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Spanning old masters and pop artists, modern visionaries alongside a renowned Latin American director, art museums and institutions throughout the United States are preparing a series of dazzling shows on the horizon for 2026.

Roy Lichtenstein

First revealed all the way back in 2023, now just a placeholder listing at a major museum's website, this expansive survey of a central creators of the pop art movement carries some pretty heavy anticipation. The museum will be drawing on its long-held holdings of nearly 500 pieces by Lichtenstein, as well as, one would imagine, numerous loans from institutions globally. TBD 2026.

Venetian Visions: From Old Masters to Monet

Bay Area sister institutions, the Legion of Honor and deYoung, will be centering Venice with two interconnected shows: the former museum presents a exploration of the city as a source of high art for hundreds of years, and the latter will focus on what the Impressionist Claude Monet made of the enchanting city of canals. The artist felt intimidated by the prospect of painting Venice – a subject that had inspired the world’s most esteemed artists for centuries – yet he ultimately met the challenge, producing approximately 37 paintings, including the renowned work *The Grand Canal*. 6 January-2 August and 21 March-26 July.

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

Marking the 25th anniversary of his groundbreaking 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 immersive experience that also serves as a homage to celluloid. Accounts suggest Iñárritu delved into the archives to create what he called “not a tribute, but a resurrection” of one of his most beloved films. Perhaps the installation will instil a sense of optimism that pervades Iñárritu’s film despite the pain he simultaneously documents. 22 February-26 July.

The Sculptural World of Carol Bove

The Guggenheim will give the multidisciplinary sculptor creator a major career survey, beginning with her initial pieces and moving all the way up to a fresh series of pieces made from found metal and steel tubing. Inspired by “the 60s” and Minimalist art, Bove frequently takes her materials straight from the city environment, creating intriguing and unusual constructions that have appeared in prestigious art spots. Having had major shows at the MoMA and a Parisian institution, Bove’s thirty years of creation are ready for a thorough survey. 5 March–2 August.

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

Those familiar with 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 cut-paper works that he combined with text and bound into a volume titled *Jazz* in 1947. This spring, Chicago’s Art Institute will display all 20 of Matisse’s preparatory models – the first such showing after the museum obtained the works in 1948 – as well as some 50 additional pieces by the artist. The cut paper works were part of 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 celebrated titans of Renaissance Italy – yet he has rarely been honored with a major show on US soil. New York’s Metropolitan Museum aims to rectify that with this massive exhibition. Raphael is well-known for masterpieces like his *Sistine Madonna* and *The School of Athens*. Featuring 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

NYC’s 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 most of her work, Cheang in this piece investigates the daily struggles of trans life. The installation promises to be a highly interactive piece, with audience members invited to interact with the four moveable screens that show the central film. 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 native Uganda when her identity was revealed as a lesbian in 2015. Babirye is recognized for transforming discarded objects to make intricate, LGBTQ+-themed sculptures. This exhibition highlights new work based on the theme of queer weddings. It extends her longstanding practice of employing found items as a symbolic act of defiance. Late Summer 2026 into early 2027.

Taking Back Our Space: Body Language and Power

Expanding upon the foundational research of west German feminist photographer Marianne Wex, who studied how genders are socialized to use physical space differently, this exhibition investigates how body language influences unconscious interaction. Wex’s research spanned art as old as ancient sculptures. In this presentation, Wex’s explorations are displayed and put into conversation with the work of modern Black, queer, and feminist artists. Fall 2026 into 2027.

Additional Highlights for 2026

Early in the year, the Seattle Art Museum showcases the evocative shadow-based work of an emerging artist. Starting 5 March, an art gallery is highlighting the work of up and coming artist an innovative creator. In the summer months, the Crystal Bridges Museum revisits iconic pop artist Keith Haring through a show of his three-dimensional works. In September, the Detroit Institute of Arts will show a collection of the artist's architectural studies. Simultaneously, an Arizona venue displays the vibrant work of artist Kim Chong Hak.