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From old masters and contemporary icons, contemporary greats and even a major Latin American director, art museums and institutions across the United States are preparing some spectacular shows coming up for 2026.

The Pop Art of Roy Lichtenstein

First revealed several years ago during 2023, and currently merely a placeholder listing at a major museum's website, this major retrospective of one of the pioneering figures of the pop art movement comes with significant anticipation. The museum plans to utilize its long-held holdings of close to 500 pieces from Lichtenstein, in addition to, one would imagine, dozens borrowed works from institutions globally. TBD 2026.

Drawn to Venice and Monet and Venice

San Francisco sister institutions, one prestigious venue and deYoung, will focus on Venice through two linked shows: one location presents a exploration of the city as an engine of high art for hundreds of years, while the other will focus on what impressionist Claude Monet thought of the enchanting city of canals. Monet himself was daunted by the prospect of painting Venice – a theme that had captivated the world’s most esteemed artists for centuries – but he eventually met the challenge, producing some 37 paintings, among them the masterpiece *The Grand Canal*. Winter through Summer and 21 March-26 July.

Sueño Perro: a film installation by Alejandro G Iñárritu

Celebrating the 25th anniversary of his massive debut film, *Amores Perros*, filmmaker Alejandro G Iñárritu returns to more than 1m ft of film that never made it of the final cut, crafting an art installation that also serves as a homage to film. Accounts suggest the director delved into the archives to create what he called “a rebirth, not merely a tribute” of a cherished films. Perhaps the installation will evoke a sense of optimism that runs through Iñárritu’s film despite the pain he simultaneously documents. Late Winter through Summer.

The Sculptural World of Carol Bove

A major New York museum is dedicating the multidisciplinary sculpture and installation artist a major career survey, starting with her initial pieces and progressing all the way up to a new series of pieces made from scrap metal and industrial materials. Inspired by “the 1960s” and minimalism, Bove often takes her materials straight from the city environment, creating fascinating and strange constructions that have appeared in prestigious venues. Having had major shows in Museum of Modern Art and a Parisian institution, Bove’s three decades of work are ready for a thorough overview. 5 March–2 August.

Matisse’s Jazz: Rhythms in Color

Anyone who know a certain publication *The Body Keeps the Score* may recognize French master Henri Matisse’s cut-out *Icarus* – this is in fact one of 20 cut-paper works that he combined with text and bound into a book titled *Jazz* in 1947. This spring, Chicago’s Art Institute will display the complete set of Matisse’s cut-paper maquettes – an unprecedented exhibition since the museum obtained the works in 1948 – plus around 50 additional pieces by the artist. The cut paper works were part of a late stage flowering 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 renowned masters of Renaissance Italy – but he has rarely received a major show on American soil. New York’s Metropolitan Museum 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 throughout Europe and over 200 works in all, this is poised as a major event. Late March through June.

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

A New York Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art will host a significant and immersive video installation by Taiwanese-American artist and film-maker Shu Lea Cheang, a prominent voice in digital art. In keeping with much of her work, Cheang here explores the everyday realities of transgender existence. Lover Love promises to be a highly interactive experience, with audience members encouraged to play around with the multiple movable screens that display the central film. 2 April–January 2027.

Leilah Babirye

A Boston contemporary art center showcases new work 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 transforming unconventional materials to make intricate, queer-themed assemblages. The show highlights recent pieces based on the theme of queer weddings. This continues her ongoing project of employing reclaimed materials as a meaningful gesture of resistance. 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 analyzed how genders are conditioned to inhabit space differently, this show examines how body language influences unspoken interaction. Wex’s research spanned art dating back to 2000 BC. In this presentation, Wex’s findings 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 haunting shadow-based work of an emerging artist. Beginning 5 March, a prominent gallery is featuring the work of rising artist Kwamé Azure Gomez. During the summer, an Arkansas museum revisits 80s graffiti artist Keith Haring through a show of his three-dimensional works. In September, the Detroit Institute of Arts will show a selection of Georgia O’Keefe’s architecture paintings. Simultaneously, an Arizona venue exhibits the vibrant work of artist Kim Chong Hak.