Whitney Museum to Debut Major Roy Lichtenstein Retrospective This Fall

The Whitney Museum of American Art has announced a significant career-spanning exhibition dedicated to the work of pop art icon Roy Lichtenstein. Titled "Roy Lichtenstein: Like New," the show is scheduled to open to the public on October 11, 2026, with exclusive member previews beginning October 8.

Featuring more than 130 works, the exhibition aims to trace the evolution of Lichtenstein’s artistic practice from the 1940s through the 1990s. Curators Meg Onli and Alex Da Corte, supported by Nakai Falcón and David Crane, have designed the show to explore how the artist’s work engaged with mass culture and the concept of the "unstable" image—a theme that organizers suggest remains highly relevant in an era defined by the constant digital circulation and modification of imagery.

Visitors can expect to see a wide array of media, including paintings, drawings, prints, and films. A centerpiece of the exhibition is a reconstruction of the artist’s 1962 debut at the Leo Castelli Gallery, which aims to recreate the original viewing experience for contemporary audiences. Additionally, the exhibition will feature large-scale installations, such as a 96-foot-long version of the "Greene Street Mural" and an outdoor presentation of "Girl in Window," the latter of which was brought to life by guest curator Alex Da Corte.

Beyond Lichtenstein’s own output, the exhibition will contextualize his legacy by displaying works from artists such as Louise Lawler, Richard Pettibone, and Sturtevant. These inclusions are intended to highlight the ongoing dialogue surrounding appropriation, copying, and the afterlife of images in fine art.

Lichtenstein, widely recognized for his ability to translate the visual language of advertising and comics into the realm of fine art, is often noted for the meticulous, handmade nature of his work despite its machine-like aesthetic. By framing his pieces as works in a constant state of transformation, the Whitney hopes to offer a fresh perspective on his contribution to 20th-century art.

Timed tickets for the exhibition are currently available for purchase through the museum’s website.