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Spanning Renaissance masters to pop artists, contemporary greats and even a renowned Mexican director, galleries as well as galleries throughout the United States are preparing some dazzling shows coming up in 2026.

Roy Lichtenstein

First revealed all the way back during 2023, now just a mostly empty page on The Whitney’s online schedule, this expansive survey of a pioneering figures of the pop art movement carries some pretty heavy expectations. The institution plans to utilize its decades-old holdings of nearly 500 works from Lichtenstein, as well as, one would imagine, dozens borrowed works from institutions around the world. TBD 2026.

Drawn to Venice and Monet and Venice

Bay Area sister institutions, one prestigious venue along with deYoung, will focus on Venice through two linked shows: one location will offer a exploration of the city as an engine of artistic inspiration throughout the centuries, while the other will focus on what the Impressionist Claude Monet thought of the romantic city of canals. Monet himself was daunted by the prospect of depicting Venice – a subject that had inspired the most revered artists for hundreds of years – yet he ultimately rose to the task, creating some 37 canvases, 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 groundbreaking first feature, *Amores Perros*, filmmaker Alejandro G Iñárritu revisits more than 1m ft of film that was left out into the released movie, creating an art installation that also serves as a homage to celluloid. Reportedly Iñárritu dug deep into the archives to create what he described as “a rebirth, not merely a tribute” of one of his most beloved films. Perhaps the exhibit will evoke a sense of optimism that pervades Iñárritu’s film despite the pain he also chronicles. 22 February-26 July.

The Sculptural World of Carol Bove

The Guggenheim is dedicating the mixed media sculptor artist a comprehensive retrospective, starting with her initial pieces and progressing through to a new collection of works made from scrap metal and steel tubing. Inspired by “the 1960s” and Minimalist art, Bove frequently sources her materials straight from the city environment, producing intriguing and unusual sculptures that have been displayed in some of the country’s most notable art spots. With major shows at Museum of Modern Art and the Palais de Tokyo, Bove’s three decades of creation are ripe for a thorough overview. Early Spring to Summer.

Matisse’s Jazz: Rhythms in Color

Those who know the book *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 published as a volume titled *Jazz* in 1947. In the coming season, Chicago’s Art Institute will display the complete set of Matisse’s cut-paper maquettes – the first such showing since the museum acquired the works in 1948 – as well as around 50 of Matisse’s other works. The cut paper works were part of a prolific final chapter for Matisse. March through early Summer.

Raphael: Master of the Renaissance

Italian master artist Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino is ranked with Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo as the celebrated titans of Renaissance Italy – yet he has rarely received a large-scale exhibition on US soil. New York’s Metropolitan Museum aims to rectify that with this massive exhibition. Raphael is famous for masterpieces like his *Sistine Madonna* and *The School of Athens*. Featuring works from all across Europe and more than 200 works in all, this promises to be a major event. 29 March–28 June.

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

A New York Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art presents a significant and immersive video installation by transmedia artist and director Shu Lea Cheang, a major figure in digital art. As with much of her work, Cheang here investigates the everyday realities of trans life. The installation is designed as a very engaging piece, with audience members invited to play around with the four moveable screens that show the central film. Spring 2026 through early 2027.

Leilah Babirye

The Institute of Contemporary Art Boston will feature recent creations from this artist, who was forced to flee her home country of Uganda after being outed as a lesbian in 2015. Babirye is recognized for deconstructing unconventional materials to make intricate, LGBTQ+-themed assemblages. The show highlights new work based on the concept of queer weddings. This continues her longstanding practice of employing reclaimed materials as a meaningful gesture of defiance. Late Summer 2026 into early 2027.

Taking Back Our Space: Body Language and Power

Expanding upon the pioneering work of German feminist photographer Marianne Wex, who studied how genders are conditioned to use physical space differently, this exhibition investigates how body language shapes unconscious interaction. Wex’s studies included art as old as 2000 BC. Here, Wex’s explorations are both exhibited and juxtaposed with the work of modern diverse artists. Fall 2026 into 2027.

And more …

Early in the year, the Seattle Art Museum celebrates the haunting silhouette art of an emerging artist. Beginning 5 March, a prominent gallery is highlighting the work of rising Black artist an innovative creator. In the summer months, the Crystal Bridges Museum reexamines iconic pop artist Keith Haring through a show of his sculptural works. In September, a Michigan museum will show a collection of the artist's architecture paintings. And also in September, the Phoenix Art Museum displays the vibrant work of South Korean painter Kim Chong Hak.