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From Renaissance masters to pop artists, contemporary greats and even a renowned Latin American film-maker, galleries and institutions throughout the US are preparing some dazzling shows on the horizon for 2026.

The Pop Art of Roy Lichtenstein

Announced several years ago in 2023, now just a mostly empty page on The Whitney’s online schedule, this expansive survey of a central creators of the pop art movement carries significant expectations. The institution plans to utilize its decades-old collection of close to 500 pieces by Lichtenstein, as well as, one would imagine, dozens borrowed works from institutions globally. TBD 2026.

Venetian Visions: From Old Masters to Monet

San Francisco sister institutions, the Legion of Honor along with deYoung, will focus on the Floating City through two interconnected exhibitions: the former museum presents a celebration of the city as a source of artistic inspiration for hundreds of years, and the latter will focus on what the Impressionist Claude Monet thought of the enchanting city of canals. The artist felt intimidated by the prospect of depicting Venice – a subject that had captivated the most revered artists for centuries – yet he ultimately rose to the task, creating some 37 paintings, including the renowned work *The Grand Canal*. Winter through Summer and 21 March-26 July.

Sueño Perro: a film installation by Alejandro G Iñárritu

Marking the quarter-century of his massive first feature, *Amores Perros*, filmmaker Alejandro G Iñárritu revisits more than a million feet of footage that was left out of the final cut, crafting an art installation that doubles as a love letter to film. Accounts suggest Iñárritu delved into the archives to create what he described as “not a tribute, but a resurrection” of one of his most beloved films. Perhaps the installation will evoke a sense of optimism that runs through 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 early works and moving through to a new series of works fashioned from scrap metal and industrial materials. Drawing from “the 60s” and minimalism, Bove frequently sources her materials directly from the city environment, creating intriguing and unusual sculptures that have appeared in some of the country’s most notable venues. Having had major shows at Museum of Modern Art and the Palais de Tokyo, 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 familiar with the book *The Body Keeps the Score* may recognize French master Henri Matisse’s papercut *Icarus* – this is in fact one of 20 paper compositions that he combined with text and published as a book titled *Jazz* in 1947. In the coming season, a Midwestern museum exhibits all 20 of Matisse’s cut-paper maquettes – the first such showing after the museum acquired the works in 1948 – plus around 50 of Matisse’s other works. The cut paper works were part of a prolific final chapter for Matisse. 7 March-1 June.

Raphael: Master of the Renaissance

The great artist Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino is ranked with Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo as the celebrated titans of the Italian Renaissance – yet he has seldom received a major show on American soil. A premier East Coast institution aims to rectify that with this landmark show. Raphael is famous for masterpieces 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 film-maker Shu Lea Cheang, a prominent voice in new media art. In keeping with most of her work, Cheang in this piece investigates the daily struggles of transgender existence. Lover Love promises to be a highly interactive experience, with audience members invited to interact with the four moveable screens that show the core footage. Spring 2026 through early 2027.

Leilah Babirye: Reclamation and Defiance

The Institute of Contemporary Art Boston showcases 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 recognized for deconstructing discarded objects to make intricate, LGBTQ+-themed sculptures. The show showcases new work based on the concept of queer weddings. This continues her ongoing project of using reclaimed materials as a meaningful gesture of defiance. 27 August–18 January 2027.

Taking Back Our Space

Building on the foundational research of German feminist photographer Marianne Wex, who analyzed how men and women are conditioned to inhabit space differently, this show investigates how non-verbal communication influences unconscious interaction. Wex’s studies included art as old as ancient sculptures. Here, Wex’s explorations are both exhibited and juxtaposed with the work of modern Black, queer, and feminist artists. Fall 2026 into 2027.

Additional Highlights for 2026

In February, the Seattle Art Museum showcases the evocative silhouette art of an emerging artist. Starting 5 March, an art gallery is highlighting the work of up and coming Black artist Kwamé Azure Gomez. During the summer, the Crystal Bridges Museum reexamines iconic pop artist Keith Haring through a show of his sculptural works. In September, a Michigan museum will show a selection of the artist's architecture paintings. And also in September, the Phoenix Art Museum exhibits the vibrant work of artist Kim Chong Hak.