Explore 2026’s Must-See Art Exhibitions: Duchamp in NYC, Baldessari in Beijing
As the art world gears up for 2026, several major exhibitions are set to captivate audiences with groundbreaking works and significant retrospectives. Highlights include Paul Cezanne’s later masterpieces in Basel, Marcel Duchamp’s influential creations in New York, and John Baldessari’s conceptual artistry in Beijing. These events reflect a diverse range of artistic expressions, celebrating both historical and contemporary figures in the art scene.
Must-See Art Exhibitions for 2026
Cezanne at Fondation Beyeler, Basel
From January 25 to May 25, 2026, Fondation Beyeler in Basel will showcase a compelling exhibition titled “Cezanne.” This retrospective focuses on the later works of Paul Cezanne, known as the “father of modern art.” Featuring approximately 60 oil paintings and 20 watercolours, the exhibition marks 120 years since the artist’s death.
Many pieces will come from private collections, providing a rare opportunity to view Cezanne’s works, including the notable Pommes et oranges and an oil study of The Bathers, sold for €2.3 million at auction. The exhibition will also explore Cezanne’s unique approach to perspective and his departure from Impressionism, establishing him as a key figure in 20th-century Modernism.
Duchamp’s Revolutionary Art at MoMA, NYC
The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York will present a major survey of Marcel Duchamp’s work from April 12 to August 22, 2026. This exhibition is significant as it marks the first major showcase of Duchamp’s art in the U.S. since 1973.
Among about 300 pieces on display will be his renowned urinal, Fountain, which revolutionized artistic paradigms. The exhibition aims to highlight Duchamp’s role in redefining the spectator’s relationship to art. Curators emphasize that Duchamp’s influence continues to resonate, prompting fresh interpretations of his work in a contemporary context.
Baldessari’s Conceptual Strategies in Beijing
Opening on September 19, 2026, the UCCA Center for Contemporary Art in Beijing will host the first exhibition of John Baldessari in China, running until January 3, 2027. This retrospective will cover five decades of Baldessari’s innovative approach, highlighting his boundary-pushing in the realm of conceptual art.
This exhibition will delve into Baldessari’s evolution from painting to exploring the interplay of images and texts. It aims to contextualize his influence on contemporary art, particularly within Chinese artistic discourses.
Conclusion
The planned exhibitions in 2026 promise to enrich the global art landscape. Through historical retrospectives and contemporary analyses, these events will showcase the enduring impact of iconic artists such as Cezanne, Duchamp, and Baldessari. Art enthusiasts around the world should mark their calendars for these extraordinary opportunities to engage with groundbreaking works and ideas in the art community.
