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From old masters and pop artists, contemporary greats alongside a major Latin American director, galleries and institutions across the United States have a series of spectacular exhibitions coming up for 2026.

The Pop Art of Roy Lichtenstein

First revealed several years ago during 2023, and currently just a placeholder listing at The Whitney’s website, this expansive survey of one of the central creators of the pop art movement carries some pretty heavy expectations. The museum plans to utilize its long-held holdings of close to 500 works from Lichtenstein, in addition to, presumably, numerous loans from collections globally. Dates to be announced 2026.

Venetian Visions: From Old Masters to Monet

Bay Area sister institutions, one prestigious venue along with another, will be centering Venice with two linked shows: the former museum will offer a exploration of the city as a source of artistic inspiration throughout the centuries, while the other will focus on what the Impressionist Claude Monet made of the romantic city of canals. Monet himself was daunted by the prospect of depicting Venice – a theme that had captivated the world’s most esteemed artists for hundreds of years – but he eventually rose to the task, producing approximately 37 canvases, among them the renowned work *The Grand Canal*. 6 January-2 August and 21 March-26 July.

Sueño Perro: a film installation by Alejandro G Iñárritu

Celebrating the quarter-century of his groundbreaking debut film, *Amores Perros*, filmmaker Alejandro G Iñárritu revisits more than a million feet of footage that was left out into the final cut, creating an immersive experience that also serves as a homage to celluloid. Accounts suggest Iñárritu dug deep into the archives to create what he called “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 hardship he also chronicles. 22 February-26 July.

The Sculptural World of Carol Bove

A major New York museum is dedicating the mixed media sculptor artist a comprehensive retrospective, starting with her initial pieces and progressing all the way up to a fresh collection of pieces fashioned from scrap metal and steel tubing. Inspired by “the 1960s” and Minimalist art, Bove frequently sources her components straight from the urban landscape, creating fascinating and strange constructions that have appeared in some of the country’s most notable venues. With major shows in the MoMA and the Palais de Tokyo, her three decades of work are ready for a thorough overview. 5 March–2 August.

Matisse’s Jazz: Rhythms in Color

Anyone who know the book *The Body Keeps the Score* will be familiar with French master Henri Matisse’s cut-out *Icarus* – it’s in fact one of 20 paper compositions that he paired with text and published as a volume titled *Jazz* in 1947. This spring, Chicago’s Art Institute will display the complete set of Matisse’s cut-paper maquettes – the first such showing after 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. 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 titans of the Italian Renaissance – yet he has rarely received a large-scale exhibition on US soil. A premier East Coast institution seeks to change that with this landmark show. Raphael is famous for iconic works like his *Sistine Madonna* and *The School of Athens*. With loans from all across Europe and over 200 works in all, this promises to be a major event. 29 March–28 June.

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

NYC’s queer art museum presents a major, large-scale film-based work by transmedia artist and film-maker Shu Lea Cheang, a prominent voice in new media art. In keeping with much of her work, Cheang here investigates the daily struggles of trans life. Lover Love promises to be a very engaging piece, 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

The Institute of Contemporary Art Boston showcases recent creations from this artist, who was compelled to leave 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 assemblages. This exhibition highlights recent pieces based on the theme of queer weddings. This continues her longstanding practice of using found items as a meaningful gesture of resistance. 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 men and women are conditioned to inhabit space differently, this show examines how non-verbal communication shapes unspoken interaction. Wex’s studies included art as old as ancient sculptures. In this presentation, Wex’s explorations are displayed and juxtaposed with the work of modern Black, queer, and feminist artists. Fall 2026 into 2027.

And more …

In February, the Seattle Art Museum showcases the haunting shadow-based work of an emerging artist. Beginning 5 March, a prominent gallery is highlighting the work of up and coming artist Kwamé Azure Gomez. During the summer, the Crystal Bridges Museum revisits 80s graffiti artist Keith Haring with a show of his three-dimensional works. In September, a Michigan museum presents a selection of Georgia O’Keefe’s architecture paintings. And also in September, the Phoenix Art Museum exhibits the vibrant work of artist Kim Chong Hak.