Unmissable US Art Exhibitions Arriving in 2026

From Renaissance masters and pop artists, contemporary greats and even a renowned Mexican director, art museums as well as institutions throughout the US are preparing a series of spectacular shows coming up for 2026.

The Pop Art of Roy Lichtenstein

Announced all the way back in 2023, and currently merely a placeholder listing at The Whitney’s website, this expansive survey of a central creators of the Pop Art era comes with some pretty heavy expectations. The institution plans to utilize its long-held collection of nearly 500 works from Lichtenstein, as well as, one would imagine, numerous borrowed works from collections globally. TBD 2026.

Drawn to Venice and Monet and Venice

Bay Area sister institutions, the Legion of Honor and another, will focus on the Floating City through two interconnected shows: the former museum presents a exploration of the city as a source of artistic inspiration throughout the centuries, and the latter zooms in on what impressionist Claude Monet thought of the enchanting city of canals. Monet himself was daunted by the challenge of painting Venice – a theme that had captivated the most revered artists for hundreds of years – yet he ultimately met the challenge, producing some 37 canvases, among them the renowned work *The Grand Canal*. Winter through Summer and Spring into Summer.

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

Marking the quarter-century of his massive debut film, *Amores Perros*, director Alejandro G Iñárritu returns to more than 1m ft of film that was left out of the final cut, creating an art installation that also serves as a love letter to celluloid. Accounts suggest Iñárritu delved into the archives to create what he called “a rebirth, not merely a tribute” of one of his most beloved films. Perhaps the installation will evoke a sense of optimism that pervades Iñárritu’s film in spite of the pain he also chronicles. Late Winter through Summer.

Carol Bove

A major New York museum will give the multidisciplinary sculpture and installation creator a comprehensive retrospective, beginning with her initial pieces and progressing through to a new collection of works fashioned from found metal and industrial materials. Drawing from “the 60s” and Minimalist art, Bove often takes her materials straight from the city environment, creating intriguing and unusual constructions that have appeared in some of the country’s most notable art spots. Having had significant exhibitions at Museum of Modern Art and a Parisian institution, Bove’s three decades of creation are ready for a in-depth overview. Early Spring to Summer.

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

Anyone familiar with the book *The Body Keeps the Score* may recognize French master Henri Matisse’s cut-out *Icarus* – it’s actually one of 20 paper compositions that he paired with text and published as a book titled *Jazz* in 1947. This spring, Chicago’s Art Institute exhibits all 20 of Matisse’s cut-paper maquettes – the first such showing after the museum obtained the works in 1948 – plus some 50 of Matisse’s other works. These creations were part of a prolific final chapter for Matisse. March through early Summer.

Raphael: Sublime Poetry

The great artist Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino is ranked with Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo as the celebrated titans of Renaissance Italy – but he has seldom been honored with a large-scale exhibition on American soil. A premier East Coast institution aims to rectify that with this landmark show. Raphael is famous for masterpieces like his *Sistine Madonna* and *The School of Athens*. Featuring works from all across Europe and more than 200 works total, this promises to be a blockbuster show. 29 March–28 June.

Shu Lea Cheang: Lover Love

A New York queer art museum presents a major, large-scale video installation by transmedia artist and director Shu Lea Cheang, a prominent voice in new media art. In keeping with most of her work, Cheang here investigates the everyday realities of trans life. Lover Love promises to be a highly interactive experience, with audience members encouraged to play around with the four moveable screens that show the core footage. Spring 2026 through early 2027.

Leilah Babirye: Reclamation and Defiance

A Boston contemporary art center showcases new work from this artist, who was forced to flee her native Uganda when her identity was revealed as a lesbian in 2015. Babirye is known for transforming unconventional materials to make intricate, queer-themed sculptures. The show highlights recent pieces based on the concept of queer weddings. It extends her longstanding practice of employing found items as a meaningful gesture of resistance. Late Summer 2026 into early 2027.

Taking Back Our Space: Body Language and Power

Building on the foundational research of west German feminist photographer Marianne Wex, who analyzed how genders are conditioned to use physical space differently, this exhibition examines how non-verbal communication influences unconscious interaction. Wex’s research included art dating back to ancient sculptures. In this presentation, Wex’s explorations are displayed and put into conversation with the work of contemporary Black, queer, and feminist artists. Fall 2026 into 2027.

Additional Highlights for 2026

In February, the Seattle Art Museum celebrates the evocative silhouette art of Samantha Yun Wall. Beginning 5 March, a prominent gallery is highlighting the work of up and coming 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. In September, the Detroit Institute of Arts presents a selection of Georgia O’Keefe’s architecture paintings. Simultaneously, the Phoenix Art Museum displays the colorful work of artist Kim Chong Hak.