Must-See US Art Exhibitions Arriving in 2026

From Renaissance masters to contemporary icons, contemporary greats and even a major Mexican film-maker, galleries and institutions across the US are preparing a series of spectacular shows coming up in 2026.

Roy Lichtenstein

First revealed all the way back during 2023, now merely a placeholder listing at a major museum's online schedule, this expansive survey of one of the pioneering figures of the pop art movement comes with some pretty heavy anticipation. The institution plans to utilize its long-held holdings of close to 500 pieces by Lichtenstein, as well as, one would imagine, dozens loans from institutions globally. TBD 2026.

Drawn to Venice and Monet and Venice

San Francisco partner museums, one prestigious venue along with deYoung, will focus on the Floating City through two linked exhibitions: the former museum presents a celebration of the city as a source of high art for hundreds of years, and the latter zooms in on what the Impressionist Claude Monet made of the romantic city of canals. The artist was daunted by the prospect of depicting 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 renowned work *The Grand Canal*. Winter through Summer and Spring into Summer.

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

Marking the quarter-century of his groundbreaking first feature, *Amores Perros*, filmmaker Alejandro G Iñárritu returns to more than a million feet of footage that never made it into the final cut, creating an immersive experience that doubles as a homage to celluloid. Reportedly Iñárritu dug deep into the vaults to create what he described as “a rebirth, not merely a tribute” of one of his most beloved films. It's possible the exhibit will evoke some of the hope that runs through Iñárritu’s film in spite of the pain he simultaneously documents. Late Winter through Summer.

Carol Bove

The Guggenheim is dedicating the mixed media sculpture and installation artist a comprehensive retrospective, beginning with her initial pieces and moving through to a fresh collection of works made from found metal and industrial materials. Inspired by “the 60s” and Minimalist art, Bove frequently sources her materials straight from the city environment, creating intriguing and unusual constructions that have appeared in prestigious venues. With major shows in the MoMA and the Palais de Tokyo, her thirty years of work are ready for a thorough overview. 5 March–2 August.

Matisse’s Jazz: Rhythms in Color

Anyone familiar with the book *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 paired with text and bound into a volume titled *Jazz* in 1947. In the coming season, a Midwestern museum will display all 20 of Matisse’s preparatory models – an unprecedented exhibition since the museum obtained the works in 1948 – plus some 50 additional pieces by the artist. These creations represented a prolific final chapter for Matisse. March through early Summer.

Raphael: Sublime Poetry

The great artist 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. New York’s Metropolitan Museum seeks to change that with this landmark show. Raphael is famous for iconic works like his *Sistine Madonna* and *The School of Athens*. Featuring works from throughout Europe and over 200 works total, this promises to be a major event. Late March through June.

Shu Lea Cheang: Lover Love

A New York Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art will host a major, large-scale video installation by Taiwanese-American artist and film-maker Shu Lea Cheang, a prominent voice in new media art. As with most of her work, Cheang here investigates the daily struggles of transgender existence. The installation promises to be a very engaging piece, with visitors invited to interact with the four moveable screens that show the central film. 2 April–January 2027.

Leilah Babirye

A Boston contemporary art center will feature new work from this artist, who was compelled to leave her native Uganda when her identity was revealed as a lesbian in 2015. Babirye is recognized for deconstructing discarded objects to make intricate, queer-themed assemblages. This exhibition highlights recent pieces based on the concept of queer weddings. This continues her longstanding practice of using found items as a meaningful gesture of resistance. 27 August–18 January 2027.

Taking Back Our Space: Body Language and Power

Expanding upon the foundational research of west German feminist photographer Marianne Wex, who analyzed how men and women are conditioned to use physical space differently, this show investigates how non-verbal communication shapes unconscious interaction. Wex’s studies included art as old as 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.

Additional Highlights for 2026

In February, the Seattle Art Museum showcases the evocative silhouette art of Samantha Yun Wall. Starting 5 March, a prominent gallery is highlighting the work of up and coming Black artist Kwamé Azure Gomez. During the summer, the Crystal Bridges Museum revisits 80s graffiti artist Keith Haring through a show of his sculptural works. In September, a Michigan museum will show a collection of the artist's architectural studies. And also in September, an Arizona venue exhibits the colorful work of artist Kim Chong Hak.