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From old masters and pop artists, modern visionaries alongside a renowned Mexican film-maker, art museums as well as galleries throughout the US have a series of dazzling exhibitions coming up in 2026.

The Pop Art of Roy Lichtenstein

First revealed all the way back during 2023, and currently merely a mostly empty page on The Whitney’s online schedule, this expansive survey of one of the pioneering figures of the pop art movement carries some pretty heavy anticipation. The museum will be drawing on its long-held collection of close to 500 works from Lichtenstein, as well as, one would imagine, numerous borrowed works 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 Venice with two interconnected exhibitions: one location will offer a celebration of the city as an engine of artistic inspiration for hundreds of years, and the latter zooms in on what the Impressionist Claude Monet thought of the enchanting city of canals. Monet himself felt intimidated by the prospect of depicting Venice – a theme that had inspired the world’s most esteemed artists for hundreds of years – but he eventually met the challenge, creating approximately 37 paintings, including the masterpiece *The Grand Canal*. Winter through Summer and Spring into Summer.

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

Celebrating the 25th anniversary of his massive debut film, *Amores Perros*, filmmaker Alejandro G Iñárritu returns to more than 1m ft of film that never made it into the final cut, creating an immersive experience that doubles as a homage to celluloid. Reportedly Iñárritu delved into the archives to create what he called “a rebirth, not merely a tribute” of a cherished films. It's possible the exhibit will instil some of the hope that pervades Iñárritu’s film in spite of the pain he simultaneously documents. 22 February-26 July.

Carol Bove

A major New York museum is dedicating the multidisciplinary sculptor creator a comprehensive retrospective, beginning with her initial pieces and progressing through to a new collection of works fashioned from found metal and steel tubing. Inspired by “the 1960s” and minimalism, Bove frequently takes her components directly from the city environment, creating fascinating and strange constructions that have appeared in prestigious art spots. Having had major shows in Museum of Modern Art and a Parisian institution, her three decades of work are ready for a in-depth overview. Early Spring to Summer.

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

Those who know the book *The Body Keeps the Score* will be familiar with French master Henri Matisse’s cut-out *Icarus* – this is in fact one of 20 cut-paper works that he paired with text and bound into a book titled *Jazz* in 1947. This spring, Chicago’s Art Institute exhibits the complete set of Matisse’s cut-paper maquettes – the first such showing since the museum acquired the works in 1948 – as well as some 50 of Matisse’s other works. The cut paper works represented a prolific final chapter for Matisse. March through early Summer.

Raphael: Sublime Poetry

Italian master painter and architect Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino stood alongside Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo as the renowned titans of the Italian Renaissance – yet he has rarely received a major show on American soil. New York’s Metropolitan Museum seeks to change that with this landmark show. Raphael is famous for iconic works like his *Sistine Madonna* and *The School of Athens*. With loans from all across Europe and more than 200 works total, this promises to be a major event. Late March through June.

Shu Lea Cheang: Lover Love

A New York Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art will host a significant and immersive film-based work by transmedia artist and film-maker Shu Lea Cheang, a major figure in new media art. In keeping with much of her work, Cheang in this piece explores the daily struggles of transgender existence. The installation promises to be a highly interactive piece, with visitors encouraged to interact with the four moveable screens that show the central film. Spring 2026 through early 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 transforming discarded objects to make intricate, LGBTQ+-themed sculptures. The show showcases recent pieces based on the theme of same-sex marriage. This continues her ongoing project of using reclaimed materials as a symbolic act of defiance. 27 August–18 January 2027.

Taking Back Our Space

Expanding upon the foundational research of west German feminist photographer Marianne Wex, who studied how genders are socialized to inhabit space differently, this show examines how body language shapes unconscious 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. Fall 2026 into 2027.

Additional Highlights for 2026

In February, a Pacific Northwest institution celebrates the haunting shadow-based work of Samantha Yun Wall. Beginning 5 March, a prominent gallery is featuring the work of up and coming artist an innovative creator. In the summer months, an Arkansas museum revisits 80s graffiti artist Keith Haring with a show of his sculptural 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.