The Most Exciting American Gallery Shows Arriving in 2026

Spanning old masters and pop artists, modern visionaries alongside a renowned Latin American film-maker, art museums and institutions across the US have a series of spectacular exhibitions coming up in 2026.

The Pop Art of Roy Lichtenstein

First revealed several years ago in 2023, and currently merely a placeholder listing on The Whitney’s website, 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 holdings of close to 500 works by Lichtenstein, as well as, one would imagine, numerous loans from institutions globally. Dates to be announced 2026.

Venetian Visions: From Old Masters to Monet

San Francisco sister institutions, one prestigious venue along with another, will be centering the Floating City with two linked shows: one location presents 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. Monet himself was daunted by the challenge of painting Venice – a subject that had inspired the world’s most esteemed artists for centuries – but he eventually rose to the task, producing some 37 canvases, including the masterpiece *The Grand Canal*. 6 January-2 August and 21 March-26 July.

Sueño Perro: a film installation by Alejandro G Iñárritu

Marking the 25th anniversary of his massive first feature, *Amores Perros*, filmmaker Alejandro G Iñárritu revisits over 1m ft of film that was left out of the released movie, crafting an art installation that doubles as a love letter to celluloid. Accounts suggest Iñárritu delved into the archives 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 runs through Iñárritu’s film despite the hardship he also chronicles. 22 February-26 July.

Carol Bove

A major New York museum is dedicating the mixed media sculptor artist a major career survey, starting with her initial pieces and moving through to a fresh series of works made from scrap metal and industrial materials. Drawing from “the 60s” and minimalism, Bove frequently sources her components directly from the urban landscape, creating fascinating and strange sculptures that have been displayed in prestigious art spots. With significant exhibitions in the MoMA and a Parisian institution, Bove’s three decades of creation are ripe for a thorough 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* may recognize French master Henri Matisse’s cut-out *Icarus* – this is actually one of 20 paper compositions that he combined with text and published as a volume titled *Jazz* in 1947. This spring, Chicago’s Art Institute exhibits the complete set of Matisse’s preparatory models – the first such showing since the museum acquired the works in 1948 – as well as some 50 additional pieces by the artist. The cut paper works were part of a late stage flowering for Matisse. March through early Summer.

Raphael: Master of the Renaissance

Italian master artist Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino stood alongside Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo as the renowned titans of Renaissance Italy – yet he has seldom been honored with a large-scale exhibition on US soil. A premier East Coast institution aims to rectify that with this massive exhibition. Raphael is well-known for masterpieces like his *Sistine Madonna* and *The School of Athens*. With works from all across Europe and more than 200 works in all, this is poised as a blockbuster show. 29 March–28 June.

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

A New York queer art museum will host a significant and immersive film-based work by transmedia artist and film-maker Shu Lea Cheang, a prominent voice in digital art. In keeping with much of her work, Cheang in this piece explores the daily struggles of transgender existence. The installation promises to be a highly interactive experience, with visitors invited to interact with the four moveable screens that display the central film. Spring 2026 through early 2027.

Leilah Babirye: Reclamation and Defiance

A Boston contemporary art center will feature recent creations from this artist, who was compelled to leave her home country of Uganda when her identity was revealed as a lesbian in 2015. Babirye is recognized for transforming discarded objects to make intricate, LGBTQ+-themed sculptures. This exhibition highlights new work based on the theme of queer weddings. This continues her longstanding practice of employing found items as a symbolic act of defiance. 27 August–18 January 2027.

Taking Back Our Space: Body Language and Power

Building on the foundational research of German feminist photographer Marianne Wex, who studied how men and women are conditioned to inhabit space differently, this show examines how non-verbal communication influences unconscious interaction. Wex’s research included art dating back to ancient sculptures. Here, Wex’s explorations are both exhibited and juxtaposed with the work of contemporary diverse artists. Fall 2026 into 2027.

And more …

In February, the Seattle Art Museum celebrates the haunting shadow-based work of an emerging artist. Starting 5 March, an art gallery is highlighting the work of rising Black artist an innovative creator. In the summer months, the Crystal Bridges Museum revisits 80s graffiti artist Keith Haring through a show of his sculptural works. Come fall, the Detroit Institute of Arts presents a collection of the artist's architectural studies. And also in September, an Arizona venue displays the vibrant work of artist Kim Chong Hak.