Must-See US Art Exhibitions Arriving in 2026
Spanning Renaissance masters to pop artists, contemporary greats and even a renowned Latin American film-maker, galleries as well as institutions throughout the US have some dazzling exhibitions coming up for 2026.
Roy Lichtenstein
Announced several years ago during 2023, and currently merely a mostly empty page on a major museum's online schedule, this expansive survey of a central creators of the Pop Art era carries some pretty heavy anticipation. The museum will be drawing on its decades-old collection of nearly 500 pieces by Lichtenstein, in addition to, one would imagine, numerous 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 with two interconnected shows: the former museum presents a exploration of the city as a source of artistic inspiration for hundreds of years, while the other zooms in on what the Impressionist Claude Monet made of the enchanting city of canals. The artist was daunted by the prospect of painting Venice – a subject that had inspired the most revered artists for centuries – yet he ultimately rose to the task, creating some 37 paintings, including the renowned work *The Grand Canal*. 6 January-2 August and 21 March-26 July.
Alejandro G Iñárritu's *Sueño Perro*: A Cinematic Resurrection
Celebrating the quarter-century of his groundbreaking debut film, *Amores Perros*, filmmaker Alejandro G Iñárritu revisits over 1m ft of film that was left out into the final cut, creating an art installation that doubles as a homage to film. Accounts suggest Iñárritu dug deep into the vaults to create what he called “a rebirth, not merely a tribute” of one of his most beloved films. It's possible the installation will instil a sense of optimism that pervades Iñárritu’s film despite the pain he simultaneously documents. Late Winter through Summer.
The Sculptural World of Carol Bove
The Guggenheim is dedicating the mixed media sculpture and installation creator a comprehensive retrospective, beginning with her early works and moving through to a fresh series of works made from found metal and industrial materials. Inspired by “the 1960s” and Minimalist art, Bove often takes her components straight from the city environment, producing fascinating and strange constructions that have appeared in prestigious art spots. Having had major shows in Museum of Modern Art and a Parisian institution, her three decades of work are ready for a in-depth overview. Early Spring to Summer.
Matisse’s Jazz: Rhythms in Color
Anyone familiar with the book *The Body Keeps the Score* may recognize French master Henri Matisse’s papercut *Icarus* – it’s in fact one of 20 paper compositions that he paired with text and published as a book titled *Jazz* in 1947. In the coming season, a Midwestern museum exhibits all 20 of Matisse’s cut-paper maquettes – the first such showing after the museum acquired the works in 1948 – as well as some 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
The great painter and architect Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino is ranked with Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo as the renowned masters of Renaissance Italy – yet he has rarely received a major show on American soil. New York’s Metropolitan Museum aims to rectify that with this landmark show. Raphael is well-known for iconic works like his *Sistine Madonna* and *The School of Athens*. Featuring works from throughout Europe and more than 200 works in all, this promises to be a blockbuster show. Late March through June.
Shu Lea Cheang: Lover Love
A New York queer art museum presents a significant and immersive video installation by transmedia artist and film-maker Shu Lea Cheang, a major figure in digital art. In keeping with most of her work, Cheang here investigates the everyday realities of trans life. The installation is designed as a highly interactive experience, with audience members encouraged to play around with the four moveable screens that display the central film. Spring 2026 through early 2027.
Leilah Babirye
A Boston contemporary art center will feature 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 deconstructing unconventional materials to make elaborate, queer-themed assemblages. The show highlights new work based on the theme of same-sex marriage. It extends her ongoing project of using reclaimed materials as a symbolic act of resistance. Late Summer 2026 into early 2027.
Taking Back Our Space
Building on the pioneering work of German feminist photographer Marianne Wex, who analyzed how genders are conditioned to use physical space differently, this show examines how body language shapes unconscious interaction. Wex’s studies spanned art dating back to 2000 BC. In this presentation, Wex’s findings are both exhibited and juxtaposed with the work of contemporary diverse artists. 20 September–Spring 2027.
Additional Highlights for 2026
Early in the year, a Pacific Northwest institution showcases the haunting silhouette art of Samantha Yun Wall. Beginning 5 March, a prominent gallery is featuring the work of rising artist an innovative creator. During the summer, an Arkansas museum reexamines iconic pop artist Keith Haring with a show of his sculptural works. Come fall, the Detroit Institute of Arts presents a collection of the artist's architectural studies. And also in September, the Phoenix Art Museum exhibits the colorful work of artist Kim Chong Hak.