Unmissable American Art Exhibitions Coming in 2026

From Renaissance masters and contemporary icons, contemporary greats alongside a renowned Mexican film-maker, art museums as well as galleries throughout the United States have a series of spectacular shows coming up for 2026.

Roy Lichtenstein

Announced all the way back in 2023, now merely a mostly empty page on a major museum's website, this expansive survey of one of the pioneering figures of the Pop Art era comes with some pretty heavy anticipation. The museum plans to utilize its decades-old collection of close to 500 pieces from Lichtenstein, as well as, one would imagine, dozens borrowed works from institutions around the world. Dates to be announced 2026.

Drawn to Venice and Monet and Venice

San Francisco partner museums, the Legion of Honor and another, will be centering Venice with two linked exhibitions: one location will offer 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 was daunted by the prospect of painting Venice – a theme that had captivated the most revered artists for centuries – but he eventually rose to the task, producing approximately 37 canvases, including the renowned work *The Grand Canal*. Winter through Summer and Spring into Summer.

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

Celebrating the 25th anniversary of his massive debut film, *Amores Perros*, filmmaker Alejandro G Iñárritu returns to over 1m ft of footage that was left out into the released movie, crafting an art installation that also serves as a homage to film. Accounts suggest the director delved into the archives to create what he described as “a rebirth, not merely a tribute” of one of his most beloved films. It's possible the installation will evoke some of the hope that pervades Iñárritu’s film despite the hardship he also chronicles. 22 February-26 July.

Carol Bove

The Guggenheim is dedicating the multidisciplinary sculptor artist a major career survey, beginning with her early works and progressing through to a fresh collection of works fashioned from scrap metal and industrial materials. Inspired by “the 60s” and minimalism, Bove frequently sources her components straight from the urban landscape, producing fascinating and strange constructions that have been displayed in prestigious art spots. With significant exhibitions in Museum of Modern Art and a Parisian institution, Bove’s three decades of creation are ready for a in-depth overview. Early Spring to Summer.

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

Those familiar with a certain publication *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 bound into a volume titled *Jazz* in 1947. In the coming season, a Midwestern museum exhibits all 20 of Matisse’s cut-paper maquettes – an unprecedented exhibition after the museum acquired the works in 1948 – plus around 50 of Matisse’s other works. The cut paper works were part of 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 celebrated masters of Renaissance Italy – but he has seldom received a large-scale exhibition on US soil. A premier East Coast institution aims to rectify that with this landmark show. Raphael is famous for iconic works like his *Sistine Madonna* and *The School of Athens*. With works from throughout Europe and over 200 works total, this is poised as a blockbuster show. Late March through June.

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

A New York queer art museum presents a major, large-scale video installation by transmedia artist and director Shu Lea Cheang, a prominent voice in digital art. As with most of her work, Cheang here investigates the daily struggles of trans life. The installation is designed as a very engaging experience, with visitors encouraged to play around with the four moveable screens that display the central film. Spring 2026 through early 2027.

Leilah Babirye

A Boston contemporary art center 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 deconstructing discarded objects to make elaborate, queer-themed assemblages. This exhibition highlights new work based on the concept of same-sex marriage. It extends her ongoing project of using found items as a meaningful gesture of resistance. 27 August–18 January 2027.

Taking Back Our Space

Expanding upon the foundational research of German feminist photographer Marianne Wex, who analyzed how genders are conditioned to use physical space differently, this show examines how body language influences unconscious interaction. Wex’s research spanned art dating back to 2000 BC. Here, Wex’s explorations are both exhibited and put into conversation with the work of contemporary diverse artists. Fall 2026 into 2027.

And more …

In February, the Seattle Art Museum celebrates the evocative silhouette art of an emerging artist. Beginning 5 March, a prominent gallery is highlighting the work of up and coming artist Kwamé Azure Gomez. During the summer, an Arkansas museum revisits iconic pop artist Keith Haring with a show of his three-dimensional works. Come fall, the Detroit Institute of Arts presents a collection of Georgia O’Keefe’s architecture paintings. And also in September, an Arizona venue exhibits the vibrant work of South Korean painter Kim Chong Hak.