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From Renaissance masters to contemporary icons, modern visionaries and even a renowned Latin American film-maker, galleries as well as galleries throughout the United States have some dazzling shows coming up for 2026.

The Pop Art of Roy Lichtenstein

First revealed all the way back during 2023, now just a placeholder listing at a major museum's website, this major retrospective of one of the pioneering figures of the Pop Art era carries some pretty heavy expectations. The institution will be drawing on its long-held collection of close to 500 pieces by Lichtenstein, in addition to, one would imagine, dozens loans from institutions around the world. Dates to be announced 2026.

Venetian Visions: From Old Masters to Monet

Bay Area sister institutions, one prestigious venue along with deYoung, will be centering the Floating City through two interconnected exhibitions: one location will offer a exploration of the city as an engine of artistic inspiration throughout the centuries, while the other zooms in on what impressionist Claude Monet made of the romantic city of canals. Monet himself felt intimidated by the prospect of depicting Venice – a theme that had captivated the world’s most esteemed artists for hundreds of years – but he eventually met the challenge, producing some 37 paintings, among them the renowned work *The Grand Canal*. 6 January-2 August and Spring into Summer.

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

Marking the 25th anniversary of his massive first feature, *Amores Perros*, filmmaker Alejandro G Iñárritu revisits over 1m ft of film that was left out into the released movie, crafting an immersive experience that doubles as a homage to film. Reportedly the director delved into the vaults to create what he described as “not a tribute, but a resurrection” of a cherished films. Perhaps the exhibit will evoke a sense of optimism that pervades Iñárritu’s film despite the hardship he also chronicles. Late Winter through Summer.

Carol Bove

The Guggenheim is dedicating the mixed media sculptor artist a comprehensive retrospective, starting with her early works and progressing through to a new series of works made from found metal and steel tubing. Inspired by “the 1960s” and minimalism, Bove frequently sources her components directly from the urban landscape, producing fascinating and strange sculptures that have been displayed in prestigious art spots. Having had significant exhibitions at the MoMA and the Palais de Tokyo, Bove’s thirty years of creation are ripe for a thorough overview. 5 March–2 August.

Matisse’s Jazz: Rhythms in Color

Those who know a certain publication *The Body Keeps the Score* may recognize French master Henri Matisse’s papercut *Icarus* – this is in fact one of 20 paper compositions that he paired with text and bound into a volume titled *Jazz* in 1947. This spring, Chicago’s Art Institute exhibits all 20 of Matisse’s cut-paper maquettes – an unprecedented exhibition since the museum acquired the works in 1948 – as well as around 50 additional pieces by the artist. The cut paper works were part of a prolific final chapter for Matisse. 7 March-1 June.

Raphael: Sublime Poetry

The great artist Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino stood alongside Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo as the renowned masters of the Italian Renaissance – yet he has seldom been honored with a large-scale exhibition on American soil. A premier East Coast institution seeks to change that with this landmark show. Raphael is well-known for iconic works like his *Sistine Madonna* and *The School of Athens*. With loans from throughout Europe and over 200 works total, this promises to be a blockbuster show. Late March through June.

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

NYC’s Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art will host a major, large-scale film-based work by Taiwanese-American artist and film-maker Shu Lea Cheang, a major figure in digital art. In keeping with much of her work, Cheang in this piece explores the daily struggles of trans life. Lover Love promises to be a highly interactive piece, with visitors encouraged to interact with the four moveable screens that show the central film. 2 April–January 2027.

Leilah Babirye

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 recognized for deconstructing discarded objects to make intricate, LGBTQ+-themed sculptures. This exhibition highlights recent pieces based on the theme of queer weddings. This continues her ongoing project of using found items as a symbolic act of resistance. Late Summer 2026 into early 2027.

Taking Back Our Space: Body Language and Power

Expanding upon the pioneering work of west German feminist photographer Marianne Wex, who analyzed how genders are socialized to inhabit space differently, this show examines how non-verbal communication influences unspoken interaction. Wex’s studies included art dating back to 2000 BC. Here, Wex’s explorations are both exhibited and juxtaposed with the work of modern diverse artists. Fall 2026 into 2027.

Additional Highlights for 2026

In February, the Seattle Art Museum showcases the haunting silhouette art of Samantha Yun Wall. Starting 5 March, an art gallery is featuring the work of up and coming artist an innovative creator. During the summer, the Crystal Bridges Museum reexamines iconic pop artist Keith Haring with a show of his three-dimensional works. In September, the Detroit Institute of Arts will show a collection of Georgia O’Keefe’s architecture paintings. And also in September, an Arizona venue exhibits the vibrant work of South Korean painter Kim Chong Hak.