Must-See US Art Exhibitions Arriving in 2026

Spanning Renaissance masters to contemporary icons, contemporary greats and even a renowned Mexican film-maker, galleries as well as institutions throughout the US have a series of spectacular shows coming up in 2026.

Roy Lichtenstein

First revealed several years ago during 2023, and currently merely a mostly empty page on The Whitney’s online schedule, this major retrospective of a pioneering figures of the pop art movement comes with some pretty heavy anticipation. The institution will be drawing on its decades-old holdings of close to 500 works by Lichtenstein, in addition to, one would imagine, dozens loans from institutions globally. TBD 2026.

Drawn to Venice and Monet and Venice

San Francisco sister institutions, one prestigious venue along with deYoung, will be centering Venice with two interconnected exhibitions: the former museum will offer a celebration of the city as an engine of high art for hundreds of years, while the other will focus on what the Impressionist Claude Monet thought of the romantic city of canals. Monet himself felt intimidated by the prospect of painting Venice – a theme that had inspired the most revered artists for centuries – yet he ultimately rose to the task, producing some 37 paintings, among them the masterpiece *The Grand Canal*. Winter through Summer and Spring into Summer.

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

Celebrating the 25th anniversary of his massive first feature, *Amores Perros*, filmmaker Alejandro G Iñárritu revisits more than a million feet of footage that was left out of the final cut, creating an art installation that also serves as a love letter to film. Reportedly the director dug deep into the vaults to create what he described as “a rebirth, not merely a tribute” of a cherished films. Perhaps the exhibit will evoke some of the hope that pervades Iñárritu’s film in spite of the pain he simultaneously documents. 22 February-26 July.

Carol Bove

A major New York museum is dedicating the mixed media sculptor creator a major career survey, starting with her early works and moving through to a fresh series of pieces made from found metal and industrial materials. Drawing from “the 60s” and minimalism, Bove often sources her materials straight from the urban landscape, creating fascinating and strange sculptures that have been displayed in some of the country’s most notable venues. With major shows at Museum of Modern Art and the Palais de Tokyo, her three decades 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* will be familiar with French master Henri Matisse’s papercut *Icarus* – it’s actually one of 20 paper compositions that he paired with text and published as a volume titled *Jazz* in 1947. In the coming season, Chicago’s Art Institute exhibits all 20 of Matisse’s cut-paper maquettes – the first such showing after the museum obtained the works in 1948 – plus some 50 additional pieces by the artist. These creations represented a late stage flowering for Matisse. March through early Summer.

Raphael: Master of the Renaissance

Italian master painter and architect Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino is ranked with Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo as the celebrated titans of Renaissance Italy – but he has rarely received 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 works from all across Europe and over 200 works total, this promises to be a blockbuster show. Late March through June.

Shu Lea Cheang: Lover Love

NYC’s queer art museum will host a significant and immersive video installation 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. Lover Love is designed as a highly interactive piece, with visitors invited to interact with the four moveable screens that display the core footage. Spring 2026 through early 2027.

Leilah Babirye

A Boston contemporary art center will feature new work from this artist, who was compelled to leave her native Uganda after being outed as a lesbian in 2015. Babirye is recognized for transforming discarded objects to make elaborate, LGBTQ+-themed assemblages. This exhibition highlights new work based on the theme of queer weddings. It extends her ongoing project of using found items 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 men and women are conditioned to use physical space differently, this show examines how body language shapes unconscious interaction. Wex’s research spanned art dating back to ancient sculptures. Here, Wex’s explorations are both exhibited and put into conversation with the work of contemporary diverse artists. Fall 2026 into 2027.

Additional Highlights for 2026

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 up and coming Black artist an innovative creator. In the summer months, 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 the artist's architecture paintings. Simultaneously, the Phoenix Art Museum displays the vibrant work of South Korean painter Kim Chong Hak.