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Spanning Renaissance masters and pop artists, contemporary greats alongside a major Mexican film-maker, galleries as well as institutions across the US are preparing some spectacular shows coming up for 2026.

The Pop Art of Roy Lichtenstein

Announced several years ago in 2023, now just a placeholder listing on The Whitney’s website, this major retrospective of one of the pioneering figures of the Pop Art era carries some pretty heavy expectations. The institution plans to utilize its long-held collection of close to 500 pieces by Lichtenstein, in addition to, presumably, dozens borrowed works from collections globally. Dates to be announced 2026.

Drawn to Venice and Monet and Venice

San Francisco partner museums, one prestigious venue along with deYoung, will focus on the Floating City through two linked shows: one location presents a celebration of the city as a source of artistic inspiration for hundreds of years, and the latter will focus on what the 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 most revered artists for centuries – but he eventually rose to the task, creating some 37 canvases, 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

Celebrating the quarter-century of his massive debut film, *Amores Perros*, filmmaker Alejandro G Iñárritu returns to over 1m ft of film that was left out of the final cut, crafting an art installation that doubles as a love letter to film. Reportedly Iñárritu delved into the vaults to create what he called “a rebirth, not merely a tribute” of a cherished films. It's possible the exhibit will instil some of the hope that pervades Iñárritu’s film despite the hardship he simultaneously documents. 22 February-26 July.

Carol Bove

A major New York museum is dedicating the multidisciplinary sculpture and installation artist a comprehensive retrospective, starting with her initial pieces and moving through to a new series of pieces made from found metal and steel tubing. Drawing from “the 1960s” and minimalism, Bove frequently takes her components directly from the urban landscape, creating fascinating and strange sculptures that have appeared in some of the country’s most notable art spots. Having had major shows in the MoMA and the Palais de Tokyo, Bove’s thirty years of work are ripe for a thorough overview. Early Spring to Summer.

Matisse’s Jazz: Rhythms in Color

Those familiar with the book *The Body Keeps the Score* may recognize French master Henri Matisse’s cut-out *Icarus* – this is actually one of 20 paper compositions that he paired with text and bound into a volume titled *Jazz* in 1947. This spring, Chicago’s Art Institute will display the complete set of Matisse’s cut-paper maquettes – an unprecedented exhibition after 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: Sublime Poetry

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 rarely received a large-scale exhibition on American soil. New York’s Metropolitan Museum aims to rectify that with this landmark show. Raphael is famous for masterpieces like his *Sistine Madonna* and *The School of Athens*. Featuring loans from throughout Europe and over 200 works in all, this is poised as a major event. 29 March–28 June.

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

A New York Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art presents a significant and immersive video installation by Taiwanese-American artist and film-maker Shu Lea Cheang, a major figure in digital art. As with much of her work, Cheang here investigates the daily struggles of transgender existence. Lover Love is designed as a highly interactive piece, with audience members invited to interact with the multiple movable screens that show the central film. 2 April–January 2027.

Leilah Babirye

A Boston contemporary art center will feature 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 known for deconstructing discarded objects to make elaborate, LGBTQ+-themed assemblages. The show highlights recent pieces based on the concept of same-sex marriage. This continues her longstanding practice of employing 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 analyzed how genders are conditioned to use physical space differently, this exhibition investigates how body language shapes unconscious interaction. Wex’s research spanned art as old as 2000 BC. Here, Wex’s findings are displayed and juxtaposed with the work of modern Black, queer, and feminist artists. Fall 2026 into 2027.

And more …

In February, the Seattle Art Museum celebrates the evocative shadow-based work of Samantha Yun Wall. Starting 5 March, a prominent gallery is highlighting the work of up and coming artist Kwamé Azure Gomez. During the summer, the Crystal Bridges Museum revisits iconic pop artist Keith Haring with a show of his sculptural works. Come fall, the Detroit Institute of Arts presents a selection of Georgia O’Keefe’s architecture paintings. Simultaneously, an Arizona venue exhibits the vibrant work of artist Kim Chong Hak.