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From Renaissance masters and contemporary icons, modern visionaries alongside a renowned Latin American film-maker, galleries as well as institutions throughout the United States have a series of dazzling shows coming up in 2026.

Roy Lichtenstein

Announced several years ago in 2023, and currently just a mostly empty page at a major museum's website, this expansive survey of a central creators of the Pop Art era carries significant anticipation. The museum plans to utilize its long-held holdings of close to 500 pieces by Lichtenstein, as well as, one would imagine, dozens borrowed works from collections around the world. Dates to be announced 2026.

Drawn to Venice and Monet and Venice

Bay Area sister institutions, the Legion of Honor and another, will focus on the Floating City with two interconnected shows: the former museum presents a exploration of the city as a source of artistic inspiration throughout the centuries, and the latter zooms in on what the Impressionist Claude Monet thought of the enchanting city of canals. Monet himself felt intimidated by the prospect of painting Venice – a subject that had inspired the world’s most esteemed artists for centuries – but he eventually rose to the task, producing approximately 37 canvases, among them the masterpiece *The Grand Canal*. 6 January-2 August and Spring into Summer.

Sueño Perro: a film installation by Alejandro G Iñárritu

Celebrating the 25th anniversary of his massive debut film, *Amores Perros*, director Alejandro G Iñárritu revisits over a million feet of film that was left out of the final cut, creating an art installation that also serves as a homage to celluloid. Reportedly Iñárritu dug deep into the archives to create what he called “a rebirth, not merely a tribute” 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 mixed media sculpture and installation artist a major career survey, beginning with her initial pieces and progressing through to a new series of works fashioned from scrap metal and steel tubing. Inspired by “the 60s” and minimalism, Bove frequently sources her components directly from the urban landscape, creating intriguing and unusual constructions that have appeared in some of the country’s most notable art spots. Having had major shows at the MoMA and a Parisian institution, her thirty years of creation are ready for a in-depth overview. 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* – this is actually one of 20 cut-paper works that he paired with text and published as a book titled *Jazz* in 1947. This spring, a Midwestern museum will display the complete set of Matisse’s preparatory models – an unprecedented exhibition after the museum acquired 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. 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 celebrated masters of Renaissance Italy – but he has seldom received a major show on US soil. New York’s Metropolitan Museum aims to rectify that with this landmark show. Raphael is famous for iconic works like his *Sistine Madonna* and *The School of Athens*. Featuring loans from throughout Europe and more than 200 works total, this is poised as a blockbuster show. Late March through June.

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

NYC’s Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art presents a major, large-scale video installation by Taiwanese-American artist and director Shu Lea Cheang, a prominent voice in digital art. As with much of her work, Cheang here explores the everyday realities of trans life. Lover Love promises to be a highly interactive piece, with visitors invited to interact with the four moveable screens that display the core footage. Spring 2026 through early 2027.

Leilah Babirye

A Boston contemporary art center showcases new work from this artist, who was forced to flee 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 new work based on the concept of same-sex marriage. This continues her longstanding practice of employing reclaimed materials as a meaningful gesture of defiance. Late Summer 2026 into early 2027.

Taking Back Our Space: Body Language and Power

Expanding upon the foundational research of German feminist photographer Marianne Wex, who studied how men and women are socialized to use physical space differently, this show investigates how body language shapes unconscious interaction. Wex’s research included art as old as 2000 BC. In this presentation, Wex’s findings are both exhibited and juxtaposed with the work of contemporary Black, queer, and feminist artists. Fall 2026 into 2027.

And more …

Early in the year, a Pacific Northwest institution showcases the evocative silhouette art of Samantha Yun Wall. Beginning 5 March, a prominent gallery is highlighting the work of up and coming artist an innovative creator. In the summer months, an Arkansas museum reexamines iconic pop artist Keith Haring with a show of his sculptural works. In September, a Michigan museum will show a selection of the artist's architectural studies. Simultaneously, an Arizona venue exhibits the colorful work of South Korean painter Kim Chong Hak.