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Spanning Renaissance masters to pop artists, modern visionaries alongside a major Mexican film-maker, galleries as well as institutions across the United States are preparing some dazzling exhibitions on the horizon for 2026.

The Pop Art of Roy Lichtenstein

Announced several years ago during 2023, now merely a mostly empty page at The Whitney’s website, this expansive survey of a pioneering figures of the pop art movement carries some pretty heavy expectations. The institution plans to utilize its long-held holdings of nearly 500 pieces by Lichtenstein, in addition to, one would imagine, dozens borrowed works from collections globally. Dates to be announced 2026.

Drawn to Venice and Monet and Venice

Bay Area sister institutions, one prestigious venue along with another, will be centering the Floating City with two interconnected exhibitions: the former museum presents a celebration of the city as an engine of artistic inspiration for hundreds of years, and the latter zooms in on what the Impressionist Claude Monet made of the enchanting city of canals. Monet himself felt intimidated by the challenge of depicting Venice – a theme that had captivated the world’s most esteemed artists for centuries – yet he ultimately rose to the task, producing approximately 37 paintings, including the renowned work *The Grand Canal*. Winter through Summer and Spring into Summer.

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

Celebrating the 25th anniversary of his massive debut film, *Amores Perros*, director Alejandro G Iñárritu returns to over a million feet of film that was left out of the released movie, creating an art installation that also serves as a love letter to celluloid. Accounts suggest Iñárritu delved into the vaults to create what he described as “not a tribute, but a resurrection” of one of his most beloved films. Perhaps the exhibit will evoke some of the hope that runs through Iñárritu’s film despite the hardship he also chronicles. Late Winter through Summer.

Carol Bove

A major New York museum is dedicating the multidisciplinary sculpture and installation artist a comprehensive retrospective, beginning with her early works and progressing through to a new series of works made from scrap metal and industrial materials. Drawing from “the 60s” and minimalism, Bove often sources her materials straight from the urban landscape, producing intriguing and unusual constructions that have appeared in some of the country’s most notable art spots. With major shows in the MoMA and the Palais de Tokyo, Bove’s three decades of work are ripe for a in-depth survey. 5 March–2 August.

Matisse’s Jazz: Rhythms in Color

Anyone who know the book *The Body Keeps the Score* will be familiar with French master Henri Matisse’s papercut *Icarus* – it’s actually one of 20 paper compositions that he combined with text and published as a volume titled *Jazz* in 1947. This spring, a Midwestern museum will display the complete set of Matisse’s preparatory models – the first such showing since the museum obtained the works in 1948 – plus some 50 of Matisse’s other works. These creations represented a prolific final chapter 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 titans of Renaissance Italy – but he has rarely received a major show on US soil. A premier East Coast institution aims to rectify that with this massive exhibition. Raphael is well-known for masterpieces 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 major event. 29 March–28 June.

Shu Lea Cheang: Lover Love

NYC’s queer art museum will host a significant and immersive film-based work by Taiwanese-American artist and film-maker Shu Lea Cheang, a major figure in digital art. In keeping with most of her work, Cheang here explores the everyday realities of trans life. Lover Love promises to be a highly interactive experience, with visitors invited to play around with the four moveable screens that display the core footage. Spring 2026 through early 2027.

Leilah Babirye: Reclamation and Defiance

The Institute of Contemporary Art Boston showcases recent creations 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 highlights new work based on the concept of same-sex marriage. This continues her ongoing project of using found items as a meaningful gesture of defiance. 27 August–18 January 2027.

Taking Back Our Space

Building on the foundational research of west German feminist photographer Marianne Wex, who studied how genders are socialized to use physical space differently, this show examines how non-verbal communication shapes unspoken interaction. Wex’s studies included art as old as 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 haunting silhouette art of an emerging artist. Beginning 5 March, an art gallery is featuring the work of up and coming Black artist Kwamé Azure Gomez. In the summer months, an Arkansas museum revisits iconic pop artist Keith Haring with a show of his three-dimensional works. Come fall, a Michigan museum will show a selection of Georgia O’Keefe’s architecture paintings. And also in September, an Arizona venue exhibits the vibrant work of South Korean painter Kim Chong Hak.