🔗 Share this article

Spanning Renaissance masters to contemporary icons, contemporary greats and even a renowned Mexican film-maker, art museums and galleries across the US are preparing some spectacular shows coming up in 2026.

The Pop Art of Roy Lichtenstein

First revealed all the way back during 2023, now just a mostly empty page at a major museum's website, this expansive survey of a pioneering figures of the Pop Art era comes with some pretty heavy anticipation. The museum plans to utilize its long-held holdings of nearly 500 pieces from Lichtenstein, as well as, presumably, dozens borrowed works from institutions globally. Dates to be announced 2026.

Venetian Visions: From Old Masters to Monet

Bay Area sister institutions, the Legion of Honor along with another, will focus on the Floating City through two interconnected shows: the former museum presents a exploration of the city as a source of artistic inspiration throughout the centuries, and the latter will focus on what impressionist Claude Monet thought of the romantic city of canals. The artist was daunted by the challenge of depicting Venice – a subject that had captivated the most revered artists for centuries – yet he ultimately rose to the task, producing approximately 37 paintings, among them the renowned work *The Grand Canal*. 6 January-2 August and Spring into Summer.

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

Celebrating the 25th anniversary of his massive first feature, *Amores Perros*, filmmaker Alejandro G Iñárritu returns to more than 1m ft of film that was left out of the released movie, crafting an immersive experience that also serves as a love letter to film. Reportedly the director dug deep into the vaults to create what he called “a rebirth, not merely a tribute” of one of his most beloved films. It's possible the exhibit will evoke some of the hope that pervades Iñárritu’s film despite the hardship he simultaneously documents. 22 February-26 July.

The Sculptural World of Carol Bove

A major New York museum will give the mixed media sculptor artist a major career survey, beginning with her early works and progressing all the way up to a fresh collection of works made from found metal and industrial materials. Drawing from “the 60s” and Minimalist art, Bove often sources her materials directly from the urban landscape, producing intriguing and unusual sculptures that have been displayed in some of the country’s most notable art spots. With significant exhibitions at Museum of Modern Art 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 papercut *Icarus* – this is actually one of 20 paper compositions that he combined with text and published as a volume titled *Jazz* in 1947. In the coming season, a Midwestern museum exhibits the complete set of Matisse’s cut-paper maquettes – the first such showing since the museum obtained the works in 1948 – plus around 50 additional pieces by the artist. The cut paper works represented a late stage flowering for Matisse. March through early Summer.

Raphael: Master of the Renaissance

Italian master painter and architect Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino stood alongside Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo as the renowned titans of Renaissance Italy – yet he has rarely been honored with a large-scale exhibition on American soil. A premier East Coast institution aims to rectify that with this massive exhibition. Raphael is famous for masterpieces like his *Sistine Madonna* and *The School of Athens*. With works from all across Europe and over 200 works total, this is poised as a major event. Late March through June.

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

A New York queer art museum will host a significant and immersive film-based work 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 investigates the daily struggles of trans life. Lover Love promises to be a highly interactive piece, with visitors invited to interact with the four moveable screens that display the core footage. Spring 2026 through early 2027.

Leilah Babirye: Reclamation and Defiance

A Boston contemporary art center will feature new work from this artist, who was compelled to leave her native Uganda after being outed as a lesbian in 2015. Babirye is recognized for deconstructing unconventional materials to make intricate, LGBTQ+-themed sculptures. This exhibition showcases recent pieces based on the theme of same-sex marriage. This continues her ongoing project of using found items as a symbolic act of defiance. Late Summer 2026 into early 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 exhibition investigates how body language influences unspoken interaction. Wex’s research included art dating back to 2000 BC. Here, Wex’s findings are displayed and juxtaposed with the work of contemporary diverse artists. Fall 2026 into 2027.

Additional Highlights for 2026

Early in the year, the Seattle Art Museum celebrates the evocative silhouette art of an emerging artist. Starting 5 March, a prominent gallery is highlighting the work of rising Black artist Kwamé Azure Gomez. During the summer, an Arkansas museum reexamines 80s graffiti artist Keith Haring through a show of his three-dimensional works. In September, a Michigan museum presents a collection of the artist's architectural studies. And also in September, the Phoenix Art Museum displays the vibrant work of artist Kim Chong Hak.