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Spanning Renaissance masters and contemporary icons, contemporary greats and even a renowned Latin American director, galleries and galleries throughout the United States have some dazzling exhibitions on the horizon for 2026.

The Pop Art of Roy Lichtenstein

First revealed all the way back during 2023, now merely a placeholder listing at a major museum's website, this expansive survey of one of the central creators of the pop art movement carries significant anticipation. The museum will be drawing on its decades-old holdings of close to 500 pieces from Lichtenstein, as well as, presumably, dozens borrowed works from collections globally. Dates to be announced 2026.

Drawn to Venice and Monet and Venice

Bay Area partner museums, the Legion of Honor and another, will focus on Venice through two interconnected exhibitions: the former museum presents a celebration of the city as a source of artistic inspiration throughout the centuries, and the latter will focus on what the Impressionist Claude Monet made of the enchanting city of canals. The artist felt intimidated by the prospect of painting Venice – a subject that had captivated the world’s most esteemed artists for hundreds of years – but he eventually rose to the task, producing some 37 paintings, among them the renowned work *The Grand Canal*. 6 January-2 August and 21 March-26 July.

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

Marking the 25th anniversary of his groundbreaking debut film, *Amores Perros*, director Alejandro G Iñárritu returns to over a million feet of film that never made it of the final cut, creating an art installation that also serves as a love letter to celluloid. Accounts suggest the director delved into the vaults to create what he called “not a tribute, but a resurrection” of one of his most beloved films. Perhaps the exhibit will instil some of the hope that runs through Iñárritu’s film in spite of the pain he also chronicles. 22 February-26 July.

The Sculptural World of Carol Bove

A major New York museum is dedicating the multidisciplinary sculpture and installation creator a major career survey, starting with her early works and moving through to a fresh series of pieces made from found metal and industrial materials. Drawing from “the 1960s” and minimalism, Bove frequently sources her components straight from the city environment, producing fascinating and strange constructions that have appeared in prestigious art spots. With significant exhibitions at the MoMA and a Parisian institution, Bove’s thirty years of creation are ripe for a in-depth overview. 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 cut-out *Icarus* – this is in fact one of 20 paper compositions that he paired with text and bound into a book titled *Jazz* in 1947. In the coming season, Chicago’s Art Institute exhibits all 20 of Matisse’s preparatory models – an unprecedented exhibition since the museum acquired the works in 1948 – plus around 50 additional pieces by the artist. These creations were part of a late stage flowering for Matisse. March through early Summer.

Raphael: Sublime Poetry

The great artist Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino is ranked with Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo as the renowned titans of the Italian Renaissance – but he has rarely been honored with a large-scale exhibition on American soil. A premier East Coast institution seeks to change that with this landmark show. Raphael is well-known for iconic works like his *Sistine Madonna* and *The School of Athens*. With works from all across Europe and over 200 works in all, this is poised as a major event. Late March through June.

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

A New York Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art will host a major, large-scale film-based work by transmedia artist and director Shu Lea Cheang, a prominent voice in new media art. In keeping with much of her work, Cheang here investigates the everyday realities of transgender existence. Lover Love promises to be a very engaging experience, with visitors encouraged to interact with the multiple movable screens that show the core footage. Spring 2026 through early 2027.

Leilah Babirye

A Boston contemporary art center showcases recent creations from this artist, who was forced to flee her native Uganda when her identity was revealed as a lesbian in 2015. Babirye is known for transforming unconventional materials to make intricate, queer-themed sculptures. This exhibition showcases recent pieces based on the theme of queer weddings. This continues her longstanding practice of employing reclaimed materials as a meaningful gesture of defiance. 27 August–18 January 2027.

Taking Back Our Space: Body Language and Power

Expanding upon the pioneering work of German feminist photographer Marianne Wex, who studied how men and women are conditioned to inhabit space differently, this show examines how non-verbal communication influences unconscious interaction. Wex’s studies included art as old as ancient sculptures. In this presentation, Wex’s findings are displayed and juxtaposed with the work of contemporary diverse artists. Fall 2026 into 2027.

Additional Highlights for 2026

In February, a Pacific Northwest institution showcases the evocative silhouette art of an emerging artist. Beginning 5 March, a prominent gallery is featuring the work of rising Black artist Kwamé Azure Gomez. During the summer, the Crystal Bridges Museum revisits iconic pop artist Keith Haring with 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 displays the vibrant work of South Korean painter Kim Chong Hak.