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Spanning old masters and contemporary icons, contemporary greats and even a renowned Latin American director, galleries as well as institutions across the United States are preparing a series of spectacular shows coming up in 2026.

The Pop Art of Roy Lichtenstein

Announced several years ago in 2023, and currently merely a mostly empty page on The Whitney’s online schedule, this expansive survey of a central creators of the pop art movement comes with some pretty heavy expectations. The museum will be drawing on its long-held holdings of close to 500 works by Lichtenstein, as well as, one would imagine, dozens loans from collections globally. Dates to be announced 2026.

Drawn to Venice and Monet and Venice

San Francisco sister institutions, one prestigious venue and deYoung, will focus on the Floating City through two interconnected exhibitions: one location will offer a celebration of the city as a source of high art for hundreds of years, while the other zooms in on what impressionist Claude Monet made of the romantic city of canals. Monet himself was daunted by the challenge of depicting Venice – a theme that had inspired the most revered artists for centuries – but he eventually met the challenge, creating approximately 37 canvases, including the masterpiece *The Grand Canal*. 6 January-2 August and 21 March-26 July.

Sueño Perro: a film installation by Alejandro G Iñárritu

Celebrating the quarter-century of his groundbreaking first feature, *Amores Perros*, director Alejandro G Iñárritu revisits over a million feet of footage that was left out of the final cut, creating an art installation that also serves as a love letter to celluloid. Reportedly the director delved into the archives to create what he described as “a rebirth, not merely a tribute” of one of his most beloved films. Perhaps the installation will instil a sense of optimism that runs through Iñárritu’s film in spite of the pain he also chronicles. Late Winter through Summer.

The Sculptural World of Carol Bove

The Guggenheim is dedicating the mixed media sculptor creator a major career survey, starting with her initial pieces and progressing through to a new collection of pieces fashioned from found metal and industrial materials. Drawing from “the 60s” and minimalism, Bove frequently takes her components directly from the city environment, creating intriguing and unusual sculptures that have been displayed in some of the country’s most notable art spots. With major shows at Museum of Modern Art and the Palais de Tokyo, Bove’s thirty years of work are ready for a in-depth overview. 5 March–2 August.

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

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 paper compositions that he paired with text and bound into a book titled *Jazz* in 1947. This spring, Chicago’s Art Institute will display the complete set of Matisse’s cut-paper maquettes – an unprecedented exhibition after the museum obtained the works in 1948 – as well as some 50 of Matisse’s other works. These creations were part of a prolific final chapter for Matisse. March through early Summer.

Raphael: Sublime Poetry

The great painter and architect Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino stood alongside Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo as the renowned titans of the Italian Renaissance – but he has seldom been honored with a large-scale exhibition on American soil. New York’s Metropolitan Museum seeks to change that with this massive exhibition. Raphael is famous for iconic works like his *Sistine Madonna* and *The School of Athens*. Featuring works from throughout Europe and more than 200 works total, this promises to be a blockbuster show. 29 March–28 June.

Shu Lea Cheang: Lover Love

A New York Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art presents a significant and immersive video installation by transmedia artist and director Shu Lea Cheang, a prominent voice in new media art. As with much of her work, Cheang in this piece explores the daily struggles of trans life. Lover Love promises to be a highly interactive experience, with visitors invited to interact with the four moveable screens that show the core footage. 2 April–January 2027.

Leilah Babirye: Reclamation and Defiance

The Institute of Contemporary Art Boston showcases 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 recognized for deconstructing discarded objects to make elaborate, queer-themed assemblages. The show highlights new work based on the concept of same-sex marriage. This continues her longstanding practice of using reclaimed materials as a meaningful gesture of resistance. 27 August–18 January 2027.

Taking Back Our Space: Body Language and Power

Building on the foundational research of German feminist photographer Marianne Wex, who analyzed how genders are conditioned to use physical space differently, this show investigates how body language influences unspoken interaction. Wex’s studies spanned art dating back to 2000 BC. In this presentation, Wex’s findings are both exhibited and juxtaposed with the work of contemporary diverse artists. 20 September–Spring 2027.

Additional Highlights for 2026

In February, the Seattle Art Museum showcases the haunting shadow-based work of an emerging artist. Starting 5 March, a prominent gallery is featuring the work of up and coming Black artist an innovative creator. During the summer, an Arkansas museum reexamines iconic pop artist Keith Haring through a show of his three-dimensional works. Come fall, a Michigan museum will show a collection of the artist's architectural studies. Simultaneously, the Phoenix Art Museum exhibits the vibrant work of South Korean painter Kim Chong Hak.