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From old masters and pop artists, contemporary greats alongside a renowned Mexican film-maker, galleries and institutions across the US have a series of spectacular exhibitions coming up for 2026.

Roy Lichtenstein

First revealed all the way back in 2023, now just a mostly empty page on The Whitney’s website, this major retrospective of one of the pioneering figures of the Pop Art era carries some pretty heavy anticipation. The museum plans to utilize its long-held holdings of close to 500 works by Lichtenstein, as well as, presumably, dozens loans from collections globally. Dates to be announced 2026.

Drawn to Venice and Monet and Venice

Bay Area partner museums, one prestigious venue along with deYoung, will be centering the Floating City through two interconnected shows: the former museum presents a celebration of the city as an engine of high art throughout the centuries, while the other 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 inspired the world’s most esteemed artists for centuries – but he eventually rose to the task, creating some 37 canvases, including the masterpiece *The Grand Canal*. Winter through Summer and Spring into Summer.

Sueño Perro: a film installation by Alejandro G Iñárritu

Celebrating the 25th anniversary of his groundbreaking debut film, *Amores Perros*, director Alejandro G Iñárritu revisits more than 1m ft of footage that was left out into the released movie, crafting an art installation that doubles as a love letter to celluloid. Accounts suggest the director delved into the archives to create what he called “a rebirth, not merely a tribute” of one of his most beloved films. It's possible the installation will instil a sense of optimism that pervades Iñárritu’s film despite the hardship he simultaneously documents. 22 February-26 July.

Carol Bove

The Guggenheim is dedicating the multidisciplinary sculpture and installation creator a comprehensive retrospective, starting with her initial pieces and moving through to a new series of works fashioned from found metal and steel tubing. Inspired by “the 60s” and minimalism, Bove frequently takes her components directly from the urban landscape, producing intriguing and unusual constructions that have appeared in prestigious venues. With major shows at the MoMA and a Parisian institution, Bove’s three decades of work are ripe for a thorough overview. 5 March–2 August.

Matisse’s Jazz: Rhythms in Color

Those who know a certain publication *The Body Keeps the Score* will be familiar with French master Henri Matisse’s cut-out *Icarus* – it’s 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 the complete set of Matisse’s cut-paper maquettes – an unprecedented exhibition after the museum acquired the works in 1948 – as well as some 50 additional pieces by the artist. The cut paper works were part of a late stage flowering for Matisse. 7 March-1 June.

Raphael: Sublime Poetry

Italian master artist Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino is ranked with Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo as the renowned masters of the Italian Renaissance – yet he has seldom received a major show on US soil. New York’s Metropolitan Museum aims to rectify that with this landmark show. Raphael is famous for masterpieces 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 blockbuster show. Late March through 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 film-maker Shu Lea Cheang, a major figure 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 audience members encouraged to play around with the four moveable screens that display the central film. 2 April–January 2027.

Leilah Babirye

A Boston contemporary art center 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 known for deconstructing discarded objects to make elaborate, queer-themed sculptures. The show highlights new work based on the concept of queer weddings. This continues her ongoing project of employing found items as a symbolic act of defiance. Late Summer 2026 into early 2027.

Taking Back Our Space: Body Language and Power

Building on the foundational research of German feminist photographer Marianne Wex, who analyzed how men and women are socialized to use physical space differently, this show examines how non-verbal communication shapes unspoken interaction. Wex’s research spanned art dating back to ancient sculptures. In this presentation, Wex’s explorations are displayed and juxtaposed with the work of contemporary Black, queer, and feminist artists. Fall 2026 into 2027.

Additional Highlights for 2026

Early in the year, the Seattle Art Museum celebrates the haunting silhouette art of an emerging artist. Beginning 5 March, a prominent gallery is highlighting the work of up and coming artist an innovative creator. During the summer, the Crystal Bridges Museum revisits 80s graffiti artist Keith Haring through a show of his three-dimensional works. In September, a Michigan museum presents a selection of Georgia O’Keefe’s architecture paintings. And also in September, an Arizona venue exhibits the vibrant work of South Korean painter Kim Chong Hak.