With Christmas now in the past, it’s time to look forward to 2026. The new year not only brings fresh starts and resolutions, it also means plenty of new museum exhibits are coming our way. From exhibits celebrating the nation’s 250th anniversary to paintings from artists across the world, here are 19 new Smithsonian exhibits to look forward to in 2026.
African American History and Culture Museum
At the Vanguard
January 16–July 19
Explore the stories of artistry and resistance through the collections of five historically black colleges and universities. The exhibition features more than 100 objects from Clark Atlanta University, Florida A&M University, Jackson State University, Texas Southern University, and Tuskegee University that celebrate the history and future of HBCUs. 1400 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC
African Art Museum
Here: Pride and Belonging in African Art
Early Winter 2026–Summer 2026
Artists across Africa are coming together to challenge homophobia and bigotry through their work. This show will highlight artwork imagining alternative futures and celebrating life as LGBTQ+ people. 950 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC
Air and Space Museum
July 1
After eight years of renovations, the final seven permanent exhibitions and galleries at the Air and Space Museum are set to open in time for the nation’s 250th anniversary and the museum’s 50th anniversary. The new exhibitions include At Home in Space, Flight and the Arts Center, Textron How Things Fly, RTX Living in the Space Age Hall, Jay I. Kislak World War II in the Air, Modern Military Aviation, and National Science Foundation Discovering Our Universe. 650 Jefferson Dr. SW, Washington, DC
American Art Museum
Nick Cave: Mammoth
February 3–January 3, 2027
For this exhibit, you won’t feel like you’re walking into a gallery. Instead, step into Cave’s immersive showcase with crafted hides and bones of mammoths, video projections, and a large-scale beaded curtain depicting his family farm. Eighth and G streets NW, Washington, DC
Much Here is Beautiful: Photography of the U.S. Bicentennial
September 18–April 17, 2027
As the country celebrates its 250th anniversary, take a look back at the United States during its bicentennial. During the years before and after the Bicentennial, thousands of photos were taken across the Northeast, South, Midwest, and West, showcasing the different geographic regions and people for the first time since the Great Depression. Eight and G streets NW, Washington, DC
American History Museum
In Pursuit of Life, Liberty & Happiness
Spring 2026–September 2026
The celebration of the United States’ 250th anniversary kicks off at the National Museum of American History. Throughout the three-floor exhibit, explore 250 significant objects that showcase both the triumphs and challenges of the country’s history. Additional activities, theatrical performances, and events will be included in the museum’s programming. 1300 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC
¡Puro Ritmo! The Musical Journey of Salsa
Spring 2026–TBA
The American History Museum is once again exploring the origins of salsa music. The bilingual exhibit will showcase nearly 300 objects that depict how salsa evolved from Havana, Cuba, to New York City and beyond. 1300 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC
Asian Art Museum
Into the Waters with Senju and Bingyi: Two Contemporary Paintings
April 2–August 23
Experience the power and beauty of water through the eyes of contemporary artists Hiroshi Senju and Bingyi. The exhibit will feature two paintings – one from each artist – that depict their distinct visualizations of water through different techniques and influences. 1050 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC
Of the Hills: Pahari Paintings from India’s Himalayan Kingdoms
April 18–July 26
More than 200 years of artwork from India’s Himalayan region is coming to DC. On loan from the Cleveland Museum of Art and Cincinnati Art Museum, the 48 paintings depict the political, cultural, and religious contexts of northern India from the 1620s to the 1830s. 1050 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC
Hirshhorn Museum
Carlotta Corpron: Light Is a Plastic Medium
February 27–January 31, 2027
The work of abstract photographer and educator Carlotta Corpron helped get photography recognized as fine art. This collection – which includes recent gifts to the Hirshhorn and loans from Herbert Lust’s collection – highlights Corpron’s artistic achievement through six bodies of work from the 1930s and 1950s along with additional works of art. Independence Avenue and Seventh Street SW, Washington, DC
National Portrait Gallery
The Outwin 2025: American Portraiture Today
January 24–August 30
Part of the seventh triennial Outwin Boochever Portrait Competition, see the 35 portraits that were selected for this edition of the exhibit. Taina Caragol, director of the 2025 competition, selected the final portraits from more than 3,300 entries. Eighth and G streets NW, Washington, DC
Photographic Memory: Fifty Years of Photography at the National Portrait Gallery
Opening November 14
Explore 50 years of photos at the National Portrait Gallery. The photographs collection will celebrate five decades with an exhibit that showcases photographs and subjects of all varieties – including the original “cracked-plate” portrait of Abraham Lincoln and photos of Venus and Serena Williams by Annie Leibovitz. Eighth and G streets NW, Washington, DC
Renwick Gallery
Handwork: Contemporary Craft at the Renwick Gallery
November 13
The new exhibit will bring out more than 100 works from the museum’s permanent collection that explore the importance of craft in American culture. A handful of new pieces are also set to make their debut, including works from Roberto Benavidez, Angela Ellsworth, Bill Harris, Aya Oki, Ato Ribeiro, and Jan Yager. 1661 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC
Feature image courtesy Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum
