Art enthusiasts can look forward to an exciting year in 2026, filled with significant museum openings, biennials, and major exhibitions. This year promises a diverse array of art events, making it a pivotal time for culture and creativity globally.
Upcoming Museum Openings in 2026
- Guggenheim Abu Dhabi: Opening date to be confirmed.
- V&A East: Opening on April 18.
- Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA): Set to open in April.
- Lucas Museum of Narrative Art: Launching on September 22.
- Dataland, Los Angeles: Opening in spring.
- New Museum, New York: Opening date to be confirmed.
Major Biennials to Attend
- Venice Biennale: Titled “In Minor Keys,” running from May 9 to November 22.
- Arthur Jafa and Richard Prince – Helter Skelter: At Fondazione Prada, Venice, from May 9 to November 22.
- Marina Abramović – Transforming Energy: At Gallerie dell’Accademia, Venice, from May 6 to October 19.
- Whitney Biennial: Opening on March 8.
- Greater New York 2026: At MoMA PS1, April 16 to August 17.
Exciting Art Exhibitions Scheduled
- Gainsborough: The Fashion of Portraiture: At the Frick Collection, February 12 to May 11.
- Raphael: Sublime Poetry: At the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, March 29 to June 28.
- Zurbarán: At the National Gallery, London, May 2 to August 23.
- Michaelina Wautier: Royal Academy of Arts, March 27 to June 21.
- James McNeill Whistler: At Tate Britain, May 21 to September 27.
- Seurat and the Sea: Courtauld Gallery, February 13 to May 17.
- Hilma af Klint: Grand Palais, May 6 to August 30.
- Mary Cassatt: National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC, February 14 to August 30.
- Ana Mendieta: Tate Modern, London, July 9 to January 10, 2027.
Additional Notable Events
The 2026 art scene will also highlight exhibitions such as:
- Modern Iran and the Avant-Gardes (1948-78) – Vancouver Art Gallery: December 11 to May 2, 2027.
- Carol Bove – Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York: March 5 to August 2.
- Tracey Emin: A Second Life – February 26 to August 31.
In partnership with The Art Newspaper, this guide offers a comprehensive view of the year’s unmissable art events, essential for anyone wishing to explore the rich tapestry of culture in 2026.
