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Spanning old masters and pop artists, modern visionaries alongside a renowned Mexican film-maker, galleries and institutions across the United States are preparing a series of spectacular exhibitions on the horizon for 2026.

Roy Lichtenstein

First revealed several years ago in 2023, and currently just a placeholder listing on a major museum's online schedule, this major retrospective of one of the pioneering figures of the pop art movement comes with some pretty heavy expectations. The institution will be drawing on its long-held collection of nearly 500 pieces by Lichtenstein, in addition to, presumably, dozens loans from collections around the world. Dates to be announced 2026.

Drawn to Venice and Monet and Venice

Bay Area partner museums, one prestigious venue along with deYoung, will focus on Venice through two interconnected exhibitions: one location presents a exploration of the city as an engine of high art throughout the centuries, while the other will focus on what impressionist Claude Monet made of the romantic city of canals. Monet himself was daunted by the prospect of painting Venice – a theme that had inspired the world’s most esteemed artists for centuries – but he eventually met the challenge, producing some 37 paintings, including the masterpiece *The Grand Canal*. 6 January-2 August and 21 March-26 July.

Sueño Perro: a film installation by Alejandro G Iñárritu

Celebrating the quarter-century of his massive debut film, *Amores Perros*, filmmaker Alejandro G Iñárritu returns to more than a million feet of footage that was left out of the final cut, creating an art installation that also serves as a love letter to celluloid. Reportedly the director delved into the archives to create what he called “not a tribute, but a resurrection” of one of his most beloved films. It's possible the installation will evoke a sense of optimism that runs through Iñárritu’s film despite the pain he also chronicles. 22 February-26 July.

The Sculptural World of Carol Bove

The Guggenheim is dedicating the multidisciplinary sculptor creator a comprehensive retrospective, beginning with her initial pieces and progressing through to a fresh collection of pieces made from scrap metal and industrial materials. Drawing from “the 1960s” and Minimalist art, Bove often sources her materials directly from the urban landscape, producing fascinating and strange sculptures that have been displayed in prestigious art spots. With major shows at Museum of Modern Art and a Parisian institution, her three decades of creation are ripe for a thorough overview. 5 March–2 August.

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

Anyone 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 paired with text and published as a book titled *Jazz* in 1947. This spring, a Midwestern museum exhibits the complete set of Matisse’s cut-paper maquettes – the first such showing since the museum acquired the works in 1948 – as well as around 50 additional pieces by the artist. The cut paper works were part of a prolific final chapter for Matisse. 7 March-1 June.

Raphael: Sublime Poetry

The great artist Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino is ranked with Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo as the celebrated titans of the Italian Renaissance – but he has seldom received a large-scale exhibition on US soil. A premier East Coast institution seeks to change that with this landmark show. Raphael is well-known for iconic works like his *Sistine Madonna* and *The School of Athens*. Featuring loans from all across Europe and over 200 works total, this is poised as a major event. Late March through June.

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

NYC’s Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art will host a major, large-scale video installation by transmedia artist and director Shu Lea Cheang, a major figure in digital art. As with most of her work, Cheang here investigates the everyday realities of transgender existence. Lover Love is designed as a very engaging piece, with audience members encouraged to play around with the four moveable screens that display the central film. Spring 2026 through early 2027.

Leilah Babirye: Reclamation and Defiance

A Boston contemporary art center will feature 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 known for deconstructing unconventional materials to make intricate, LGBTQ+-themed assemblages. The show highlights new work based on the concept of queer weddings. It extends her ongoing project of using found items as a symbolic act of resistance. 27 August–18 January 2027.

Taking Back Our Space: Body Language and Power

Building on the pioneering work of west German feminist photographer Marianne Wex, who analyzed how genders are conditioned to use physical space differently, this exhibition investigates how body language influences unspoken interaction. Wex’s studies spanned art dating back to ancient sculptures. In this presentation, Wex’s explorations are displayed and juxtaposed with the work of modern diverse artists. 20 September–Spring 2027.

And more …

Early in the year, the Seattle Art Museum showcases the evocative shadow-based work of an emerging artist. Beginning 5 March, a prominent gallery is highlighting the work of rising Black artist an innovative creator. During the summer, an Arkansas museum revisits iconic pop artist Keith Haring with a show of his three-dimensional works. In September, the Detroit Institute of Arts presents a selection of Georgia O’Keefe’s architecture paintings. Simultaneously, an Arizona venue exhibits the vibrant work of artist Kim Chong Hak.