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From old masters and pop artists, contemporary greats and even a renowned Latin American film-maker, art museums as well as galleries across the United States are preparing some spectacular exhibitions coming up for 2026.

The Pop Art of Roy Lichtenstein

First revealed several years ago during 2023, and currently just a mostly empty page at a major museum's online schedule, this expansive survey of one of the central creators of the Pop Art era comes with significant expectations. The museum plans to utilize its long-held collection of close to 500 pieces by Lichtenstein, in addition to, one would imagine, dozens loans from collections globally. TBD 2026.

Venetian Visions: From Old Masters to Monet

Bay Area sister institutions, one prestigious venue and deYoung, will focus on the Floating City through two interconnected exhibitions: the former museum will offer a exploration of the city as a source of artistic inspiration for hundreds of years, while the other zooms in on what the Impressionist Claude Monet thought of the enchanting city of canals. The artist felt intimidated by the challenge of depicting Venice – a subject that had captivated the most revered artists for hundreds of years – yet he ultimately rose to the task, producing some 37 paintings, among them the masterpiece *The Grand Canal*. Winter through Summer and 21 March-26 July.

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

Celebrating the quarter-century of his massive debut film, *Amores Perros*, director Alejandro G Iñárritu returns to more than 1m ft of footage that was left out into the final cut, creating an art installation that doubles as a homage to celluloid. Reportedly Iñárritu delved into the archives to create what he described as “a rebirth, not merely a tribute” of a cherished films. Perhaps the exhibit will instil a sense of optimism that runs through Iñárritu’s film despite the hardship he also chronicles. Late Winter through Summer.

The Sculptural World of Carol Bove

The Guggenheim will give the multidisciplinary sculptor artist a comprehensive retrospective, starting with her initial pieces and progressing through to a fresh collection of works made from scrap metal and steel tubing. Drawing from “the 60s” and Minimalist art, Bove frequently takes her components straight from the urban landscape, creating fascinating and strange constructions that have been displayed in prestigious venues. With major shows in Museum of Modern Art and the Palais de Tokyo, her three decades of creation are ripe for a thorough overview. Early Spring to Summer.

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

Anyone who know a certain publication *The Body Keeps the Score* may recognize French master Henri Matisse’s papercut *Icarus* – it’s actually one of 20 paper compositions 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 obtained the works in 1948 – as well as around 50 of Matisse’s other works. These creations represented a prolific final chapter 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 celebrated titans of Renaissance Italy – but he has seldom been honored with a large-scale exhibition on US soil. New York’s Metropolitan Museum aims to rectify that with this landmark show. Raphael is well-known for iconic works like his *Sistine Madonna* and *The School of Athens*. Featuring works from throughout 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 presents a significant and immersive 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. Lover Love is designed as a highly interactive piece, with visitors encouraged to play around with the four moveable screens that display the core footage. 2 April–January 2027.

Leilah Babirye: Reclamation and Defiance

The Institute of Contemporary Art Boston will feature 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 recognized for deconstructing unconventional materials to make elaborate, LGBTQ+-themed sculptures. The show highlights recent pieces based on the theme of same-sex marriage. It extends her ongoing project of employing found items as a meaningful gesture of resistance. Late Summer 2026 into early 2027.

Taking Back Our Space: Body Language and Power

Building on the foundational research of west German feminist photographer Marianne Wex, who studied how genders are conditioned to inhabit space differently, this show examines how body language influences unconscious interaction. Wex’s studies spanned art dating back to ancient sculptures. In this presentation, Wex’s explorations are both exhibited and juxtaposed with the work of contemporary Black, queer, and feminist artists. 20 September–Spring 2027.

Additional Highlights for 2026

Early in the year, a Pacific Northwest institution showcases the haunting silhouette art of Samantha Yun Wall. Starting 5 March, a prominent gallery is featuring the work of rising artist an innovative creator. During the summer, the Crystal Bridges Museum revisits 80s graffiti artist Keith Haring through a show of his sculptural works. Come fall, a Michigan museum will show a selection of Georgia O’Keefe’s architectural studies. And also in September, an Arizona venue exhibits the vibrant work of artist Kim Chong Hak.