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From old masters and contemporary icons, modern visionaries and even a major Mexican director, art museums as well as galleries throughout the US have a series of dazzling shows on the horizon in 2026.

Roy Lichtenstein

Announced several years ago during 2023, now merely a mostly empty page at The Whitney’s website, this expansive survey of one of the pioneering figures of the pop art movement comes with some pretty heavy expectations. The museum will be drawing on its long-held collection of nearly 500 works by Lichtenstein, in addition to, one would imagine, numerous borrowed works from institutions globally. Dates to be announced 2026.

Venetian Visions: From Old Masters to Monet

Bay Area sister institutions, the Legion of Honor and another, will focus on Venice with two linked exhibitions: the former museum presents a exploration of the city as an engine of artistic inspiration throughout the centuries, and the latter zooms in on what impressionist Claude Monet thought of the enchanting city of canals. The artist felt intimidated by the challenge of painting Venice – a subject that had inspired the most revered artists for hundreds of years – yet he ultimately met the challenge, creating approximately 37 canvases, among them the renowned work *The Grand Canal*. 6 January-2 August and 21 March-26 July.

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

Celebrating the quarter-century of his groundbreaking debut film, *Amores Perros*, director Alejandro G Iñárritu revisits more than a million feet of footage that never made it into the released movie, crafting an immersive experience that doubles as a homage to celluloid. Reportedly the director delved into the vaults to create what he called “a rebirth, not merely a tribute” of a cherished films. Perhaps the exhibit will evoke some of the hope that runs through Iñárritu’s film despite the pain he also chronicles. 22 February-26 July.

Carol Bove

The Guggenheim will give the mixed media sculptor creator a comprehensive retrospective, beginning with her early works and moving through to a fresh collection of pieces made from scrap metal and steel tubing. Inspired by “the 1960s” and minimalism, Bove often takes her components directly from the city environment, creating fascinating and strange sculptures that have appeared in prestigious art spots. Having had major shows at the MoMA and the Palais de Tokyo, Bove’s three decades of creation are ripe for a in-depth survey. 5 March–2 August.

Matisse’s Jazz: Rhythms in Color

Those who know a certain publication *The Body Keeps the Score* may recognize French master Henri Matisse’s cut-out *Icarus* – this is actually one of 20 paper compositions that he combined with text and published as a volume titled *Jazz* in 1947. This spring, Chicago’s Art Institute will display all 20 of Matisse’s cut-paper maquettes – an unprecedented exhibition since the museum acquired the works in 1948 – as well as around 50 of Matisse’s other works. These creations were part of a prolific final chapter for Matisse. 7 March-1 June.

Raphael: Master of the Renaissance

The great painter and architect Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino stood alongside Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo as the renowned masters of Renaissance Italy – yet he has rarely received a major show on American soil. New York’s Metropolitan Museum aims to rectify that with this massive exhibition. Raphael is famous for iconic works like his *Sistine Madonna* and *The School of Athens*. With loans from throughout Europe and more than 200 works total, this promises to be a blockbuster show. Late March through June.

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

NYC’s Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art presents a significant and immersive film-based work by Taiwanese-American artist and film-maker Shu Lea Cheang, a prominent voice in digital art. As with much of her work, Cheang in this piece investigates the everyday realities of transgender existence. Lover Love promises to be a very engaging piece, with visitors invited to play around with the multiple movable screens that display the central film. Spring 2026 through early 2027.

Leilah Babirye

A Boston contemporary art center 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 known for transforming discarded objects to make intricate, queer-themed sculptures. This exhibition showcases new work based on the concept of same-sex marriage. It extends her ongoing project of employing reclaimed materials as a symbolic act of defiance. Late Summer 2026 into early 2027.

Taking Back Our Space

Building on the pioneering work of German feminist photographer Marianne Wex, who analyzed how men and women are socialized to use physical space differently, this exhibition investigates how non-verbal communication influences unspoken interaction. Wex’s research included art as old as ancient sculptures. In this presentation, Wex’s findings are both exhibited and put into conversation with the work of contemporary diverse artists. Fall 2026 into 2027.

And more …

Early in the year, a Pacific Northwest institution showcases the haunting silhouette art of Samantha Yun Wall. Starting 5 March, an art gallery is featuring the work of up and coming Black artist an innovative creator. In the summer months, the Crystal Bridges Museum reexamines iconic pop artist Keith Haring through a show of his sculptural works. Come fall, a Michigan museum will show a collection of Georgia O’Keefe’s architecture paintings. And also in September, the Phoenix Art Museum exhibits the colorful work of South Korean painter Kim Chong Hak.