{"id":260949,"date":"2026-01-31T12:03:12","date_gmt":"2026-01-31T12:03:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/260949\/"},"modified":"2026-01-31T12:03:12","modified_gmt":"2026-01-31T12:03:12","slug":"15-of-the-most-anticipated-museum-exhibitions-around-the-world-in-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/260949\/","title":{"rendered":"15 of the Most Anticipated Museum Exhibitions Around the World in 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

A new year always brings a flurry of anticipation. From new resolutions, travel<\/a> destinations, and\u2014of course\u2014art exhibitions. Throughout 2026, institutions across the globe will host a variety of showcases ranging from solo retrospectives to impressive group presentations.<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\"Portrait<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFrida Kahlo, Untitled [Self-portrait with thorn necklace and hummingbird], (1940).
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPhoto: 2020 Banco de M\u00e9xico Diego Rivera Frida Kahlo Museums Trust, Mexico, D.F. \/ Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York<\/p>\n

1. \u201cFrida: The Making of an Icon\u201d at Museum of Fine Arts, Houston<\/p>\n

While she may now be known as one of the art world\u2019s most famous artists, Frida Kahlo<\/a> remained relatively unknown in the mainstream during her lifetime. In this unique retrospective<\/a>, more than 30 works by the legendary Mexican artist will join 120 more by five generations of artists she inspired in order to dive into her evolution from an unknown to mainstream inspiration.<\/p>\n

Through May 17<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\"Baroque<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLouis Finson, Allegory of the Four Elements, (1611).
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPhoto: Courtesy Sarah Campbell Blaffer Foundation, The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston<\/p>\n

2. \u201cMetamorphoses\u201d at Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam<\/p>\n

Featuring more than 80 works by masters such as Caravaggio<\/a>, Ren\u00e9 Magritte<\/a>, and Louise Bourgeois, this exhibition<\/a> explores the enduring influence of Ovid\u2019s Metamorphoses, the foundational Latin epic poem detailing the mythical transformations of gods and mortals. Highlights include a rare side-by-side pairing of Auguste Rodin\u2019s marble sculpture Pygmalion and Galatea and Jean-L\u00e9on G\u00e9r\u00f4me\u2019s painting addressing the same subject.<\/p>\n

Running February 6 through May 25<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\"Woman<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMary Cassatt, Young Girl at a Window, (1883\u20131884).
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPhoto: National Gallery of Art, Corcoran Collection <\/p>\n

3. \u201cMary Cassatt: An American in Paris\u201d at National Gallery of Art, D.C.<\/p>\n

Presented in time with the centennial of her death in 1926, this exhibition<\/a> brings together the institution\u2019s grand collection of Impressionist legend Mary Cassatt<\/a>\u2019s work. Featuring around 40 works ranging from paintings to works on paper as well as rarely seen color prints, each piece has been carefully selected to reflect the wealth of inspiration Cassatt experienced through her stay in City of Lights.<\/p>\n

Running February 14 through August 30<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\"Abstract<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTracey Emin, I never Asked to Fall in Love \u2013 You made me Feel like This (2018).
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPhoto: Courtesy of the artist<\/p>\n

4. \u201cTracey Emin: A Second Life\u201d at Tate Modern, London<\/p>\n

Renowned for her provocative and personal explorations of pain, love, and womanhood, Tracey Emin<\/a> is celebrated in her largest survey<\/a> to date, closely curated with the artist herself. Ranging from intimate drawings to monumental installations, this ambitious show follows the raw, irreverent works that have shaped her career, from her legendary solo debut at White Cube in 1993 to her current status as a contemporary icon.<\/p>\n

Running February 26 through August 31<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\"Abstract<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCarol Bove, Offenbach Barcarolle, (2019).
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPhoto: Kristopher McKay; Courtesy of Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation<\/p>\n

5. \u201cCarol Bove\u201d at Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York<\/p>\n

Taking over the institution\u2019s famed rotunda, this major retrospective<\/a> marks the first museum survey and largest presentation to date of American artist Carol Bove. Tracing the entirety of her 25-year career, the famed space will be filled with pieces starting with early drawings to her well known steel compositions known as \u201ccollage sculptures.\u201d<\/p>\n

Running March 5 through August 2<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\"Ancient<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBodhisavatta Triad with a Single Halo from the Three Kingdoms.
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPhoto: Courtesy National Museum of Korea<\/p>\n

6. \u201cKorean National Treasures: 2,000 Years of Art\u201d at Art Institute Chicago<\/p>\n

Marking a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see, for the very first time, rare artworks and treasures once privately held, this remarkable exhibition<\/a> features 140 artworks on view\u2014including modern and historical painting, ceramics, and objects made for Buddhist worship and scholarly study\u201422 which have been officially recognized as National Treasures or Treasures by the Korean government.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Running March 7 through July 5<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\"Modern<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe Whitney Museum of American Art.
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPhoto: Courtesy The Whitney Museum of American Art<\/p>\n

7. \u201cWhitney Biennial 2026\u201d at Whitney Museum of American Art, New York<\/p>\n

Always one of the most exciting art happenings to take place in New York City, the 82nd edition of the Whitney Biennial<\/a> will bring together works from the likes of 56 artists, duos, and collectives\u00a0all addressing themes and matters most impacting the world today.<\/p>\n

Running March 8 through August 23<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\"Blue<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHenri Matisse, Nu bleu II, (1952).
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPhoto: Courtesy Grand Palais<\/p>\n

8. \u201cMatisse: 1941-1954\u201d at Grand Palais, Paris<\/p>\n

Before his passing in 1954, French master Henri Matisse<\/a> dedicated his final years to further practicing his love of art, where he began experimenting with unfamiliar mediums such as cut-out gouaches. This exhibition<\/a> traces Matisse\u2019s final years through more than 230 paintings, drawings, cut-outs, stained glass, and more on display.<\/p>\n

Running March 24 through July 26<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\"Abstract<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIsamu Noguchi, Jungle Gym; set element of Erick Hawkins\u2019s dance \u201cStephen Acrobat,\u201d (1947).
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPhoto: Kevin Noble; Courtesy of the Isamu Noguchi Foundation and Garden Museum, New York \/ Artists Rights Society (ARS), New Yor<\/p>\n

9. \u201cIsamu Noguchi: \u2018I Am Not a Designer\u2019\u201d at High Museum of Art, Atlanta<\/p>\n

Equally influential as an artist and designer, Isamu Noguchi crafted unprecedented examples of architecture, lighting, furniture, and landscape design in his distinct blend of Western and Eastern aesthetics. Encompassing nearly 200 objects, such as the recently rediscovered plaster model of his colossal unrealized project, Play Mountain (1933), which hasn\u2019t been shown publicly in almost a century, this retrospective<\/a> marks the 50th anniversary of Noguchi\u2019s Playscapes, a dynamic Atlanta children\u2019s playground composed of abstract structures that inspire imagination.<\/p>\n

Running April 10 through August 2<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\"Avant-garde<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMarcel Duchamp. Fountain, 1950 (replica of 1917 original.
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPhoto: Courtesy Philadelphia Art Museum<\/p>\n

10. \u201cMarcel Duchamp\u201d at Museum of Modern Art, New York<\/p>\n

Offering an extensive inside look at the mind of one of the art world\u2019s most intriguing talents<\/a>, around 300 artworks will be on display in celebration of the artist\u2019s first United States retrospective<\/a> since 1973. Highlights include his notorious Fountain\u00a0(1917) sculpture, painted on glass The Bride Stripped Bare by Her Bachelors, Even (The Large Glass)\u00a0(1915\u201323), and painting\u00a0Nude Descending a Staircase (No. 2)\u00a0(1912).<\/p>\n

Running April 12 through August 22<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\"Surreal<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\tYves Tanguy, Le soleil dans son \u00e9crin (The Sun in its Jewel Case), (1937).
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPhoto: Courtesy Peggy Guggenheim Collection, Venice<\/p>\n

11. \u201cPeggy Guggenheim in London: The Making of a Collector\u201d at Peggy Guggenheim Collection, Venice<\/p>\n

Known as a profoundly influential collector and art patron, this eponymous institution will host a first-of-its-kind presentation<\/a> showcasing the depth of Peggy Guggenheim<\/a>\u2019s connection to artists and her presence within influential circles. Among the collection on view will be masterpieces from the likes of giants and personal friends such as Eileen Agar, Salvador Dal\u00ed<\/a>, Barbara Hepworth, Kandinsky, Rita Kernn-Larsen, Piet Mondrian, Henry Moore, Cedric Morris, Sophie Taeuber-Arp, and many others.<\/p>\n

Running April 25 through October 19<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\"Contemporary<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\tKeith Haring, Robot, (1983).
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPhoto: Joshua White; Courtesy Keith Haring Foundation<\/p>\n

12. \u201cKeith Haring in 3D\u201d at Crystal Bridges Museum, Bentonville, Arkansas<\/p>\n

The first exhibition<\/a> of its kind to reimagine the famed works of artist Keith Haring<\/a>, some of the artist\u2019s lesser-known works receive overdue spotlight in this sweeping showcase that pushes past the two-dimensional world. In addition to his paintings on found street objects, an array of sculptures made of materials including wood and metal will showcase the full breadth of this late artist\u2019s inventive mind.<\/p>\n

Running June 6 through January 25, 2027<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\"Abstract<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAnish Kapoor, Tsunami, (2018).
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPhoto: Courtesy Anish Kapoor. All rights reserved, DACS, 2025<\/p>\n

13. \u201cAnish Kapoor\u201d at Hayward Gallery, London<\/p>\n

Staged nearly 30 years to the date of his first UK survey at the very same institution, one of the world\u2019s most renowned artists<\/a> returns to take over Hayward Gallery<\/a> with a series of familiar and new works to take over the entire space from ceiling to floor. In addition to smaller works, the artist\u2019s larger-than-life works such as his recent 2024 Blinded by Eyes, Butchered by Birth and 1992 Descent into Limbo will be on view.<\/p>\n

Running June 16 through October 18<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\"Two<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGeorgia O\u2019Keeffe, Stables, (1932).
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPhoto: Courtesy the artist and Detroit Institute of Art<\/p>\n

14. \u201cGeorgia O\u2019Keeffe: Architecture\u201d at Detroit Institute of Arts<\/p>\n

Despite perhaps best known for her floral works, Georgia O\u2019Keeffe\u2019s rebellious spirit transcended through multiple subjects which broached multiple phases of her life. In this unique exhibition<\/a>, 35 architectural paintings created from the 1920s-1960s draw on her expertise in line-work and geometry through mesmerizing depictions of New York City skyscrapers, adobe homes of New Mexico, and beyond.<\/p>\n

Running September 13 through January 3, 2027<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\"Framed<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSophie Calle, The Detachment, (1996).
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPhoto: Thomas Bruns \/ VG Bild-Kunst, Bonn, 2025<\/p>\n

15. \u201cSophie Calle\u201d at Hamburger Bahnhof, Berlin<\/p>\n

Celebrating the anniversary of Berlin\u2019s beloved institution, conceptual artist Sophie Calle presents a major solo exhibition<\/a> that brings together works made specifically in Berlin with treasures highlighting mediums including writing, photography, film, and installation.<\/p>\n

Running November 13 through May 2, 2027<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"A new year always brings a flurry of anticipation. From new resolutions, travel destinations, and\u2014of course\u2014art exhibitions. Throughout…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":260950,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[31],"tags":[13273,442,498,499,500,54187,501,156,25380,97409,41949,7907,25376,131918,7595,25377,149735,25374,111,139,69,149736,132597,21745,14518,149737,30552],"class_list":{"0":"post-260949","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-arts-and-design","8":"tag-anish-kapoor","9":"tag-arts","10":"tag-arts-and-design","11":"tag-artsanddesign","12":"tag-artsdesign","13":"tag-carol-bove","14":"tag-design","15":"tag-entertainment","16":"tag-frida-kahlo","17":"tag-georgia-okeeffe","18":"tag-grand-palais","19":"tag-guggenheim","20":"tag-henri-matisse","21":"tag-isamu-noguchi","22":"tag-keith-haring","23":"tag-marcel-duchamp","24":"tag-mary-cassatt","25":"tag-moma","26":"tag-new-zealand","27":"tag-newzealand","28":"tag-nz","29":"tag-roy-lichtenstein","30":"tag-sophie-calle","31":"tag-tate-modern","32":"tag-tracey-emin","33":"tag-whitney-biennial","34":"tag-whitney-museum-of-american-art"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/260949","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=260949"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/260949\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/260950"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=260949"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=260949"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=260949"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}