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Spanning Renaissance masters and contemporary icons, contemporary greats alongside a renowned Mexican director, galleries as well as institutions throughout the US are preparing some dazzling shows coming up in 2026.

The Pop Art of Roy Lichtenstein

First revealed all the way back in 2023, and currently just a placeholder listing on The Whitney’s website, this expansive survey of a central creators of the Pop Art era comes with some pretty heavy expectations. The museum plans to utilize its long-held holdings of close to 500 works by Lichtenstein, as well as, presumably, dozens loans from institutions globally. Dates to be announced 2026.

Drawn to Venice and Monet and Venice

San Francisco sister institutions, the Legion of Honor and another, will be centering Venice with two linked shows: one location presents a celebration of the city as a source 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 felt intimidated by the challenge of painting Venice – a theme that had captivated the world’s most esteemed artists for centuries – but he eventually met the challenge, 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

Marking the quarter-century of his massive first feature, *Amores Perros*, director Alejandro G Iñárritu returns to more than a million feet of footage that was left out of the final cut, crafting 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 a cherished films. Perhaps the installation will evoke a sense of optimism that pervades Iñárritu’s film in spite of the pain he simultaneously documents. 22 February-26 July.

The Sculptural World of Carol Bove

The Guggenheim will give the multidisciplinary sculpture and installation creator a major career survey, beginning with her initial pieces and moving through to a new collection of pieces made from found metal and steel tubing. Inspired by “the 60s” and Minimalist art, Bove frequently sources her materials directly from the city environment, producing fascinating and strange constructions that have been displayed in prestigious art spots. With major shows at the MoMA and a Parisian institution, Bove’s three decades of work are ready for a thorough survey. Early Spring to Summer.

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

Anyone familiar with a certain publication *The Body Keeps the Score* will be familiar with French master Henri Matisse’s cut-out *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, a Midwestern museum exhibits all 20 of Matisse’s preparatory models – the first such showing since the museum obtained the works in 1948 – plus around 50 of Matisse’s other works. These creations represented a late stage flowering for Matisse. 7 March-1 June.

Raphael: Master of the Renaissance

Italian master artist Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino stood alongside Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo as the renowned masters of Renaissance Italy – yet he has seldom been honored with a large-scale exhibition on American soil. A premier East Coast institution aims to rectify that with this landmark show. Raphael is famous for masterpieces like his *Sistine Madonna* and *The School of Athens*. With works from all across Europe and over 200 works in all, this promises to be a blockbuster show. Late March through June.

Shu Lea Cheang: Lover Love

A New York Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art presents a significant and immersive film-based work by transmedia artist and director Shu Lea Cheang, a major figure in new media art. As with most of her work, Cheang in this piece investigates the daily struggles of trans life. Lover Love promises to be a very engaging piece, with visitors invited to interact with the multiple movable screens that display the central film. 2 April–January 2027.

Leilah Babirye

The Institute of Contemporary Art Boston will feature new work from this artist, who was compelled to leave her home country of Uganda after being outed as a lesbian in 2015. Babirye is recognized for deconstructing discarded objects to make elaborate, queer-themed assemblages. The show showcases recent pieces based on the concept of queer weddings. This continues her ongoing project of using reclaimed materials as a meaningful gesture of defiance. 27 August–18 January 2027.

Taking Back Our Space: Body Language and Power

Building on the pioneering work of west German feminist photographer Marianne Wex, who studied how genders are socialized to inhabit space differently, this show examines how body language shapes unconscious interaction. Wex’s studies included art dating back to ancient sculptures. In this presentation, Wex’s explorations are both exhibited and juxtaposed with the work of contemporary Black, queer, and feminist artists. Fall 2026 into 2027.

And more …

In February, the Seattle Art Museum showcases the evocative shadow-based work of Samantha Yun Wall. Starting 5 March, a prominent gallery is featuring the work of up and coming artist an innovative creator. During the summer, the Crystal Bridges Museum reexamines iconic pop artist Keith Haring with a show of his sculptural works. Come fall, a Michigan museum presents a selection of Georgia O’Keefe’s architectural studies. And also in September, the Phoenix Art Museum displays the colorful work of South Korean painter Kim Chong Hak.