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From old masters and pop artists, contemporary greats alongside a major Mexican director, galleries as well as galleries across the United States are preparing a series of dazzling exhibitions coming up in 2026.

The Pop Art of Roy Lichtenstein

First revealed several years ago in 2023, and currently merely a mostly empty page at The Whitney’s online schedule, this major retrospective of a pioneering figures of the Pop Art era comes with some pretty heavy expectations. The institution will be drawing on its decades-old holdings of nearly 500 pieces from Lichtenstein, as well as, one would imagine, dozens loans from institutions globally. Dates to be announced 2026.

Venetian Visions: From Old Masters to Monet

Bay Area sister institutions, one prestigious venue along with deYoung, will be centering Venice through two linked exhibitions: the former museum 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 felt intimidated by the prospect of depicting Venice – a subject that had captivated the world’s most esteemed artists for centuries – yet he ultimately met the challenge, creating approximately 37 paintings, among them the renowned work *The Grand Canal*. 6 January-2 August and Spring into Summer.

Sueño Perro: a film installation by Alejandro G Iñárritu

Celebrating the 25th anniversary of his massive first feature, *Amores Perros*, filmmaker Alejandro G Iñárritu returns to over 1m ft of footage that was left out into the released movie, crafting an art installation that also serves as a homage to film. Reportedly Iñárritu 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 some of the hope that runs through Iñárritu’s film despite the pain he also chronicles. Late Winter through Summer.

The Sculptural World of Carol Bove

A major New York museum will give the multidisciplinary sculptor creator a major career survey, beginning with her early works and moving through to a fresh collection of works made from scrap metal and industrial materials. Drawing from “the 60s” and minimalism, Bove often sources her components directly from the city environment, creating intriguing and unusual constructions that have been displayed in some of the country’s most notable art spots. Having had significant exhibitions in the MoMA and a Parisian institution, her three decades of work are ripe for a in-depth survey. Early Spring to Summer.

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

Those 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 cut-paper works that he paired with text and published as a book titled *Jazz* in 1947. In the coming season, Chicago’s Art Institute will display all 20 of Matisse’s preparatory models – an unprecedented exhibition since the museum acquired the works in 1948 – as well as around 50 additional pieces by the artist. These creations were part of a late stage flowering for Matisse. March through early Summer.

Raphael: Sublime Poetry

Italian master artist Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino stood alongside Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo as the celebrated titans of the Italian Renaissance – yet he has rarely received a large-scale exhibition on US soil. A premier East Coast institution aims to rectify that with this massive exhibition. Raphael is well-known for iconic works like his *Sistine Madonna* and *The School of Athens*. Featuring loans from throughout Europe and more than 200 works in all, this promises to be a blockbuster show. Late March through June.

Shu Lea Cheang's *Lover Love*: An Interactive Vision

A New York Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art will host a significant and immersive video installation by Taiwanese-American artist and director Shu Lea Cheang, a prominent voice in digital art. In keeping with much of her work, Cheang here explores the everyday realities of transgender existence. The installation is designed as a very engaging piece, with visitors encouraged to play around with the multiple movable screens that show the central film. Spring 2026 through early 2027.

Leilah Babirye

The Institute of Contemporary Art Boston showcases recent creations from this artist, who was compelled to leave her native Uganda when her identity was revealed as a lesbian in 2015. Babirye is recognized for deconstructing unconventional materials to make elaborate, LGBTQ+-themed assemblages. The show showcases new work based on the theme of same-sex marriage. This continues her longstanding practice of using reclaimed materials as a meaningful gesture of defiance. 27 August–18 January 2027.

Taking Back Our Space: Body Language and Power

Building on the foundational research of west German feminist photographer Marianne Wex, who analyzed how genders are conditioned to use physical space differently, this exhibition examines how non-verbal communication influences unspoken interaction. Wex’s studies included art dating back to 2000 BC. Here, Wex’s explorations are both exhibited and put into conversation with the work of modern Black, queer, and feminist artists. Fall 2026 into 2027.

Additional Highlights for 2026

In February, a Pacific Northwest institution celebrates the haunting shadow-based work of an emerging artist. Starting 5 March, an art gallery is featuring the work of up and coming artist an innovative creator. In the summer months, the Crystal Bridges Museum reexamines 80s graffiti artist Keith Haring with a show of his sculptural works. Come fall, the Detroit Institute of Arts will show a selection of the artist's architecture paintings. Simultaneously, the Phoenix Art Museum displays the vibrant work of South Korean painter Kim Chong Hak.