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Spanning old masters and pop artists, contemporary greats and even a major Latin American film-maker, galleries and institutions across the United States have some spectacular exhibitions on the horizon in 2026.

The Pop Art of Roy Lichtenstein

Announced all the way back during 2023, and currently merely a placeholder listing at a major museum's online schedule, this major retrospective of a central creators 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, presumably, numerous borrowed works from institutions around the world. TBD 2026.

Venetian Visions: From Old Masters to Monet

Bay Area sister institutions, one prestigious venue along with another, will focus on Venice through two linked shows: one location presents a celebration of the city as an engine of high art for hundreds of years, and the latter will focus on what impressionist Claude Monet thought of the enchanting city of canals. The artist was daunted by the challenge of depicting Venice – a subject that had captivated the most revered artists for centuries – yet he ultimately met the challenge, creating some 37 paintings, including the masterpiece *The Grand Canal*. 6 January-2 August and 21 March-26 July.

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

Marking the 25th anniversary of his massive debut film, *Amores Perros*, director Alejandro G Iñárritu returns to more than 1m ft of film that was left out into the final cut, crafting an immersive experience that doubles as a love letter to celluloid. Reportedly the director dug deep into the vaults to create what he called “not a tribute, but a resurrection” of one of his most beloved films. It's possible the installation will evoke some of the hope that runs through Iñárritu’s film despite the hardship he also chronicles. 22 February-26 July.

Carol Bove

A major New York museum is dedicating the mixed media sculpture and installation creator a major career survey, starting with her initial pieces and progressing through to a new series of pieces made from scrap metal and steel tubing. Drawing from “the 60s” and Minimalist art, Bove often sources her components straight from the urban landscape, producing intriguing and unusual constructions that have appeared in some of the country’s most notable venues. Having had major shows in Museum of Modern Art and a Parisian institution, Bove’s three decades of creation are ready for a thorough overview. 5 March–2 August.

Henri Matisse's *Jazz*: A Symphony of Cut Paper

Those familiar with a certain publication *The Body Keeps the Score* may recognize French master Henri Matisse’s papercut *Icarus* – it’s actually one of 20 paper compositions that he paired with text and bound into a volume titled *Jazz* in 1947. In the coming season, Chicago’s Art Institute exhibits all 20 of Matisse’s preparatory models – the first such showing after the museum obtained the works in 1948 – as well as some 50 additional pieces by the artist. These creations were part of a prolific final chapter for Matisse. March through early Summer.

Raphael: Master of the Renaissance

The great artist Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino is ranked with Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo as the renowned titans of the Italian Renaissance – yet he has seldom received a major show on US 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*. Featuring works from all across Europe and over 200 works in all, this promises to be a blockbuster show. 29 March–28 June.

Shu Lea Cheang: Lover Love

A New York queer art museum presents a major, large-scale film-based work by transmedia artist and film-maker Shu Lea Cheang, a major figure in new media art. In keeping with most of her work, Cheang here explores the daily struggles of transgender existence. Lover Love is designed as a highly interactive piece, with audience members encouraged to play around with the multiple movable screens that display the central film. Spring 2026 through early 2027.

Leilah Babirye: Reclamation and Defiance

A Boston contemporary art center will feature recent creations from this artist, who was forced to flee her home country of Uganda when her identity was revealed as a lesbian in 2015. Babirye is known for transforming unconventional materials to make intricate, queer-themed sculptures. This exhibition highlights recent pieces based on the theme of queer weddings. This continues her longstanding practice of using found items as a symbolic act of defiance. Late Summer 2026 into early 2027.

Taking Back Our Space

Expanding upon the pioneering work of west German feminist photographer Marianne Wex, who analyzed how men and women are socialized to use physical space differently, this exhibition investigates how non-verbal communication influences unspoken interaction. Wex’s research spanned art dating back to ancient sculptures. In this presentation, Wex’s findings are displayed and put into conversation with the work of contemporary diverse artists. 20 September–Spring 2027.

And more …

In February, the Seattle Art Museum showcases the haunting shadow-based work of Samantha Yun Wall. Beginning 5 March, an art gallery is highlighting the work of rising Black artist an innovative creator. During the summer, the Crystal Bridges Museum revisits 80s graffiti artist Keith Haring with a show of his sculptural works. Come fall, a Michigan museum will show a selection of the artist's architecture paintings. Simultaneously, the Phoenix Art Museum exhibits the colorful work of South Korean painter Kim Chong Hak.