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Spanning Renaissance masters and contemporary icons, modern visionaries alongside a major Latin American director, art museums and galleries throughout the US are preparing some spectacular shows on the horizon in 2026.

The Pop Art of Roy Lichtenstein

Announced several years ago during 2023, now merely a placeholder listing on The Whitney’s online schedule, this expansive survey of one of the central creators of the Pop Art era comes with significant anticipation. The institution plans to utilize its long-held collection of nearly 500 works by Lichtenstein, in addition to, one would imagine, dozens loans from institutions around the world. Dates to be announced 2026.

Drawn to Venice and Monet and Venice

Bay Area sister institutions, one prestigious venue along with another, will focus on the Floating City through two interconnected shows: the former museum will offer a exploration of the city as an engine of high art throughout the centuries, while the other zooms in 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 – yet he ultimately met the challenge, creating some 37 paintings, among them the masterpiece *The Grand Canal*. 6 January-2 August and 21 March-26 July.

Sueño Perro: a film installation by Alejandro G Iñárritu

Marking the quarter-century of his massive debut film, *Amores Perros*, filmmaker Alejandro G Iñárritu returns to over a million feet of film that never made it into the released movie, crafting an art installation that doubles as a homage to film. Reportedly Iñárritu delved into the archives to create what he described as “not a tribute, but a resurrection” of one of his most beloved films. It's possible the exhibit will instil a sense of optimism that pervades Iñárritu’s film despite the hardship he simultaneously documents. Late Winter through Summer.

The Sculptural World of Carol Bove

The Guggenheim will give the mixed media sculpture and installation creator a major career survey, beginning with her early works and progressing through to a new collection of works made from scrap metal and industrial materials. Drawing from “the 1960s” and Minimalist art, Bove frequently sources her materials straight from the urban landscape, producing intriguing and unusual constructions that have been displayed in prestigious art spots. Having had major shows at Museum of Modern Art and a Parisian institution, her three decades of creation are ready for a in-depth survey. 5 March–2 August.

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

Anyone familiar with a certain publication *The Body Keeps the Score* may recognize French master Henri Matisse’s papercut *Icarus* – this is actually one of 20 cut-paper works that he combined with text and bound into a volume titled *Jazz* in 1947. In the coming season, Chicago’s Art Institute will display all 20 of Matisse’s cut-paper maquettes – the first such showing since the museum acquired the works in 1948 – plus some 50 of Matisse’s other works. These creations represented a late stage flowering for Matisse. March through early Summer.

Raphael: Master of the Renaissance

The great artist Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino is ranked with Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo as the renowned titans of the Italian Renaissance – yet he has seldom received a major show on American soil. A premier East Coast institution aims to rectify that with this landmark show. Raphael is famous for iconic works like his *Sistine Madonna* and *The School of Athens*. Featuring loans from all across Europe and over 200 works total, this is poised as a major event. 29 March–28 June.

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

NYC’s Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art presents a major, large-scale video installation by Taiwanese-American artist and director Shu Lea Cheang, a prominent voice in digital art. As with much of her work, Cheang in this piece explores the daily struggles of transgender existence. The installation promises to be a highly interactive experience, with visitors invited to interact with the multiple movable screens that show the central film. 2 April–January 2027.

Leilah Babirye

The Institute of Contemporary Art Boston will feature new work from this artist, who was compelled to leave her home country of Uganda after being outed as a lesbian in 2015. Babirye is known for deconstructing discarded objects to make elaborate, queer-themed sculptures. The show highlights new work based on the concept of queer weddings. It extends her ongoing project of using reclaimed materials as a meaningful gesture of defiance. 27 August–18 January 2027.

Taking Back Our Space: Body Language and Power

Expanding upon the foundational research of west German feminist photographer Marianne Wex, who analyzed how genders are socialized to use physical space differently, this exhibition examines how body language shapes unspoken interaction. Wex’s studies spanned art as old as ancient sculptures. In this presentation, Wex’s explorations are displayed and put into conversation with the work of modern diverse artists. Fall 2026 into 2027.

And more …

In February, a Pacific Northwest institution celebrates the haunting silhouette art of an emerging artist. Beginning 5 March, a prominent gallery is featuring the work of up and coming 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 architectural studies. And also in September, the Phoenix Art Museum displays the vibrant work of artist Kim Chong Hak.