A Guide to the Must-See Art Exhibitions of 2026
At the MOMA By Emily Isabella
As we step into 2026, the art world is brimming with exhibitions that promise to excite, challenge, and delight. From major museum retrospectives to dynamic surveys of contemporary voices, there’s truly something for every kind of art lover on both coasts and beyond. Whether you’re planning cultural travel or seeking inspiration closer to home, this year’s lineup offers a rare mix of historic masters, visionary modernists, and groundbreaking contemporary artists. Below, we’ve rounded up some must-see exhibitions across the U.S. that should be on your radar, as well as a couple notable international shows worth the journey. Grab your tickets (and your passport)—2026 is shaping up to be a banner year for art.
Whitney Biennial — Whitney Museum of American Art (New York)
March 8–Summer 2026
The Whitney Biennial returns in spring 2026 with its signature snapshot of contemporary American art, spotlighting artists who are shaping today’s cultural and political conversations. Long regarded as a bellwether for emerging voices and experimental practices, the Biennial is equal parts provocative and inspiring. Expect a wide range of media, perspectives, and bold ideas.
Frida: The Making of an Icon — Museum of Fine Arts (Houston)
January 19–May 17, 2026
This immersive exhibition explores Frida Kahlo’s life, work, and enduring influence through paintings, personal artifacts, photography, and fashion. Rather than focusing solely on her art, the show examines how Kahlo consciously shaped her public image and legacy. It’s a richly layered portrait of an artist who became a global cultural symbol.
America 250: Common Threads — Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art (Bentonville)
March 14–July 27, 2026
Part of a trio of exhibitions marking 250 years of U.S. history, Common Threads traces how art has reflected civic participation, identity, and community memory from the 18th century to today. Other 2026 highlights at Crystal Bridges include a 3-D reimagining of Keith Haring’s work and a fall retrospective on Grandma Moses.
Guggenheim 2026 Exhibitions — Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum (New York)
Rauschenberg on display now thru May 3, 2026. Münter on display now thru April 26, 2026
The Guggenheim’s 2026 calendar features major monographic exhibitions—including retrospectives on seminal figures like Robert Rauschenberg and Gabriele Münter—offering deep dives into influential artists whose work continues to shape modern and contemporary art.
In Her Place: Nashville Artists in the Twenty-First Century — Frist Art Museum (Nashville)
Jan 29–Apr 26, 2026
Highlighting 28 women artists connected to Nashville, this exhibition celebrates a dynamic range of contemporary practices rooted in place and personal experience. Through painting, sculpture, photography, and mixed media, the show foregrounds voices often overlooked in broader art narratives. It’s a powerful exploration of regional creativity with national relevance.
Raphael: Sublime Poetry — The Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York)
March 29–June 28, 2026
This sweeping retrospective brings together paintings, drawings, tapestries, and decorative works by Renaissance master Raphael. The exhibition explores his artistic innovation, technical mastery, and lasting influence on Western art. It’s a rare opportunity to see the breadth of Raphael’s work in one extraordinary setting.
Costume Art — The Costume Institute at The Met (New York)
May 10, 2026–January 10, 2027
Opening alongside the 2026 Met Gala, Costume Art examines the intersection of fashion and fine art across history and contemporary culture. Through garments, archival material, and artistic references, the exhibition blurs the line between clothing as utility and clothing as art. Expect a visually striking and conceptually rich experience.
Sydney Biennale — Sydney, Australia
March 14-June 14, 2026
The 25th Biennale of Sydney unfolds across multiple venues with a city-wide presentation of contemporary art from around the world. Known for its experimental and socially engaged programming, the Biennale offers free access to ambitious new work. It’s an ideal destination for travelers seeking both culture and creative energy.
Henry Moore: Monumental Nature — Kew Gardens (UK)
May 9-September 27, 2026
Set within the landscapes of Kew Gardens, this outdoor exhibition features more than 30 monumental sculptures by Henry Moore. The works are positioned to dialogue directly with nature, emphasizing form, scale, and space. It’s a rare chance to experience Moore’s sculptures as they were intended—immersed in the natural world.
