of his work despite his history.
In his remarks, Galliano referenced the 2011 incident in Paris, where a video surfaced showing him making antisemitic remarks in a bar. Months later, a French court found him guilty of public insults based on origin, religion, race, or ethnicity stemming from two separate incidents. The charges were related to comments made at a Paris bar in 2010.
Background: The Original Announcement and Backlash
On July 31, 2024, the Metropolitan Museum of Art announced that the 2027 Costume Institute exhibition would celebrate Galliano’s work, which includes tenure at Givenchy, Christian Dior, and Maison Margiela. The announcement included plans for the Met Gala, an annual fundraising event typically tied to the exhibition’s theme.
Andrew Bolton, curator of the Costume Institute, stated at the time that the exhibition would explore “how Galliano has remapped the world through fashion and how his conduct, its consequences, and changing cultural values have reshaped our understanding of his work.” The theme was selected by Bolton, with approval from Anna Wintour and Met leadership.
The announcement was met with immediate criticism due to Galliano’s history. Critics argued that honoring a designer with a documented record of offensive remarks conflicted with contemporary values of accountability and inclusivity.
Reactions and Observations
Following the cancellation announcement, Anna Wintour was observed attending the US Open in New York City. She appeared somber during the event, which took place hours after the cancellation was made public. Wintour, a longtime figure in the Met Gala’s organization, has not publicly commented on the cancellation beyond Galliano’s statement.
Galliano’s statement thanked Wintour, Hollein, Bolton, and the entire Met team for their involvement in the project, describing the proposed exhibition as an “extraordinary honor” and expressing deep gratitude for their confidence and scholarship.
What’s Next for the 2027 Met Gala and Costume Institute Exhibition?
The Metropolitan Museum of Art has not announced a replacement theme or date for the 2027 Costume Institute exhibition or Met Gala. The museum stated that the exhibition would not proceed as planned, but did not specify whether a new theme or honoree would be selected.
The cancellation marks the second time in recent years that the Met Gala’s theme has faced significant public scrutiny. Previous exhibitions have honored figures such as Madonna, Rihanna, and Camp: Notes on Fashion, but none have led to cancellations due to controversy.
The decision reflects ongoing debates within cultural institutions about accountability, historical legacy, and the role of art in society.
Key Dates and Events
- July 31, 2024: Metropolitan Museum of Art announces 2027 Costume Institute exhibition honoring John Galliano.
- August 5, 2024: Galliano and The Met jointly announce the cancellation of the exhibition and Met Gala.
- 2011: Galliano fired from Dior after antisemitic remarks video surfaces.
- 2011: French court finds Galliano guilty of public insults based on origin, religion, race, or ethnicity.