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From old masters and pop artists, contemporary greats alongside a major Mexican film-maker, art museums as well as institutions across the United States are preparing some spectacular shows coming up for 2026.

The Pop Art of Roy Lichtenstein

First revealed all the way back during 2023, now merely a mostly empty page on The Whitney’s online schedule, this major retrospective of a central creators of the pop art movement carries significant anticipation. The museum will be drawing on its long-held collection of nearly 500 pieces from Lichtenstein, in addition to, presumably, numerous borrowed works from institutions globally. Dates to be announced 2026.

Venetian Visions: From Old Masters to Monet

San Francisco sister institutions, one prestigious venue and deYoung, will be centering Venice with two linked shows: the former museum presents a exploration of the city as a source of artistic inspiration for hundreds of years, and the latter zooms in on what the Impressionist Claude Monet made of the enchanting city of canals. The artist was daunted by the challenge of painting Venice – a theme that had inspired the world’s most esteemed artists for centuries – yet he ultimately met the challenge, producing some 37 paintings, including the renowned work *The Grand Canal*. 6 January-2 August and Spring into Summer.

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

Celebrating the 25th anniversary of his groundbreaking debut film, *Amores Perros*, director Alejandro G Iñárritu revisits more than 1m ft of film that was left out into the released movie, crafting an art installation that doubles as a love letter to film. Reportedly Iñárritu dug deep into the archives to create what he described as “not a tribute, but a resurrection” of one of his most beloved films. It's possible the exhibit will instil a sense of optimism that runs through Iñárritu’s film in spite of the pain he also chronicles. 22 February-26 July.

The Sculptural World of Carol Bove

A major New York museum is dedicating the multidisciplinary sculpture and installation artist a comprehensive retrospective, beginning with her early works and progressing through to a fresh collection of pieces made from found metal and industrial materials. Inspired by “the 60s” and Minimalist art, Bove often sources her components straight from the urban landscape, producing fascinating and strange sculptures that have been displayed in prestigious venues. With major shows in Museum of Modern Art and the Palais de Tokyo, her thirty years of creation are ripe for a thorough overview. 5 March–2 August.

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

Anyone 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 published as a book titled *Jazz* in 1947. In the coming season, Chicago’s Art Institute will display the complete set of Matisse’s cut-paper maquettes – the first such showing since the museum obtained the works in 1948 – as well as around 50 of Matisse’s other works. These creations represented a prolific final chapter for Matisse. 7 March-1 June.

Raphael: Master of the Renaissance

The great artist Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino is ranked with Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo as the celebrated titans of Renaissance Italy – yet he has rarely been honored with a large-scale exhibition on US soil. A premier East Coast institution aims to rectify that with this landmark show. Raphael is well-known for masterpieces like his *Sistine Madonna* and *The School of Athens*. Featuring loans from throughout Europe and more than 200 works in all, this is poised as a major event. 29 March–28 June.

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

NYC’s Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art presents a significant and immersive video installation by Taiwanese-American artist and director Shu Lea Cheang, a prominent voice in new media art. In keeping with most of her work, Cheang in this piece investigates the everyday realities of trans life. The installation is designed as a very engaging experience, with visitors encouraged to play around with the multiple movable screens that display the core footage. Spring 2026 through early 2027.

Leilah Babirye

A Boston contemporary art center will feature new work 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 known for deconstructing discarded objects to make intricate, queer-themed assemblages. The show showcases new work based on the theme of queer weddings. This continues her ongoing project of employing reclaimed materials 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 men and women are conditioned to use physical space differently, this exhibition examines how body language shapes unconscious interaction. Wex’s research included art as old as ancient sculptures. Here, Wex’s findings are displayed and juxtaposed with the work of contemporary diverse artists. Fall 2026 into 2027.

And more …

Early in the year, the Seattle Art Museum celebrates the evocative shadow-based work of Samantha Yun Wall. Beginning 5 March, a prominent gallery is highlighting the work of rising Black artist Kwamé Azure Gomez. In the summer months, an Arkansas museum reexamines 80s graffiti artist Keith Haring with a show of his sculptural works. In September, a Michigan museum will show a selection of Georgia O’Keefe’s architectural studies. Simultaneously, the Phoenix Art Museum displays the vibrant work of South Korean painter Kim Chong Hak.