Los Angeles is set for a major year in visual arts in 2026, with 22 notable exhibitions and events planned across the city. Highlights include the opening of the world’s first AI arts museum (Dataland), the long-awaited Lucas Museum, Yoko Ono’s first solo show in L.A., and the LA Art Show featuring Sylvester Stallone’s abstract works and a new Latin American Pavilion. Other exhibitions include a Selena retrospective at the Grammy Museum and a video art survey at the historic Variety Arts Theater.
This article matters because it signals L.A.’s emergence as a global art destination, even as the city hosts the World Cup. The sheer volume of new museum openings, major solo debuts, and diverse programming reflects a thriving cultural ecosystem that attracts international attention. The focus on underrepresented artists, AI art, and cross-disciplinary shows also highlights evolving trends in the contemporary art world.