The Most Exciting US Gallery Shows Coming in 2026

From old masters and contemporary icons, contemporary greats and even a major Latin American director, galleries as well as galleries throughout the United States are preparing a series of dazzling shows on the horizon for 2026.

The Pop Art of Roy Lichtenstein

First revealed several years ago during 2023, now just a placeholder listing at The Whitney’s online schedule, this expansive survey of one of the pioneering figures of the pop art movement comes with some pretty heavy expectations. The museum plans to utilize its long-held collection of nearly 500 works from Lichtenstein, as well as, presumably, dozens borrowed works from collections globally. TBD 2026.

Venetian Visions: From Old Masters to Monet

San Francisco sister institutions, one prestigious venue along with another, will focus on the Floating City through two linked exhibitions: the former museum presents a celebration of the city as a source of artistic inspiration for hundreds of years, and the latter will focus on what impressionist Claude Monet made of the enchanting city of canals. Monet himself was daunted by the prospect of depicting Venice – a theme that had captivated the most revered artists for centuries – yet he ultimately met the challenge, producing some 37 canvases, including the masterpiece *The Grand Canal*. 6 January-2 August and Spring into Summer.

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

Celebrating the quarter-century of his massive first feature, *Amores Perros*, filmmaker Alejandro G Iñárritu revisits more than a million feet of footage that never made it into the released movie, crafting an immersive experience that doubles as a love letter to film. Accounts suggest 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. Perhaps the installation will instil some of the hope that pervades Iñárritu’s film despite the hardship he also chronicles. 22 February-26 July.

Carol Bove

A major New York museum is dedicating the multidisciplinary sculpture and installation creator a major career survey, beginning with her early works and moving all the way up to a fresh series of works fashioned from scrap metal and industrial materials. Inspired by “the 1960s” and Minimalist art, Bove often sources her materials straight from the city environment, creating fascinating and strange constructions that have appeared in some of the country’s most notable art spots. Having had major shows at the MoMA and the Palais de Tokyo, her thirty years of work are ready for a in-depth survey. 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 in fact one of 20 cut-paper works that he paired with text and bound into a volume titled *Jazz* in 1947. This spring, a Midwestern museum will display the complete set of Matisse’s cut-paper maquettes – the first such showing after the museum obtained the works in 1948 – as well as some 50 additional pieces by the artist. These creations were part of a prolific final chapter for Matisse. 7 March-1 June.

Raphael: Sublime Poetry

The great painter and architect Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino is ranked with Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo as the celebrated masters of Renaissance Italy – but he has rarely been honored with a major show on American soil. A premier East Coast institution seeks to change that with this landmark show. Raphael is well-known for masterpieces like his *Sistine Madonna* and *The School of Athens*. Featuring works from all across Europe and over 200 works in all, this promises to be a blockbuster show. 29 March–28 June.

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

NYC’s Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art will host a significant and immersive video installation by transmedia artist and director Shu Lea Cheang, a prominent voice in new media art. In keeping with much of her work, Cheang here explores the everyday realities of transgender existence. The installation promises to be a very engaging experience, with audience members 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 new work from this artist, who was compelled to leave her native Uganda when her identity was revealed as a lesbian in 2015. Babirye is recognized for transforming unconventional materials to make intricate, queer-themed sculptures. The show highlights new work based on the concept of same-sex marriage. It extends her longstanding practice of using found items as a meaningful gesture of defiance. 27 August–18 January 2027.

Taking Back Our Space

Expanding upon the foundational research of west German feminist photographer Marianne Wex, who analyzed how genders are conditioned to inhabit space differently, this show examines how body language shapes unspoken interaction. Wex’s studies included art dating back to ancient sculptures. In this presentation, Wex’s explorations are both exhibited and put into conversation with the work of contemporary diverse artists. Fall 2026 into 2027.

Additional Highlights for 2026

In February, a Pacific Northwest institution showcases the evocative shadow-based work of an emerging artist. Beginning 5 March, a prominent gallery is featuring the work of rising Black artist Kwamé Azure Gomez. During the summer, the Crystal Bridges Museum revisits 80s graffiti artist Keith Haring through a show of his sculptural works. In September, the Detroit Institute of Arts will show a selection of the artist's architecture paintings. Simultaneously, an Arizona venue displays the vibrant work of artist Kim Chong Hak.