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Spanning Renaissance masters and pop artists, modern visionaries and even a renowned Mexican film-maker, art museums and galleries throughout the United States are preparing a series of dazzling exhibitions coming up for 2026.

The Pop Art of Roy Lichtenstein

First revealed all the way back in 2023, now just a mostly empty page at a major museum's website, this major retrospective of a central creators of the Pop Art era carries significant anticipation. The museum will be drawing on its long-held holdings of close to 500 works from Lichtenstein, in addition to, presumably, dozens loans from institutions globally. TBD 2026.

Drawn to Venice and Monet and Venice

San Francisco partner museums, the Legion of Honor along with another, will focus on the Floating City with two interconnected shows: the former museum presents a exploration of the city as a source of artistic inspiration throughout the centuries, while the other zooms in on what the Impressionist Claude Monet thought of the enchanting city of canals. Monet himself was daunted by the challenge of depicting Venice – a theme that had inspired the most revered artists for centuries – yet he ultimately rose to the task, producing approximately 37 canvases, including the renowned work *The Grand Canal*. 6 January-2 August and Spring into Summer.

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

Celebrating the 25th anniversary of his massive first feature, *Amores Perros*, director Alejandro G Iñárritu returns to over 1m ft of film that was left out of the released movie, creating an art installation that doubles as a homage to film. Accounts suggest the director dug deep into the vaults to create what he described as “not a tribute, but a resurrection” of one of his most beloved films. It's possible the exhibit will instil some of the hope that runs through Iñárritu’s film despite the pain he simultaneously documents. 22 February-26 July.

The Sculptural World of Carol Bove

A major New York museum is dedicating the multidisciplinary sculptor creator a comprehensive retrospective, beginning with her initial pieces and moving through to a new series of pieces made from scrap metal and steel tubing. Drawing from “the 1960s” and minimalism, Bove often sources her materials directly from the city environment, producing fascinating and strange sculptures that have been displayed in prestigious art spots. Having had significant exhibitions in Museum of Modern Art and a Parisian institution, Bove’s thirty years of creation are ripe for a in-depth overview. 5 March–2 August.

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

Those familiar with the book *The Body Keeps the Score* will be familiar with French master Henri Matisse’s papercut *Icarus* – this is in fact one of 20 cut-paper works that he combined with text and published as a volume titled *Jazz* in 1947. This spring, a Midwestern museum exhibits the complete set of Matisse’s cut-paper maquettes – an unprecedented exhibition after the museum obtained the works in 1948 – as well as some 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 is ranked with Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo as the renowned titans of the Italian Renaissance – but he has seldom received a large-scale exhibition on American 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 works from throughout Europe and more than 200 works in all, this is poised as a blockbuster show. 29 March–28 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 new media art. As with most of her work, Cheang here investigates the everyday realities of trans life. The installation promises to be a very engaging experience, with visitors invited to interact with the multiple movable screens that show the central film. Spring 2026 through early 2027.

Leilah Babirye: Reclamation and Defiance

The Institute of Contemporary Art Boston will feature new work from this artist, who was compelled to leave her home country of Uganda when her identity was revealed as a lesbian in 2015. Babirye is recognized for deconstructing unconventional materials to make intricate, queer-themed sculptures. The show highlights new work based on the theme of queer weddings. This continues her ongoing project of using reclaimed materials as a meaningful gesture of resistance. Late Summer 2026 into early 2027.

Taking Back Our Space

Expanding upon the pioneering work of German feminist photographer Marianne Wex, who studied how men and women are conditioned to use physical space differently, this show investigates how non-verbal communication shapes unspoken interaction. Wex’s research included art dating back to ancient sculptures. Here, Wex’s explorations are displayed and juxtaposed with the work of modern Black, queer, and feminist artists. Fall 2026 into 2027.

And more …

In February, a Pacific Northwest institution showcases the haunting shadow-based work of an emerging artist. Starting 5 March, a prominent gallery is highlighting the work of rising Black artist an innovative creator. In the summer months, the Crystal Bridges Museum reexamines iconic pop artist Keith Haring with a show of his three-dimensional works. Come fall, the Detroit Institute of Arts presents a collection of the artist's architecture paintings. Simultaneously, an Arizona venue exhibits the colorful work of South Korean painter Kim Chong Hak.