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Spanning Renaissance masters to contemporary icons, contemporary greats and even a renowned Mexican film-maker, art museums and galleries across the US are preparing some spectacular shows coming up for 2026.

Roy Lichtenstein

First revealed all the way back in 2023, and currently just a placeholder listing on The Whitney’s website, this expansive survey of one of the pioneering figures of the Pop Art era comes with significant anticipation. The institution will be drawing on its decades-old holdings of nearly 500 works from Lichtenstein, in addition to, presumably, numerous loans from collections around the world. Dates to be announced 2026.

Venetian Visions: From Old Masters to Monet

San Francisco sister institutions, one prestigious venue along with deYoung, will focus on the Floating City with two linked exhibitions: the former museum presents a exploration of the city as an engine of artistic inspiration for hundreds of years, and the latter zooms in on what the Impressionist Claude Monet thought of the romantic city of canals. Monet himself felt intimidated by the prospect of depicting Venice – a theme that had captivated the most revered artists for hundreds of years – yet he ultimately rose to the task, producing approximately 37 paintings, including the masterpiece *The Grand Canal*. Winter through Summer and 21 March-26 July.

Sueño Perro: a film installation by Alejandro G Iñárritu

Marking the quarter-century of his groundbreaking first feature, *Amores Perros*, filmmaker Alejandro G Iñárritu returns to over 1m ft of film that was left out of the final cut, creating an immersive experience that doubles as a love letter to celluloid. Accounts suggest the director dug deep into the vaults to create what he described as “not a tribute, but a resurrection” of a cherished films. It's possible the installation will evoke a sense of optimism that pervades Iñárritu’s film in spite of the pain he also chronicles. 22 February-26 July.

Carol Bove

The Guggenheim is dedicating the mixed media sculptor creator a comprehensive retrospective, starting with her initial pieces and progressing all the way up to a new series of pieces made from scrap metal and steel tubing. Drawing from “the 1960s” and minimalism, Bove frequently sources her materials straight from the city environment, producing fascinating and strange sculptures that have been displayed in some of the country’s most notable venues. Having had major shows in the MoMA and the Palais de Tokyo, Bove’s three decades of work are ripe for a thorough survey. 5 March–2 August.

Matisse’s Jazz: Rhythms in Color

Those familiar with the book *The Body Keeps the Score* may recognize French master Henri Matisse’s cut-out *Icarus* – this is actually one of 20 cut-paper works that he combined with text and bound into a volume titled *Jazz* in 1947. This spring, a Midwestern museum will display the complete set of Matisse’s preparatory models – an unprecedented exhibition since the museum obtained the works in 1948 – plus around 50 of Matisse’s other works. The cut paper works represented a prolific final chapter for Matisse. March through early Summer.

Raphael: Sublime Poetry

Italian master painter and architect Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino is ranked with Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo as the renowned titans of Renaissance Italy – but he has seldom received a major show on American soil. New York’s Metropolitan Museum seeks to change that with this massive exhibition. Raphael is well-known for masterpieces like his *Sistine Madonna* and *The School of Athens*. Featuring loans from all across Europe and over 200 works in all, this is poised as a blockbuster show. Late March through June.

Shu Lea Cheang: Lover Love

A New York queer art museum presents a significant and immersive film-based work by transmedia artist and director Shu Lea Cheang, a prominent voice in digital art. In keeping with much of her work, Cheang here explores the daily struggles of trans life. The installation is designed as a highly interactive piece, with audience members invited to interact with the four moveable screens that display the core footage. Spring 2026 through early 2027.

Leilah Babirye

The Institute of Contemporary Art Boston showcases recent creations from this artist, who was forced to flee her native Uganda after being outed as a lesbian in 2015. Babirye is known for transforming discarded objects to make elaborate, queer-themed sculptures. The show showcases new work based on the theme of same-sex marriage. This continues her ongoing project of using reclaimed materials as a symbolic act of defiance. Late Summer 2026 into early 2027.

Taking Back Our Space

Building on the pioneering work 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 shapes unspoken interaction. Wex’s studies spanned art dating back to 2000 BC. In this presentation, Wex’s explorations are both exhibited and put into conversation with the work of contemporary Black, queer, and feminist artists. 20 September–Spring 2027.

Additional Highlights for 2026

Early in the year, a Pacific Northwest institution celebrates the evocative silhouette art of Samantha Yun Wall. Beginning 5 March, an art gallery is highlighting the work of rising artist an innovative creator. In the summer months, an Arkansas museum revisits 80s graffiti artist Keith Haring through a show of his three-dimensional works. Come fall, a Michigan museum will show a collection of the artist's architectural studies. And also in September, the Phoenix Art Museum exhibits the colorful work of artist Kim Chong Hak.