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Spanning old masters and pop artists, contemporary greats and even a renowned Latin American director, art museums and institutions across the US are preparing a series of spectacular exhibitions on the horizon for 2026.

The Pop Art of Roy Lichtenstein

Announced several years ago during 2023, and currently just a placeholder listing on The Whitney’s online schedule, this major retrospective of one of the central creators of the Pop Art era carries some pretty heavy expectations. The institution plans to utilize its long-held holdings of close to 500 pieces from Lichtenstein, in addition to, presumably, numerous borrowed works from collections globally. Dates to be announced 2026.

Drawn to Venice and Monet and Venice

Bay Area sister institutions, one prestigious venue and another, will be centering Venice with two linked shows: 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 thought of the enchanting city of canals. Monet himself was daunted by the challenge of depicting Venice – a theme that had captivated the most revered artists for centuries – but he eventually rose to the task, creating approximately 37 canvases, including the renowned work *The Grand Canal*. 6 January-2 August and Spring into Summer.

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

Marking the quarter-century of his groundbreaking debut film, *Amores Perros*, filmmaker Alejandro G Iñárritu revisits more than a million feet of footage that was left out into the final cut, creating an art installation that also serves as a homage to celluloid. Accounts suggest Iñárritu delved into the vaults to create what he called “not a tribute, but a resurrection” of a cherished films. Perhaps the exhibit will evoke a sense of optimism that runs through Iñárritu’s film despite the hardship he also chronicles. 22 February-26 July.

Carol Bove

A major New York museum is dedicating the multidisciplinary sculpture and installation artist a comprehensive retrospective, beginning with her initial pieces and progressing all the way up to a fresh collection of works fashioned from found metal and industrial materials. Inspired by “the 60s” and minimalism, Bove often sources her materials straight from the urban landscape, creating fascinating and strange sculptures that have been displayed in some of the country’s most notable art spots. Having had significant exhibitions in the MoMA and the Palais de Tokyo, Bove’s thirty years of creation are ripe for a in-depth overview. 5 March–2 August.

Matisse’s Jazz: Rhythms in Color

Anyone who know the book *The Body Keeps the Score* will be familiar with French master Henri Matisse’s papercut *Icarus* – this is actually one of 20 cut-paper works that he paired with text and published as a book titled *Jazz* in 1947. This spring, a Midwestern museum will display all 20 of Matisse’s preparatory models – the first such showing since the museum obtained the works in 1948 – plus around 50 additional pieces by the artist. These creations represented a late stage flowering for Matisse. 7 March-1 June.

Raphael: Master of the Renaissance

The great painter and architect Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino is ranked with Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo as the renowned masters of Renaissance Italy – but he has rarely received a large-scale exhibition on US soil. A premier East Coast institution seeks to change that with this landmark show. Raphael is well-known for masterpieces like his *Sistine Madonna* and *The School of Athens*. Featuring works from throughout Europe and more than 200 works total, this is poised as a major event. 29 March–28 June.

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

A New York queer art museum presents a significant and immersive video installation by Taiwanese-American artist and director Shu Lea Cheang, a prominent voice in digital art. In keeping with most of her work, Cheang in this piece investigates the daily struggles of transgender existence. The installation promises to be a very engaging piece, with audience members invited to play around with the multiple movable screens that show the core footage. Spring 2026 through early 2027.

Leilah Babirye

A Boston contemporary art center will feature recent creations from this artist, who was compelled to leave her home country of Uganda when her identity was revealed as a lesbian in 2015. Babirye is known for deconstructing discarded objects to make elaborate, LGBTQ+-themed sculptures. This exhibition showcases recent pieces based on the theme of same-sex marriage. It extends her ongoing project of employing found items as a symbolic act of defiance. 27 August–18 January 2027.

Taking Back Our Space

Expanding upon the foundational research of German feminist photographer Marianne Wex, who analyzed how men and women are socialized to use physical space differently, this show investigates how body language shapes unspoken interaction. Wex’s research included art dating back to ancient sculptures. In this presentation, Wex’s explorations are both exhibited and juxtaposed with the work of modern Black, queer, and feminist artists. Fall 2026 into 2027.

Additional Highlights for 2026

In February, a Pacific Northwest institution celebrates the haunting shadow-based work of Samantha Yun Wall. Starting 5 March, a prominent gallery is featuring the work of rising Black artist an innovative creator. During the summer, an Arkansas museum revisits iconic pop artist Keith Haring with a show of his sculptural works. In September, a Michigan museum presents a selection of the artist's architectural studies. Simultaneously, an Arizona venue displays the colorful work of artist Kim Chong Hak.