There’s no better cold weather activity than exploring one of Chicago’s world-class museums, and the Art Institute of Chicago has plenty to offer this season.
The institute recently released its Winter-Spring 2026 exhibition schedule, featuring five limited-time exhibitions fit for every art connoisseur.
From a trove of Korean national treasures to the Expressionist drawings of Willem de Kooning, here’s what’s on display at the AIC in the coming months.
Carroll Dunham: Drawings, 1974–2024 – January 31–June 1, 2026
Carroll Dunham: Drawings, 1974–2024 offers an inside look at the eponymous artist’s drawings, including never-before-seen works from his five-decade career.
A prominent figure of the Postmodern art landscape, Dunham’s works combine aspects of Impressionism, Surrealism, and figurative abstraction.
Lucas Samaras: Sitting, Standing, Walking, Looking – January 31–July 20, 2026
This exhibition spotlights the works of Greek multidisciplinary artist Lucas Samaras, combining pieces from the institute’s collection and the artist’s estate.
Samaras (1936-2024) explored sculpture, photography, and painting throughout his career, in association with the Fluxus and Neo-Dada movements.
Matisse’s Jazz: Rhythms in Color – March 7–June 1, 2026
The AIC will showcase the 20th-century artist’s book Jazz from famed French modernist Henri Matisse (1869–1954) this spring.
Guests can explore Jazz alongside more than 50 of Matisse’s sculptures, paintings, drawings, and prints.
A key figure of the Fauvist movement, Matisse’s works have had a lasting cultural impact, inspiring the likes of Keith Haring and other contemporary art figures.
Korean National Treasures: 2,000 Years of Art – March 7–July 5, 2026
This exhibition will take viewers on an immersive journey through Korean fine art and national treasures spanning two millennia.
Objects of interest include a 6th-century gilt bronze Buddhist sculpture and 20th-century contemporary paintings.
Willem de Kooning Drawing – June 14–September 20, 2026
Willem de Kooning Drawing will cover the full breadth of Willem de Kooning’s (1904–1997) drawing practice within the context of his broader multidisciplinary career.
Through more than 200 artworks, including several rare drawings, viewers will gain an intimate understanding of de Kooning’s process, materials, and lasting legacy.
More information
Click here to view all current exhibitions at the AIC, view ticket options, and learn more about what’s on display.