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Spanning old masters to pop artists, modern visionaries alongside a renowned Latin American director, galleries and institutions throughout the US have some spectacular exhibitions on the horizon for 2026.

The Pop Art of Roy Lichtenstein

First revealed all the way back in 2023, now merely a mostly empty page at The Whitney’s online schedule, this expansive survey of a central creators of the pop art movement comes with some pretty heavy anticipation. The institution plans to utilize its long-held collection of nearly 500 pieces from Lichtenstein, in addition to, presumably, dozens borrowed works from institutions globally. TBD 2026.

Venetian Visions: From Old Masters to Monet

Bay Area partner museums, one prestigious venue along with another, will focus on the Floating City with two interconnected exhibitions: one location will offer a exploration of the city as an engine of artistic inspiration for hundreds of years, while the other will focus on what the Impressionist Claude Monet thought of the romantic city of canals. The artist felt intimidated by the prospect of painting Venice – a theme that had captivated the most revered artists for hundreds of years – but he eventually rose to the task, producing approximately 37 canvases, among them the masterpiece *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 groundbreaking debut film, *Amores Perros*, director Alejandro G Iñárritu revisits over 1m ft of footage that never made it of the released movie, crafting an art installation that also serves as a homage to celluloid. Reportedly Iñárritu delved into the vaults to create what he called “not a tribute, but a resurrection” of one of his most beloved films. It's possible the installation will instil a sense of optimism that runs through Iñárritu’s film despite the hardship he also chronicles. 22 February-26 July.

Carol Bove

The Guggenheim will give the multidisciplinary sculptor artist a major career survey, beginning with her initial pieces and progressing all the way up to a fresh collection of pieces made from scrap metal and steel tubing. Inspired by “the 60s” and minimalism, Bove often sources her materials directly from the urban landscape, creating intriguing and unusual sculptures that have been displayed in some of the country’s most notable venues. Having had significant exhibitions at Museum of Modern Art and the Palais de Tokyo, Bove’s three decades of creation 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* – this is actually one of 20 paper compositions that he paired with text and bound into a volume titled *Jazz* in 1947. This spring, Chicago’s Art Institute exhibits all 20 of Matisse’s preparatory models – the first such showing since the museum acquired the works in 1948 – plus around 50 of Matisse’s other works. The cut paper works were part of a late stage flowering for Matisse. 7 March-1 June.

Raphael: Sublime Poetry

Italian master painter and architect Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino is ranked with Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo as the celebrated titans of the Italian Renaissance – but he has seldom received a major show on US soil. A premier East Coast institution seeks to change 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 blockbuster show. 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 prominent voice in digital art. In keeping with much of her work, Cheang here investigates the everyday realities of trans life. Lover Love is designed as a highly interactive piece, with visitors encouraged to play around with the multiple movable screens that display the core footage. 2 April–January 2027.

Leilah Babirye: Reclamation and Defiance

A Boston contemporary art center showcases new work from this artist, who was forced to flee her home country of Uganda after being outed as a lesbian in 2015. Babirye is known for deconstructing unconventional materials to make intricate, queer-themed assemblages. This exhibition showcases recent pieces based on the concept of queer weddings. It extends her ongoing project of using reclaimed materials as a meaningful gesture of resistance. 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 examines how body language shapes unspoken interaction. Wex’s research included art as old as 2000 BC. In this presentation, Wex’s findings are both exhibited and put into conversation with the work of modern diverse artists. Fall 2026 into 2027.

And more …

Early in the year, a Pacific Northwest institution celebrates the haunting silhouette art of Samantha Yun Wall. Beginning 5 March, a prominent gallery is highlighting the work of up and coming artist Kwamé Azure Gomez. During the summer, the Crystal Bridges Museum revisits 80s graffiti artist Keith Haring with a show of his sculptural works. Come fall, the Detroit Institute of Arts will show a collection of Georgia O’Keefe’s architecture paintings. And also in September, the Phoenix Art Museum exhibits the colorful work of artist Kim Chong Hak.