Unmissable American Gallery Shows Coming in 2026

From Renaissance masters and pop artists, contemporary greats alongside a renowned Latin American film-maker, galleries and galleries across the United States are preparing some dazzling shows coming up in 2026.

The Pop Art of Roy Lichtenstein

Announced all the way back in 2023, and currently merely a mostly empty page at The Whitney’s online schedule, this major retrospective of one of the pioneering figures of the pop art movement carries some pretty heavy anticipation. The institution will be drawing on its decades-old collection of nearly 500 pieces by Lichtenstein, in addition to, one would imagine, dozens loans from collections around the world. Dates to be announced 2026.

Venetian Visions: From Old Masters to Monet

San Francisco sister institutions, one prestigious venue and deYoung, will be centering the Floating City with two linked exhibitions: the former museum will offer a exploration of the city as an engine of artistic inspiration throughout the centuries, and the latter will focus on what impressionist Claude Monet made of the enchanting city of canals. The artist was daunted 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 approximately 37 canvases, including the masterpiece *The Grand Canal*. Winter through Summer and Spring into Summer.

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

Marking the 25th anniversary of his groundbreaking first feature, *Amores Perros*, filmmaker Alejandro G Iñárritu revisits more than 1m ft of footage that never made it of the released movie, crafting an art installation that also serves as a homage to film. Reportedly Iñárritu dug deep into the vaults to create what he called “a rebirth, not merely a tribute” of one of his most beloved films. It's possible the exhibit will evoke a sense of optimism that runs through Iñárritu’s film despite the hardship he also chronicles. Late Winter through Summer.

The Sculptural World of Carol Bove

The Guggenheim is dedicating the multidisciplinary sculpture and installation artist a comprehensive retrospective, beginning with her early works and progressing through to a fresh collection of works fashioned from found metal and steel tubing. Drawing from “the 60s” and minimalism, Bove often sources her components straight from the city environment, producing intriguing and unusual constructions that have been displayed in prestigious art spots. With major shows at the MoMA and the Palais de Tokyo, her three decades of creation are ripe for a in-depth overview. Early Spring to Summer.

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

Those who know a certain publication *The Body Keeps the Score* will be familiar with French master Henri Matisse’s papercut *Icarus* – it’s actually one of 20 paper compositions that he paired with text and published as a volume titled *Jazz* in 1947. This spring, Chicago’s Art Institute will display all 20 of Matisse’s cut-paper maquettes – the first such showing since the museum obtained the works in 1948 – as well as around 50 additional pieces by the artist. These creations represented a late stage flowering for Matisse. 7 March-1 June.

Raphael: Sublime Poetry

Italian master artist Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino is ranked with Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo as the celebrated masters of the Italian Renaissance – yet he has seldom been honored with a large-scale exhibition on American soil. A premier East Coast institution aims to rectify that with this massive exhibition. Raphael is well-known for iconic works like his *Sistine Madonna* and *The School of Athens*. Featuring works from all across Europe and over 200 works total, this promises to be a major event. 29 March–28 June.

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

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 new media art. In keeping with most of her work, Cheang here explores the daily struggles of trans life. The installation is designed as a highly interactive experience, with audience members invited to play around with the multiple movable screens that show the central film. Spring 2026 through early 2027.

Leilah Babirye

The Institute of Contemporary Art Boston showcases recent creations from this artist, who was compelled to leave her home country of Uganda after being outed as a lesbian in 2015. Babirye is known for deconstructing discarded objects to make intricate, queer-themed sculptures. The show showcases recent pieces based on the concept of same-sex marriage. This continues her longstanding practice of using reclaimed materials as a symbolic act of defiance. Late Summer 2026 into early 2027.

Taking Back Our Space

Expanding upon the foundational research of west German feminist photographer Marianne Wex, who analyzed how men and women are conditioned to inhabit space differently, this show examines how body language influences unconscious interaction. Wex’s studies included art as old as ancient sculptures. Here, Wex’s findings are both exhibited and put into conversation with the work of modern Black, queer, and feminist artists. Fall 2026 into 2027.

Additional Highlights for 2026

In February, a Pacific Northwest institution showcases the evocative shadow-based work of Samantha Yun Wall. Starting 5 March, a prominent gallery is highlighting the work of rising Black artist an innovative creator. During the summer, an Arkansas museum reexamines 80s graffiti artist Keith Haring with a show of his sculptural works. In September, the Detroit Institute of Arts will show a selection of Georgia O’Keefe’s architecture paintings. Simultaneously, an Arizona venue displays the colorful work of South Korean painter Kim Chong Hak.