Met Gala 2027 Theme Scrapped as Met Museum Cancels Galliano Exhibition
New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art has confirmed the cancellation of its planned spring 2027 Costume Institute exhibition, John Galliano: Horizons. The show had been announced in early August 2026 and was set to be unveiled by that year's Met Gala, effectively serving as the 2027 Met Gala's theme. Designer John Galliano posted a statement on Instagram on August 31 saying that, after discussions with those involved, the exhibition should not go forward at this time. According to NME, the cancellation came amid mounting backlash over Galliano's past controversial remarks in the wake of the exhibition announcement.
Details of the cancellation decision
In his statement, Galliano wrote that he remains "fully accountable" for the harm caused by his past remarks, specifically citing harm done to Jewish and Asian communities. He said meaningful atonement isn't achieved through an exhibition, institutional recognition, or a single public gesture, but through ongoing responsibility. He also noted he has maintained 15 years of sobriety and recovery from addiction. Galliano was found guilty of hate crimes by a French court in 2011 over a series of racist and antisemitic remarks.
Met director and CEO Max Hollein said the museum and Galliano, after careful discussion, jointly decided not to move forward with the exhibition. Anna Wintour — Vogue's global editorial director, a museum trustee, and Met Gala co-chair — called the decision "very brave," saying she believed it was the right call and expressing her full support for both the designer and the museum.
Backlash and donor pressure
The New York Times reported on August 28 that opposition escalated rapidly in the days following the exhibition's announcement, with some donors contacting the museum to say they would withdraw their donations if the exhibition proceeded as planned.
According to The Guardian, New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin also wrote to the museum, calling the decision to honor Galliano "a mistake" and asking the museum to reconsider. After the exhibition's cancellation, Menin said on social media that the museum must uphold high standards of inclusivity and that she was glad the museum had addressed the concerns raised. In her statement, she noted she is the daughter of a Holocaust survivor and the first Jewish speaker of the New York City Council.
The museum said details of a new spring Costume Institute exhibition and the 2027 Met Gala will be announced at a later date.