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From old masters to contemporary icons, modern visionaries and even a major Latin American film-maker, galleries as well as institutions throughout the United States are preparing some spectacular shows on the horizon for 2026.

The Pop Art of Roy Lichtenstein

First revealed several years ago in 2023, now merely a placeholder listing at The Whitney’s website, this expansive survey of a central creators of the Pop Art era comes with significant anticipation. The institution will be drawing on its long-held collection of close to 500 pieces from Lichtenstein, in addition to, one would imagine, numerous borrowed works from collections around the world. Dates to be announced 2026.

Drawn to Venice and Monet and Venice

San Francisco partner museums, one prestigious venue and another, will focus on the Floating City with two interconnected shows: one location will offer a celebration of the city as an engine of high art for hundreds of years, while the other will focus on what 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 – yet he ultimately met the challenge, creating approximately 37 canvases, among them the masterpiece *The Grand Canal*. 6 January-2 August and 21 March-26 July.

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

Marking the 25th anniversary of his groundbreaking debut film, *Amores Perros*, filmmaker Alejandro G Iñárritu revisits over 1m ft of footage that was left out of the final cut, creating an immersive experience that doubles as a homage to film. Reportedly the director delved into the vaults to create what he described as “a rebirth, not merely a tribute” of one of his most beloved films. Perhaps the exhibit will instil some of the hope that pervades Iñárritu’s film in spite of the pain he simultaneously documents. 22 February-26 July.

Carol Bove

A major New York museum will give the mixed media sculptor creator a major career survey, beginning with her initial pieces and moving through to a fresh collection of works made from scrap metal and steel tubing. Drawing from “the 1960s” and Minimalist art, Bove frequently sources her materials straight from the urban landscape, producing intriguing and unusual constructions that have been displayed in prestigious art spots. Having had major shows in Museum of Modern Art and a Parisian institution, Bove’s thirty years of creation are ready for a thorough overview. 5 March–2 August.

Matisse’s Jazz: Rhythms in Color

Those familiar with a certain publication *The Body Keeps the Score* will be familiar with French master Henri Matisse’s papercut *Icarus* – it’s in fact one of 20 paper compositions that he paired with text and bound into a volume titled *Jazz* in 1947. In the coming season, Chicago’s Art Institute will display the complete set of Matisse’s preparatory models – the first such showing after the museum acquired the works in 1948 – as well as around 50 additional pieces by the artist. These creations represented a late stage flowering for Matisse. 7 March-1 June.

Raphael: Master of the Renaissance

The great artist Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino is ranked with Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo as the renowned masters of Renaissance Italy – but he has seldom been honored with a large-scale exhibition on US soil. A premier East Coast institution seeks to change that with this landmark show. Raphael is well-known for iconic works like his *Sistine Madonna* and *The School of Athens*. Featuring loans 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

A New York queer art museum presents a significant and immersive film-based work by Taiwanese-American artist and director Shu Lea Cheang, a major figure in new media art. In keeping with most of her work, Cheang in this piece explores the daily struggles of transgender existence. The installation promises to be a highly interactive piece, with visitors invited to play around with the multiple movable screens that display the central film. Spring 2026 through early 2027.

Leilah Babirye: Reclamation and Defiance

The Institute of Contemporary Art Boston showcases recent creations from this artist, who was forced to flee her native Uganda when her identity was revealed as a lesbian in 2015. Babirye is known for transforming discarded objects to make elaborate, LGBTQ+-themed assemblages. The show highlights recent pieces based on the theme of same-sex marriage. It extends her ongoing project of using found items as a meaningful gesture of defiance. Late Summer 2026 into early 2027.

Taking Back Our Space

Expanding upon the pioneering work 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 displayed and juxtaposed with the work of contemporary Black, queer, and feminist artists. 20 September–Spring 2027.

And more …

In February, a Pacific Northwest institution showcases the evocative silhouette art of Samantha Yun Wall. Starting 5 March, an art gallery is featuring the work of rising Black artist an innovative creator. During the summer, the Crystal Bridges Museum reexamines iconic pop artist Keith Haring through a show of his three-dimensional works. In September, a Michigan museum presents a selection of the artist's architectural studies. Simultaneously, an Arizona venue displays the colorful work of artist Kim Chong Hak.