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From Renaissance masters and pop artists, contemporary greats alongside a major Latin American film-maker, art museums and institutions throughout the United States are preparing some dazzling shows coming up for 2026.

The Pop Art of Roy Lichtenstein

First revealed all the way back during 2023, and currently merely a placeholder listing on a major museum's online schedule, this major retrospective of a central creators of the Pop Art era carries significant expectations. The institution will be drawing on its long-held holdings of close to 500 pieces by Lichtenstein, as well as, presumably, dozens borrowed works from institutions globally. TBD 2026.

Venetian Visions: From Old Masters to Monet

Bay Area partner museums, one prestigious venue along with deYoung, will focus on the Floating City through two interconnected shows: one location will offer a exploration of the city as a source of high art throughout the centuries, and the latter zooms in on what impressionist Claude Monet made of the enchanting city of canals. The artist was daunted by the challenge of painting Venice – a subject that had captivated the world’s most esteemed artists for hundreds of years – yet he ultimately met the challenge, producing some 37 canvases, among them the masterpiece *The Grand Canal*. 6 January-2 August and Spring into Summer.

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

Marking the quarter-century of his groundbreaking debut film, *Amores Perros*, director Alejandro G Iñárritu returns to more than 1m ft of film that was left out into the final cut, creating an art installation that doubles as a homage to film. Reportedly 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 evoke a sense of optimism that runs through Iñárritu’s film in spite of the pain he also chronicles. 22 February-26 July.

The Sculptural World of Carol Bove

A major New York museum will give the multidisciplinary sculptor artist a major career survey, beginning with her initial pieces and progressing through to a new series of pieces made from scrap metal and industrial materials. Drawing from “the 1960s” and Minimalist art, Bove frequently sources her materials directly from the city environment, producing fascinating and strange constructions that have been displayed in prestigious art spots. Having had significant exhibitions in Museum of Modern Art and a Parisian institution, Bove’s thirty years of work are ready for a in-depth survey. Early Spring to Summer.

Matisse’s Jazz: Rhythms in Color

Those who know a certain publication *The Body Keeps the Score* may recognize French master Henri Matisse’s cut-out *Icarus* – it’s in fact one of 20 cut-paper works that he combined with text and bound into a volume titled *Jazz* in 1947. In the coming season, Chicago’s Art Institute will display all 20 of Matisse’s cut-paper maquettes – an unprecedented exhibition since the museum obtained the works in 1948 – as well as some 50 of Matisse’s other works. These creations were part of a prolific final chapter for Matisse. 7 March-1 June.

Raphael: Sublime Poetry

The great painter and architect Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino is ranked with Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo as the renowned masters of Renaissance Italy – but he has seldom received a large-scale exhibition on American soil. New York’s Metropolitan Museum aims to rectify that with this massive exhibition. Raphael is well-known for iconic works like his *Sistine Madonna* and *The School of Athens*. Featuring works 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

A New York Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art will host a significant and immersive film-based work by Taiwanese-American artist and film-maker Shu Lea Cheang, a major figure in new media art. In keeping with much of her work, Cheang here explores the daily struggles of transgender existence. Lover Love is designed as a highly interactive piece, with audience members invited to interact with the multiple movable screens that display the core footage. 2 April–January 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 after being outed as a lesbian in 2015. Babirye is known for deconstructing unconventional materials to make elaborate, LGBTQ+-themed sculptures. The show showcases recent pieces based on the concept of queer weddings. This continues her ongoing project of employing found items as a symbolic act of resistance. 27 August–18 January 2027.

Taking Back Our Space

Expanding upon the pioneering work of German feminist photographer Marianne Wex, who analyzed how genders are conditioned to use physical space differently, this show investigates how body language shapes unspoken interaction. Wex’s studies included art dating back to 2000 BC. Here, Wex’s findings are both exhibited and juxtaposed with the work of contemporary Black, queer, and feminist artists. Fall 2026 into 2027.

And more …

Early in the year, the Seattle Art Museum showcases the haunting shadow-based work of Samantha Yun Wall. Starting 5 March, a prominent gallery is highlighting the work of up and coming artist Kwamé Azure Gomez. In the summer months, the Crystal Bridges Museum reexamines 80s graffiti artist Keith Haring through a show of his three-dimensional works. In September, the Detroit Institute of Arts presents a collection of Georgia O’Keefe’s architectural studies. Simultaneously, the Phoenix Art Museum exhibits the vibrant work of artist Kim Chong Hak.