Exciting Spring Exhibitions Across U.S. Museums

From Duchamp retrospectives to fashion showcases, museums are offering fresh perspectives on art and nature this season.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 3:08pm

A striking abstract composition of jagged geometric shapes and bold silhouettes in high-contrast colors, conceptually representing the variety of museum exhibitions featured in the story.Diverse museum exhibitions this spring offer fresh perspectives on art, design, and the natural world.NYC Today

Museums across the United States are presenting a diverse array of exhibitions this spring, offering visitors opportunities to explore art, fashion, and the natural world. Highlights include a major Marcel Duchamp retrospective at the Museum of Modern Art in New York, an Iris van Herpen fashion showcase at the Brooklyn Museum, and nature-inspired installations in Baltimore and New York State.

Why it matters

These exhibitions showcase the breadth and creativity of the American museum landscape, providing audiences with fresh perspectives on art, design, and the environment. As the country emerges from the pandemic, these shows signal a renewed energy and ambition within the cultural sector.

The details

The spring lineup includes a deep dive into the work of photographer Peter Hujar at the Morgan Library & Museum, exploring his iconic black-and-white images of the New York underground art scene in the 1970s and 80s. The Brooklyn Museum will host the North American debut of Dutch fashion designer Iris van Herpen's 'Sculpting the Senses' exhibition, which blends technology, haute couture, and natural elements. And the Museum of Modern Art in New York will present the first major Duchamp retrospective in the U.S. in over 50 years, featuring 300 works across mediums.

  • The Peter Hujar exhibition runs from May 22 through October 25.
  • The Iris van Herpen exhibition runs from May 16 through December 6.
  • The Marcel Duchamp retrospective runs through August 22.

The players

Peter Hujar

An American photographer known for his striking black-and-white images of the New York underground art scene in the 1970s and 80s.

Iris van Herpen

A Dutch fashion designer acclaimed for blending technology, haute couture, and natural elements in her organic, sculptural designs.

Marcel Duchamp

A pioneering French artist and a key figure in the Dada and Cubist movements, known for his conceptual 'readymade' works.

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The takeaway

As the country emerges from the pandemic, these diverse museum exhibitions signal a renewed energy and ambition within the cultural sector, offering visitors opportunities to engage with art, fashion, and the natural world in innovative and thought-provoking ways.