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Spanning Renaissance masters and contemporary icons, modern visionaries alongside a major Mexican film-maker, galleries as well as galleries throughout the United States are preparing a series of dazzling exhibitions coming up in 2026.

Roy Lichtenstein

First revealed several years ago in 2023, and currently merely a mostly empty page at The Whitney’s website, this major retrospective of one of the pioneering figures of the pop art movement comes with some pretty heavy expectations. The institution plans to utilize its long-held holdings of nearly 500 pieces by Lichtenstein, in addition to, presumably, numerous borrowed works from institutions globally. Dates to be announced 2026.

Venetian Visions: From Old Masters to Monet

Bay Area sister institutions, one prestigious venue along with deYoung, will focus on the Floating City through two linked shows: the former museum will offer a exploration of the city as an engine of high art throughout the centuries, while the other will focus on what impressionist Claude Monet thought of the enchanting city of canals. Monet himself was daunted by the challenge of depicting Venice – a subject that had captivated the most revered artists for hundreds of years – but he eventually rose to the task, producing approximately 37 paintings, including the renowned work *The Grand Canal*. 6 January-2 August and Spring into Summer.

Sueño Perro: a film installation by Alejandro G Iñárritu

Marking the 25th anniversary of his groundbreaking first feature, *Amores Perros*, director Alejandro G Iñárritu returns to more than a million feet of film that was left out into the final cut, crafting an immersive experience that also serves as a homage to celluloid. Reportedly the director delved into the vaults to create what he described as “not a tribute, but a resurrection” of one of his most beloved films. Perhaps the exhibit will instil a sense of optimism that pervades Iñárritu’s film in spite of the hardship he also chronicles. 22 February-26 July.

The Sculptural World of Carol Bove

The Guggenheim will give the mixed media sculpture and installation creator a comprehensive retrospective, starting with her initial pieces and moving all the way up to a fresh collection of works fashioned from scrap metal and steel tubing. Inspired by “the 60s” and minimalism, Bove frequently sources her materials directly from the urban landscape, producing fascinating and strange constructions that have appeared in some of the country’s most notable art spots. Having had major shows at the MoMA and the Palais de Tokyo, Bove’s thirty years of work are ready for a in-depth survey. 5 March–2 August.

Matisse’s Jazz: Rhythms in Color

Anyone familiar with a certain publication *The Body Keeps the Score* will be familiar with French master Henri Matisse’s papercut *Icarus* – it’s actually one of 20 paper compositions that he paired with text and bound into a book titled *Jazz* in 1947. This spring, a Midwestern museum will display the complete set of Matisse’s preparatory models – the first such showing after the museum acquired the works in 1948 – plus some 50 additional pieces by the artist. These creations represented a late stage flowering for Matisse. March through early Summer.

Raphael: Master of the Renaissance

The great painter and architect Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino stood alongside Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo as the celebrated titans of Renaissance Italy – but he has rarely been honored with a large-scale exhibition on American soil. New York’s Metropolitan Museum seeks to change that with this landmark show. Raphael is well-known for masterpieces like his *Sistine Madonna* and *The School of Athens*. Featuring works from throughout Europe and over 200 works in all, this is poised as a blockbuster show. Late March through June.

Shu Lea Cheang: Lover Love

NYC’s Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art presents a major, large-scale film-based work by Taiwanese-American artist and film-maker Shu Lea Cheang, a prominent voice in digital art. In keeping with most of her work, Cheang here investigates the daily struggles of trans life. The installation promises to be a very engaging experience, with visitors encouraged to interact with the multiple movable screens that show the central film. 2 April–January 2027.

Leilah Babirye

A Boston contemporary art center showcases recent creations from this artist, who was compelled to leave her native Uganda after being outed as a lesbian in 2015. Babirye is known for deconstructing unconventional materials to make elaborate, LGBTQ+-themed assemblages. The show showcases new work based on the theme of queer weddings. This continues her longstanding practice of using found items as a symbolic act of resistance. Late Summer 2026 into early 2027.

Taking Back Our Space

Building on the foundational research of German feminist photographer Marianne Wex, who studied how genders are conditioned to use physical space differently, this exhibition examines how non-verbal communication influences unconscious interaction. Wex’s research spanned art as old as 2000 BC. In this presentation, Wex’s findings 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. Starting 5 March, a prominent gallery is highlighting the work of rising artist an innovative creator. During the summer, the Crystal Bridges Museum reexamines iconic pop artist Keith Haring with a show of his sculptural works. Come fall, a Michigan museum will show a selection of the artist's architectural studies. Simultaneously, the Phoenix Art Museum exhibits the colorful work of South Korean painter Kim Chong Hak.