Top US Art Exhibitions to Watch in 2026

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Art lovers in the U.S. have plenty to look forward to in 2026. Major exhibitions featuring renowned artists and critical themes are set to take place across various museums and galleries. From retrospectives on Pop Art icons to explorations of contemporary issues, these upcoming shows promise to captivate diverse audiences.

Major Exhibitions in 2026

Roy Lichtenstein Retrospective at the Whitney Museum

The Whitney Museum of American Art will host a retrospective showcasing the work of Pop Art pioneer Roy Lichtenstein. This major exhibition is expected to feature nearly 500 pieces from the museum’s collection, alongside several loans from international institutions. The exhibition’s opening date is yet to be determined for 2026.

Venice and Monet

In San Francisco, the de Young and Legion of Honor museums will present interconnected exhibitions celebrating Venice. The Legion of Honor will focus on the city’s artistic history, while the de Young will highlight Claude Monet’s impressions of Venice. This dual exhibit will run from January 6 to August 2 and March 21 to July 26, respectively. Monet’s connection to Venice includes over 37 paintings, notably “The Grand Canal.”

Alejandro G. Iñárritu’s Sueño Perro

Alejandro G. Iñárritu celebrates the 25th anniversary of his film “Amores Perros” with a unique film installation in 2026. This exhibit, open from February 22 to July 26, will feature over one million feet of film footage never used in the original production. Iñárritu aims to revitalize his narrative through a profound exploration of love and loss.

Career Survey of Carol Bove at the Guggenheim

The Guggenheim will present a comprehensive survey of mixed-media artist Carol Bove’s work from March 5 to August 2. The exhibition will trace her artistic development from early creations to innovative pieces utilizing scrap materials. Bove’s works have been showcased nationally, making this retrospective a significant highlight.

Henri Matisse’s Jazz at the Art Institute of Chicago

From March 7 to June 1, the Art Institute of Chicago will exhibit all 20 paper cut-outs from Henri Matisse’s book “Jazz,” along with 50 additional works. This exhibition marks the first presentation of these cut-paper maquettes since their acquisition in 1948. The collection underscores Matisse’s late-career creativity.

Raphael: Sublime Poetry at the Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Metropolitan Museum of Art is preparing a significant exhibition dedicated to Italian Renaissance master Raphael. Scheduled from March 29 to June 28, the show will feature over 200 works, including famous pieces such as “The School of Athens” and “Sistine Madonna.” This exhibition promises to be an extraordinary opportunity to appreciate Raphael’s genius.

Shu Lea Cheang’s Lover Love

The Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art will present an interactive video installation by Shu Lea Cheang starting April 2 until January 2027. Cheang’s work explores trans life and the complexities faced by gender non-conforming individuals, promising an engaging experience for visitors.

Leilah Babirye’s New Works

New creations by Leilah Babirye will be showcased at the Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston, from August 27 through January 2027. Babirye, who fled Uganda due to her sexual orientation, utilizes reclaimed materials to comment on queer identity and resistance against oppression.

Exploring Gender Language at MoMA

The Museum of Modern Art is set to debut “Taking Back Our Space” on September 20 through Spring 2027. This exhibition addresses how societal norms influence body language and spatial dynamics between genders, connecting historical art with contemporary works by Black, queer, and feminist artists.

Additional Highlights

Seattle Art Museum: Samantha Yun Wall’s silhouette art – February.
Marianne Boesky Gallery: Kwamé Azure Gomez – Starting March 5.
Crystal Bridges Museum: Keith Haring’s 3D works – Summer 2026.
Detroit Institute of Arts: Georgia O’Keeffe’s architectural paintings – September.
Phoenix Art Museum: Kim Chong Hak’s colorful works – September.

As 2026 approaches, these exhibitions promise to enrich the cultural landscape across the United States. From historic masterpieces to contemporary art, visitors will have an abundance of incredible experiences to enjoy throughout the year.