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Spanning Renaissance masters to contemporary icons, modern visionaries and even a major Latin American film-maker, galleries as well as galleries across the US have 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 expansive survey of one of the central creators of the Pop Art era carries significant expectations. The institution plans to utilize its decades-old holdings of close to 500 works from Lichtenstein, as well as, presumably, dozens borrowed works from collections around the world. Dates to be announced 2026.

Drawn to Venice and Monet and Venice

Bay Area sister institutions, the Legion of Honor and deYoung, will focus on the Floating City through two linked exhibitions: one location presents a exploration of the city as a source of artistic inspiration for hundreds of years, and the latter zooms in on what the Impressionist Claude Monet made of the enchanting city of canals. The artist was daunted by the challenge of depicting Venice – a subject that had captivated the world’s most esteemed artists for centuries – yet he ultimately rose to the task, creating some 37 paintings, including the masterpiece *The Grand Canal*. Winter through Summer and Spring into Summer.

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

Celebrating the quarter-century of his groundbreaking debut film, *Amores Perros*, filmmaker Alejandro G Iñárritu returns to over a million feet of footage that was left out into the released movie, crafting an immersive experience that also serves 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 installation will instil some of the hope that runs through Iñárritu’s film in spite of the pain he simultaneously documents. Late Winter through Summer.

The Sculptural World of Carol Bove

The Guggenheim is dedicating the mixed media sculptor creator a comprehensive retrospective, beginning with her initial pieces and moving all the way up to a fresh collection of pieces made from found metal and steel tubing. Drawing from “the 1960s” and minimalism, Bove often takes her components directly from the urban landscape, creating intriguing and unusual sculptures that have been displayed in prestigious art spots. With significant exhibitions at Museum of Modern Art and the Palais de Tokyo, Bove’s thirty years of work are ripe for a in-depth survey. 5 March–2 August.

Matisse’s Jazz: Rhythms in Color

Those who know the book *The Body Keeps the Score* will be familiar with French master Henri Matisse’s cut-out *Icarus* – this is actually one of 20 paper compositions that he paired with text and bound into a book titled *Jazz* in 1947. In the coming season, Chicago’s Art Institute exhibits the complete set of Matisse’s preparatory models – an unprecedented exhibition since the museum obtained the works in 1948 – as well as some 50 additional pieces by the artist. These creations were part of a prolific final chapter for Matisse. 7 March-1 June.

Raphael: Master of the Renaissance

Italian master painter and architect Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino stood alongside Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo as the renowned masters of the Italian Renaissance – but he has rarely received a major show on US soil. A premier East Coast institution seeks to change that with this massive exhibition. Raphael is famous for iconic works like his *Sistine Madonna* and *The School of Athens*. Featuring loans from all across Europe and more than 200 works in all, this promises to be a major event. Late March through June.

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

NYC’s Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art presents a major, large-scale film-based work by Taiwanese-American artist and director Shu Lea Cheang, a major figure in digital art. In keeping with most of her work, Cheang here investigates the everyday realities of transgender existence. The installation promises to be a very engaging experience, with visitors invited to play around with the four moveable screens that display 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 home country of Uganda when her identity was revealed as a lesbian in 2015. Babirye is recognized for deconstructing discarded objects to make intricate, LGBTQ+-themed assemblages. The show highlights new work based on the concept of queer weddings. This continues her ongoing project of employing found items as a meaningful gesture of resistance. Late Summer 2026 into early 2027.

Taking Back Our Space

Building on the pioneering work of German feminist photographer Marianne Wex, who studied how genders are conditioned to use physical space differently, this show investigates how body language influences unspoken interaction. Wex’s studies included art dating back to 2000 BC. In this presentation, Wex’s explorations are displayed and put into conversation with the work of modern Black, queer, and feminist artists. 20 September–Spring 2027.

And more …

In February, the Seattle Art Museum showcases the evocative shadow-based work of Samantha Yun Wall. Beginning 5 March, a prominent gallery is highlighting the work of rising Black artist Kwamé Azure Gomez. In the summer months, the Crystal Bridges Museum revisits iconic pop artist Keith Haring with a show of his sculptural works. Come fall, the Detroit Institute of Arts will show a selection of the artist's architectural studies. And also in September, the Phoenix Art Museum displays the colorful work of artist Kim Chong Hak.