The Most Exciting American Art Exhibitions Arriving in 2026

From Renaissance masters to contemporary icons, modern visionaries alongside a major Mexican director, art museums as well as galleries throughout the United States are preparing a series of dazzling exhibitions coming up in 2026.

The Pop Art of Roy Lichtenstein

First revealed several years ago in 2023, now merely a placeholder listing on The Whitney’s website, this expansive survey of one of the pioneering figures of the pop art movement comes with significant anticipation. The museum plans to utilize its decades-old holdings of nearly 500 works by Lichtenstein, in addition to, presumably, dozens loans from institutions around the world. Dates to be announced 2026.

Drawn to Venice and Monet and Venice

San Francisco sister institutions, one prestigious venue along with deYoung, will be centering Venice through 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 impressionist Claude Monet thought of the romantic city of canals. The artist felt intimidated by the prospect of depicting Venice – a subject that had captivated the most revered artists for hundreds of years – yet he ultimately met the challenge, producing some 37 paintings, among them the masterpiece *The Grand Canal*. Winter through Summer and Spring into Summer.

Sueño Perro: a film installation by Alejandro G Iñárritu

Marking the quarter-century of his massive first feature, *Amores Perros*, director Alejandro G Iñárritu returns to over 1m ft of film that never made it of the final cut, creating an art installation that also serves as a love letter to celluloid. Accounts suggest Iñárritu dug deep into the vaults to create what he called “a rebirth, not merely a tribute” of a cherished films. Perhaps the installation will instil some of the hope that runs through Iñárritu’s film despite the pain he also chronicles. 22 February-26 July.

The Sculptural World of Carol Bove

The Guggenheim is dedicating the multidisciplinary sculptor creator a major career survey, beginning with her early works and progressing through to a fresh series of works made from scrap metal and steel tubing. Drawing from “the 60s” and minimalism, Bove frequently sources her materials directly from the urban landscape, creating intriguing and unusual sculptures that have appeared in prestigious venues. Having had major shows at Museum of Modern Art and a Parisian institution, Bove’s three decades 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 cut-out *Icarus* – this is in fact one of 20 cut-paper works that he combined with text and bound into a volume titled *Jazz* in 1947. This spring, a Midwestern museum will display all 20 of Matisse’s preparatory models – the first such showing after the museum acquired the works in 1948 – as well as around 50 of Matisse’s other works. These creations represented a prolific final chapter for Matisse. March through early Summer.

Raphael: Sublime Poetry

The great painter and architect Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino is ranked with Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo as the renowned masters of the Italian Renaissance – but he has seldom received a large-scale exhibition on US soil. New York’s Metropolitan Museum seeks to change that with this massive exhibition. Raphael is well-known for masterpieces like his *Sistine Madonna* and *The School of Athens*. With loans from throughout Europe and over 200 works in all, this is poised as a blockbuster show. 29 March–28 June.

Shu Lea Cheang: Lover Love

NYC’s queer art museum presents a significant and immersive film-based work by transmedia artist and film-maker Shu Lea Cheang, a major figure in digital art. In keeping with much of her work, Cheang in this piece investigates the daily struggles of trans life. Lover Love promises to be a very engaging experience, with audience members invited to interact with the four moveable screens that show the core footage. 2 April–January 2027.

Leilah Babirye: Reclamation and Defiance

The Institute of Contemporary Art Boston showcases recent creations from this artist, who was compelled to leave her native Uganda when her identity was revealed as a lesbian in 2015. Babirye is known for deconstructing discarded objects to make elaborate, queer-themed sculptures. The show highlights new work based on the concept of same-sex marriage. This continues her longstanding practice of using reclaimed materials as a meaningful gesture of resistance. 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 analyzed how genders are socialized to use physical space differently, this show investigates how body language shapes unconscious interaction. Wex’s studies included art dating back to 2000 BC. In this presentation, Wex’s findings are displayed and juxtaposed with the work of contemporary Black, queer, and feminist artists. Fall 2026 into 2027.

And more …

Early in the year, the Seattle Art Museum showcases the haunting shadow-based work of Samantha Yun Wall. Beginning 5 March, an art gallery is highlighting the work of rising artist Kwamé Azure Gomez. During the summer, an Arkansas museum reexamines iconic pop artist Keith Haring through a show of his sculptural works. In September, a Michigan museum presents a selection of the artist's architectural studies. And also in September, the Phoenix Art Museum exhibits the vibrant work of artist Kim Chong Hak.