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Spanning old masters to pop artists, modern visionaries and even a renowned Mexican film-maker, galleries and institutions across the US are preparing a series of dazzling exhibitions on the horizon for 2026.

Roy Lichtenstein

First revealed several years ago in 2023, and currently just a mostly empty page on The Whitney’s online schedule, this expansive survey of one of the pioneering figures of the Pop Art era carries significant anticipation. The institution will be drawing on its decades-old collection of close to 500 works by Lichtenstein, in addition to, presumably, numerous loans from collections around the world. TBD 2026.

Drawn to Venice and Monet and Venice

Bay Area sister institutions, the Legion of Honor along with another, will focus on the Floating City with two interconnected shows: one location presents a celebration of the city as a source of artistic inspiration throughout the centuries, while the other zooms in on what impressionist Claude Monet made of the enchanting city of canals. Monet himself felt intimidated by the challenge of painting Venice – a subject that had inspired the world’s most esteemed artists for hundreds of years – yet he ultimately met the challenge, producing approximately 37 paintings, among them the masterpiece *The Grand Canal*. 6 January-2 August and Spring into Summer.

Alejandro G Iñárritu's *Sueño Perro*: A Cinematic Resurrection

Marking the 25th anniversary of his massive debut film, *Amores Perros*, director Alejandro G Iñárritu returns to more than a million feet of film that was left out into the final cut, crafting an immersive experience that doubles as a love letter to film. Accounts suggest the director dug deep into the archives to create what he described as “a rebirth, not merely a tribute” of a cherished films. It's possible the exhibit will evoke a sense of optimism that pervades Iñárritu’s film in spite of the pain he simultaneously documents. Late Winter through Summer.

Carol Bove

The Guggenheim will give the multidisciplinary sculpture and installation artist a comprehensive retrospective, beginning with her early works and moving through to a fresh collection of pieces made from scrap metal and steel tubing. Inspired by “the 60s” and Minimalist art, Bove frequently sources her components straight from the urban landscape, creating intriguing and unusual sculptures that have appeared in prestigious art spots. With significant exhibitions at the MoMA and the Palais de Tokyo, Bove’s three decades of work are ready for a in-depth survey. 5 March–2 August.

Henri Matisse's *Jazz*: A Symphony of Cut Paper

Those who know a certain publication *The Body Keeps the Score* may recognize French master Henri Matisse’s papercut *Icarus* – this is in fact one of 20 paper compositions that he combined with text and bound into a volume titled *Jazz* in 1947. In the coming season, a Midwestern museum will display the complete set of Matisse’s cut-paper maquettes – the first such showing since the museum obtained the works in 1948 – as well as some 50 of Matisse’s other works. The cut paper works were part of a prolific final chapter for Matisse. March through early Summer.

Raphael: Master of the Renaissance

The great painter and architect Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino is ranked with Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo as the celebrated titans of the Italian Renaissance – yet he has seldom received a large-scale exhibition on US soil. New York’s Metropolitan Museum seeks to change that with this landmark show. Raphael is well-known for masterpieces like his *Sistine Madonna* and *The School of Athens*. With works from all across Europe and more than 200 works in all, this promises to be a major event. Late March through June.

Shu Lea Cheang's *Lover Love*: An Interactive Vision

NYC’s Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art presents a significant and immersive video installation by Taiwanese-American artist and director Shu Lea Cheang, a major figure in digital art. In keeping with most of her work, Cheang in this piece explores the everyday realities of trans life. The installation is designed as a highly interactive experience, with audience members encouraged to interact with the multiple movable screens that display the core footage. Spring 2026 through early 2027.

Leilah Babirye

A Boston contemporary art center will feature recent creations from this artist, who was forced to flee her home country of Uganda when her identity was revealed as a lesbian in 2015. Babirye is known for deconstructing discarded objects to make intricate, queer-themed assemblages. This exhibition showcases new work based on the concept of same-sex marriage. It extends her ongoing project of using reclaimed materials as a meaningful gesture of defiance. 27 August–18 January 2027.

Taking Back Our Space

Building on the pioneering work of German feminist photographer Marianne Wex, who studied how men and women are conditioned to use physical space differently, this show investigates how non-verbal communication influences unconscious interaction. Wex’s studies included art dating back to ancient sculptures. Here, Wex’s findings are displayed and juxtaposed with the work of contemporary Black, queer, and feminist artists. 20 September–Spring 2027.

Additional Highlights for 2026

In February, the Seattle Art Museum celebrates the evocative shadow-based work of Samantha Yun Wall. Starting 5 March, an art gallery is featuring the work of up and coming artist an innovative creator. During the summer, an Arkansas museum revisits 80s graffiti artist Keith Haring through a show of his three-dimensional works. Come fall, the Detroit Institute of Arts presents a selection of Georgia O’Keefe’s architecture paintings. Simultaneously, an Arizona venue exhibits the vibrant work of South Korean painter Kim Chong Hak.