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From Renaissance masters to contemporary icons, contemporary greats and even a major Mexican film-maker, galleries and institutions across the United States have some dazzling exhibitions on the horizon for 2026.

The Pop Art of Roy Lichtenstein

Announced all the way back in 2023, now just a placeholder listing at a major museum's online schedule, this expansive survey of one of the central creators of the pop art movement comes with some pretty heavy anticipation. The museum plans to utilize its decades-old collection of nearly 500 pieces by Lichtenstein, as well as, one would imagine, numerous borrowed works from institutions globally. Dates to be announced 2026.

Venetian Visions: From Old Masters to Monet

San Francisco sister institutions, one prestigious venue and deYoung, will focus on Venice through two linked shows: one location presents a celebration of the city as a source of high art for hundreds of years, and the latter zooms in on what the Impressionist Claude Monet thought of the romantic city of canals. The artist felt intimidated by the prospect of depicting Venice – a theme that had inspired the most revered artists for hundreds of years – yet he ultimately met the challenge, producing some 37 canvases, 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 debut film, *Amores Perros*, filmmaker Alejandro G Iñárritu returns to over 1m ft of film that never made it of the final cut, crafting an immersive experience that doubles as a homage to film. Accounts suggest the director delved into the vaults to create what he called “not a tribute, but a resurrection” of one of his most beloved films. It's possible the exhibit will instil a sense of optimism that runs through Iñárritu’s film in spite of the pain he simultaneously documents. Late Winter through Summer.

Carol Bove

The Guggenheim is dedicating the multidisciplinary sculpture and installation artist a major career survey, starting with her early works and moving all the way up to a new collection of pieces made from found metal and steel tubing. Inspired by “the 60s” and minimalism, Bove often sources her materials directly from the city environment, producing fascinating and strange constructions that have been displayed in some of the country’s most notable art spots. With major shows in the MoMA and the Palais de Tokyo, Bove’s three decades of work are ready for a in-depth survey. Early Spring to Summer.

Matisse’s Jazz: Rhythms in Color

Anyone who know a certain publication *The Body Keeps the Score* may recognize French master Henri Matisse’s papercut *Icarus* – it’s in fact one of 20 cut-paper works that he paired with text and published as a book titled *Jazz* in 1947. This spring, Chicago’s Art Institute exhibits the complete set of Matisse’s preparatory models – the first such showing after the museum obtained the works in 1948 – as well as around 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 masters of the Italian Renaissance – yet he has seldom been honored with a large-scale exhibition on US soil. A premier East Coast institution 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 throughout Europe and more than 200 works in all, this is poised as a blockbuster show. Late March through June.

Shu Lea Cheang: Lover Love

NYC’s queer art museum will host a major, large-scale film-based work by transmedia artist and director Shu Lea Cheang, a major figure in new media art. As with much of her work, Cheang here explores the everyday realities of trans life. The installation is designed as 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 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 known for transforming discarded objects to make elaborate, LGBTQ+-themed sculptures. The show showcases new work based on the theme of queer weddings. This continues her longstanding practice of employing reclaimed materials as a symbolic act of resistance. Late Summer 2026 into early 2027.

Taking Back Our Space

Expanding upon the foundational research of German feminist photographer Marianne Wex, who analyzed how genders are socialized to use physical space differently, this exhibition examines how body language shapes unspoken interaction. Wex’s studies spanned art dating back to ancient sculptures. Here, Wex’s explorations are displayed and put into conversation with the work of modern diverse artists. 20 September–Spring 2027.

Additional Highlights for 2026

Early in the year, the Seattle Art Museum celebrates the haunting shadow-based work of Samantha Yun Wall. Starting 5 March, a prominent gallery is featuring the work of rising artist Kwamé Azure Gomez. During the summer, the Crystal Bridges Museum reexamines 80s graffiti artist Keith Haring with a show of his three-dimensional works. In September, the Detroit Institute of Arts will show a selection of the artist's architecture paintings. Simultaneously, the Phoenix Art Museum displays the colorful work of artist Kim Chong Hak.