US Art Exhibitions to Watch in 2026: A Year of Unbridled Creativity
The art world is abuzz with excitement as some of the most celebrated artists take center stage at museums and galleries across the United States. From pop art icons to contemporary visionaries, this year promises to be a wild ride for art enthusiasts.
First up is a major retrospective of Roy Lichtenstein, one of the pioneers of the pop art movement. The Whitney Museum will delve into its extensive collection of nearly 500 pieces by Lichtenstein, as well as loaned works from institutions worldwide. With heavy expectations surrounding this show, it's sure to be a highlight of the year.
Meanwhile, in San Francisco, two sister institutions, the Legion of Honor and deYoung museums, are teaming up to celebrate Venice, with exhibitions that delve into the city's rich artistic history and Claude Monet's iconic depictions. The Grand Canal, which Monet famously painted, will be the focus of one show, while another exhibition explores the city's enduring influence on art.
Film director Alejandro G Iñárritu is also set to make a splash with an immersive installation featuring footage from his film Amores Perros, which he'll call "Sueño Perro." This interactive show promises to be a love letter to celluloid and will showcase Iñárritu's mastery of storytelling.
Carol Bove, a pioneering mixed-media artist, will receive the spotlight at the Guggenheim with a major career survey. The exhibition will span her entire oeuvre, from early works to new pieces created from scrap metal and steel tubing.
For fans of Henri Matisse, the Art Institute in Chicago has a treat in store with an exhibition featuring 20 of his cut-paper maquettes. These delicate works showcase Matisse's innovative technique and his enduring influence on modern art.
Italian master Raphael is set to take center stage at the Metropolitan Museum, where an extensive show will explore his work and legacy. With loans from across Europe, this exhibition promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for art lovers.
Taiwanese-American artist Shu Lea Cheang will make her mark on NYC with an immersive video installation titled "Lover Love." This interactive piece explores themes of love, identity, and social justice, making it a must-see event for 2026.
Finally, the Institute of Contemporary Art Boston is set to showcase new works by Ugandan artist Leilah Babirye, who fled her homeland after being forced out as a lesbian. Babirye's sculptures, made from reclaimed materials, will be on display in a powerful statement against persecution and stigmatization.
Other notable exhibitions include "Let's Take Back Our Space," which explores how body language shapes our interactions with the world; and a show at Marianne Boesky Gallery featuring emerging Black artist Kwamé Azure Gomez. The Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art will revisit 80s graffiti artist Keith Haring, while the Detroit Institute of Arts will showcase Georgia O'Keefe's architecture paintings.
With so much talent on offer, it promises to be a memorable year for art lovers in the US.
The art world is abuzz with excitement as some of the most celebrated artists take center stage at museums and galleries across the United States. From pop art icons to contemporary visionaries, this year promises to be a wild ride for art enthusiasts.
First up is a major retrospective of Roy Lichtenstein, one of the pioneers of the pop art movement. The Whitney Museum will delve into its extensive collection of nearly 500 pieces by Lichtenstein, as well as loaned works from institutions worldwide. With heavy expectations surrounding this show, it's sure to be a highlight of the year.
Meanwhile, in San Francisco, two sister institutions, the Legion of Honor and deYoung museums, are teaming up to celebrate Venice, with exhibitions that delve into the city's rich artistic history and Claude Monet's iconic depictions. The Grand Canal, which Monet famously painted, will be the focus of one show, while another exhibition explores the city's enduring influence on art.
Film director Alejandro G Iñárritu is also set to make a splash with an immersive installation featuring footage from his film Amores Perros, which he'll call "Sueño Perro." This interactive show promises to be a love letter to celluloid and will showcase Iñárritu's mastery of storytelling.
Carol Bove, a pioneering mixed-media artist, will receive the spotlight at the Guggenheim with a major career survey. The exhibition will span her entire oeuvre, from early works to new pieces created from scrap metal and steel tubing.
For fans of Henri Matisse, the Art Institute in Chicago has a treat in store with an exhibition featuring 20 of his cut-paper maquettes. These delicate works showcase Matisse's innovative technique and his enduring influence on modern art.
Italian master Raphael is set to take center stage at the Metropolitan Museum, where an extensive show will explore his work and legacy. With loans from across Europe, this exhibition promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for art lovers.
Taiwanese-American artist Shu Lea Cheang will make her mark on NYC with an immersive video installation titled "Lover Love." This interactive piece explores themes of love, identity, and social justice, making it a must-see event for 2026.
Finally, the Institute of Contemporary Art Boston is set to showcase new works by Ugandan artist Leilah Babirye, who fled her homeland after being forced out as a lesbian. Babirye's sculptures, made from reclaimed materials, will be on display in a powerful statement against persecution and stigmatization.
Other notable exhibitions include "Let's Take Back Our Space," which explores how body language shapes our interactions with the world; and a show at Marianne Boesky Gallery featuring emerging Black artist Kwamé Azure Gomez. The Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art will revisit 80s graffiti artist Keith Haring, while the Detroit Institute of Arts will showcase Georgia O'Keefe's architecture paintings.
With so much talent on offer, it promises to be a memorable year for art lovers in the US.
! I'm so stoked to see what all these talented artists are working on. Roy Lichtenstein's retrospective at the Whitney Museum is gonna be EPIC, can't wait to dive into his pop art vibes 
. And the fact that they're doing a show with Claude Monet's Grand Canal piece? Mind blown 
! Plus, I'm loving the vibe of Alejandro G Iñárritu's immersive installation – it sounds so cool and interactive 
. Shu Lea Cheang's video installation is also super intriguing, love how she's using art to explore themes of identity and social justice 
. It's gonna be a wild ride for art enthusiasts in 2026, that's for sure!
, and I'm also really hyped for the Claude Monet show - who doesn't love a good ol' fashioned painting of the Grand Canal? 
. And Leilah Babirye's sculptures? Absolutely breathtaking - it's like you can feel the power behind them 
.
, can't believe we're gonna have to deal with another year of art snobs thinkin they own the place just 'cause they got a few degrees from a fancy school 
. But seriously, it's all good - there's some amazing stuff comin' up! That Roy Lichtenstein retrospective is gonna be lit 
It's like they're bringin' back the good old days of art, ya know?
, but what's up with the film footage from amores perros? 
anyway can't wait to see more of these amazing artists & their work 
.
carol bove's career survey at the guggenheim is also giving me LIFE 
! And what's not to love about a major career survey for Carol Bove at the Guggenheim? She's such an underrated artist 
. Also, I'm really intrigued by Shu Lea Cheang's video installation - social justice and identity are such important themes in art today 
shu lea cheang's "lover love" is giving me all the feels 
and raphael at met? i'm literally screaming in my seat 
and that raphael exhibition is gonna be a game changer 
Every artist is running for top spot in their field, and I love how diverse the lineup is - it's like a United Nations of creativity! 
Roy Lichtenstein's retrospective is going to be a real "pop" vote winner (sorry, had to 
), while Claude Monet's Venice exhibit is shaping up to be a masterclass in city-state relations - who knew art could teach us about diplomacy? 
. Ugandan artist Leilah Babirye's installation on persecution and stigmatization is a powerful reminder that art can be both a form of resistance and a beacon of hope. Let's make sure her voice is heard loud and clear! 