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From old masters to pop artists, modern visionaries alongside a major Latin American director, galleries as well as institutions throughout the United States have a series of spectacular shows on the horizon in 2026.

The Pop Art of Roy Lichtenstein

First revealed several years ago in 2023, now merely 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 anticipation. The museum will be drawing on its long-held collection of nearly 500 works by Lichtenstein, as well as, presumably, numerous loans from collections around the world. TBD 2026.

Drawn to Venice and Monet and Venice

Bay Area sister institutions, one prestigious venue along with another, will be centering Venice through two linked shows: the former museum presents a celebration of the city as an engine of artistic inspiration for hundreds of years, while the other will focus on what the Impressionist Claude Monet made of the romantic city of canals. Monet himself felt intimidated by the challenge of depicting Venice – a subject that had captivated the world’s most esteemed artists for centuries – yet he ultimately rose to the task, producing some 37 canvases, among them the renowned work *The Grand Canal*. Winter through Summer and 21 March-26 July.

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

Marking the quarter-century of his groundbreaking debut film, *Amores Perros*, filmmaker Alejandro G Iñárritu returns to over a million feet of footage that never made it of the final cut, creating an art installation that doubles as a love letter to celluloid. Reportedly Iñárritu dug deep into the vaults to create what he described as “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 in spite of the hardship he also chronicles. Late Winter through Summer.

Carol Bove

A major New York museum is dedicating the mixed media sculpture and installation creator a major career survey, beginning with her initial pieces and progressing all the way up to a fresh collection of works fashioned from scrap metal and industrial materials. Inspired by “the 60s” and minimalism, Bove often takes her components straight from the urban landscape, creating fascinating and strange sculptures that have appeared in prestigious art spots. With major shows in the MoMA and the Palais de Tokyo, her thirty years of creation are ripe for a in-depth overview. 5 March–2 August.

Matisse’s Jazz: Rhythms in Color

Anyone familiar with a certain publication *The Body Keeps the Score* may recognize French master Henri Matisse’s cut-out *Icarus* – it’s actually one of 20 paper compositions that he paired with text and published as a book titled *Jazz* in 1947. In the coming season, Chicago’s Art Institute exhibits all 20 of Matisse’s preparatory models – an unprecedented exhibition since the museum acquired the works in 1948 – as well as around 50 additional pieces by the artist. These creations were part of a prolific final chapter for Matisse. March through early Summer.

Raphael: Sublime Poetry

Italian master painter and architect Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino is ranked with Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo as the celebrated masters of Renaissance Italy – yet he has rarely received a large-scale exhibition on American soil. A premier East Coast institution aims to rectify that with this massive exhibition. Raphael is famous for masterpieces like his *Sistine Madonna* and *The School of Athens*. With works from all across Europe and over 200 works total, this is poised as a major event. Late March through June.

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

NYC’s queer art museum presents a significant and immersive film-based work by transmedia artist and film-maker Shu Lea Cheang, a major figure in digital art. As with most of her work, Cheang here investigates the everyday realities of transgender existence. Lover Love promises to be a highly interactive experience, with audience members encouraged to interact with the multiple movable screens that display the core footage. Spring 2026 through early 2027.

Leilah Babirye: Reclamation and Defiance

A Boston contemporary art center will feature recent creations from this artist, who was compelled to leave her native Uganda when her identity was revealed as a lesbian in 2015. Babirye is known for deconstructing unconventional materials to make intricate, LGBTQ+-themed assemblages. This exhibition highlights new work based on the concept of same-sex marriage. It extends her ongoing project of employing found items as a symbolic act of defiance. 27 August–18 January 2027.

Taking Back Our Space: Body Language and Power

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 influences unspoken interaction. Wex’s studies spanned art dating back to ancient sculptures. In this presentation, Wex’s findings are both exhibited and put into conversation with the work of modern diverse artists. Fall 2026 into 2027.

Additional Highlights for 2026

Early in the year, a Pacific Northwest institution showcases the evocative shadow-based work of Samantha Yun Wall. Starting 5 March, a prominent gallery is highlighting the work of rising artist an innovative creator. In the summer months, the Crystal Bridges Museum reexamines 80s graffiti artist Keith Haring with a show of his three-dimensional works. Come fall, a Michigan museum presents a collection of the artist's architecture paintings. And also in September, the Phoenix Art Museum displays the vibrant work of artist Kim Chong Hak.