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Spanning old masters to contemporary icons, modern visionaries and even a renowned Latin American film-maker, art museums and institutions throughout the United States are preparing a series of dazzling shows on the horizon in 2026.

Roy Lichtenstein

Announced several years ago during 2023, now merely a placeholder listing at a major museum's online schedule, this expansive survey of one of the pioneering figures of the Pop Art era carries significant expectations. The institution plans to utilize its decades-old collection of nearly 500 pieces from Lichtenstein, in addition to, one would imagine, dozens loans from collections globally. Dates to be announced 2026.

Drawn to Venice and Monet and Venice

Bay Area sister institutions, one prestigious venue along with deYoung, will focus on the Floating City with two linked shows: the former museum will offer a exploration of the city as an engine of high art throughout the centuries, and the latter will focus on what impressionist Claude Monet made of the enchanting city of canals. Monet himself was daunted by the prospect of painting Venice – a theme that had captivated the world’s most esteemed artists for hundreds of years – but he eventually rose to the task, producing some 37 paintings, among them 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 25th anniversary of his groundbreaking first feature, *Amores Perros*, director Alejandro G Iñárritu returns to more than a million feet of footage that never made it of the final cut, crafting an art installation that doubles as a homage to film. Reportedly Iñárritu 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 installation will instil a sense of optimism that pervades Iñárritu’s film in spite of the hardship he simultaneously documents. 22 February-26 July.

Carol Bove

The Guggenheim will give the multidisciplinary sculptor artist a comprehensive retrospective, beginning with her early works and progressing through to a new series of pieces fashioned from scrap metal and steel tubing. Drawing from “the 60s” and minimalism, Bove frequently sources her components directly from the city environment, producing intriguing and unusual sculptures that have appeared in some of the country’s most notable venues. Having had major shows in the MoMA and a Parisian institution, Bove’s thirty years of creation are ripe for a thorough survey. Early Spring to Summer.

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

Anyone familiar with the book *The Body Keeps the Score* may recognize French master Henri Matisse’s papercut *Icarus* – this is actually one of 20 paper compositions that he combined with text and published as a book titled *Jazz* in 1947. In the coming season, Chicago’s Art Institute exhibits the complete set of Matisse’s preparatory models – an unprecedented exhibition since the museum acquired the works in 1948 – plus some 50 of Matisse’s other works. The cut paper works represented a prolific final chapter for Matisse. March through early Summer.

Raphael: Sublime Poetry

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 large-scale exhibition on US soil. A premier East Coast institution seeks to change that with this landmark show. Raphael is well-known for masterpieces like his *Sistine Madonna* and *The School of Athens*. With works from throughout Europe and more than 200 works in all, this promises to be a blockbuster show. 29 March–28 June.

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

A New York Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art presents a major, large-scale video installation by transmedia artist and director Shu Lea Cheang, a prominent voice in digital art. In keeping with much of her work, Cheang here investigates the everyday realities of transgender existence. The installation is designed as a highly interactive piece, with audience members encouraged to interact 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 forced to flee her native Uganda when her identity was revealed as a lesbian in 2015. Babirye is known for transforming unconventional materials to make elaborate, queer-themed assemblages. The show highlights recent pieces based on the concept of queer weddings. It extends her longstanding practice of employing found items as a meaningful gesture of resistance. Late Summer 2026 into early 2027.

Taking Back Our Space: Body Language and Power

Expanding upon the pioneering work of west German feminist photographer Marianne Wex, who analyzed how men and women are socialized to use physical space differently, this show investigates how body language influences unspoken interaction. Wex’s research spanned art as old as ancient sculptures. In this presentation, Wex’s findings are displayed and put into conversation with the work of modern diverse artists. 20 September–Spring 2027.

And more …

Early in the year, a Pacific Northwest institution celebrates the evocative shadow-based work of an emerging artist. Beginning 5 March, an art gallery is featuring the work of rising artist Kwamé Azure Gomez. During the summer, an Arkansas museum reexamines 80s graffiti artist Keith Haring through a show of his sculptural works. Come fall, a Michigan museum presents a collection of Georgia O’Keefe’s architecture paintings. Simultaneously, an Arizona venue exhibits the vibrant work of artist Kim Chong Hak.