NATIONAL TRENDS

The Spring –Summer 2026 Arts Season: Leading American arts institutions like Carnegie Hall and the Museum of the American Revolution will mark the nation's 250th anniversary in the spring and summer of 2026 with a wide range of celebratory programming. This commemoration of America's 250th anniversary, is a national, multi-faceted effort involving a wide range of institutions beyond museums. The U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission, the official body charged by Congress with leading the commemoration, is partnering with federal agencies, educational institutions, historical societies, and private sector organizations. This theme and its various events is a great way to inspire excellent programming for your audience.

PHILADELPHIA, PA

“A groundbreaking exhibit commemorating America’s 250th…”

To mark the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding, the Museum presents a major special exhibition exploring the history and global impact of the Declaration of Independence from 1776 to today. The Declaration’s Journey, presented by Griffin Catalyst, showcases how, with more than 100 nations having integrated its ideals into their own independence movements, the American Declaration of Independence has become one of the most influential political documents in modern history.  -amrevmuseum.org

Exhibition:

The Declaration's Journey

October 18, 2025- January 3,   2027

Museum of the American Revolution

BOSTON, MA

 “America’s complexities through paintings and drawings…”

Describing himself as an “American history painter,” Mark Thomas Gibson (b. 1980) draws inspiration from sources as wide-ranging as comic books, Renaissance paintings, and late 19th-century editorial caricatures. For his “Banner Project,” he created the largest-scale expansion yet of his Town Crier series, which builds on a tradition of collective address before the modern period, when “town criers” publicly announced laws and news.

-mfa.org

Exhibition:

The Banner Project:

Mark Thomas Gibson

June 25, 2025–June 22, 2026

MFA Boston

CHARLOTTE, NC

“A powerful journey of the resilience of indigenous people across America…”

"Indigenous peoples throughout the Americas have persevered hundreds of years of colonization and persecution since the 16th century. Throughout this time, the arts have been crucial in preserving cultural identity, spirituality, and societal values that sustain human civilization. These works of art showcase the resilience of creativity and reflect both Native American cultures and contemporary influences."   -mintmuseum.org

Exhibition:

Native American Art

ONGOING

Mint Museum

 

NEW YORK CITY, NY

"A celebration of America’s musical tapestry through diverse genres…"

"Carnegie Hall’s 2025–2026 season festival is a multifaceted reflection of the United States 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Starting in January, we highlight the extraordinary musical riches that have flourished in the US, and we explore the endlessly diverse voices and influences that have shaped—and continue to shape—American identity.

In more than 35 concerts at the Hall, audiences will experience Broadway, jazz, film music, rock ‘n’ roll, hip-hop, bluegrass, classical, and so much more, showcasing the very best of the American spirit through music."

-carnegiehall.org

 
Concerts:

United in Sound

January - July, 2026

Carnegie Hall

BALTIMORE, MD

“The poetic existence of everyday Black Americans...”

"In 2016, Sherald made history as the first African American to win the grand prize in the National Portrait Gallery’s Outwin Boochever Portrait Competition for her painting, Miss Everything (Unsuppressed Deliverance). That recognition led to the commission of the official portrait of former First Lady Michelle Obama for the National Portrait Gallery’s collection. Both works are featured in American Sublime, among many other highlights, including the cultural touchstone commissioned for Vanity Fair, a portrait of Breonna Taylor; the triptych Ecclesia (The Meeting of Inheritance and Horizons); and the bold painting Trans Forming Liberty." -artbma.org

Exhibition:

American Sublime by

Amy Sherald

November, 2 2025 - April 5,2026

Baltimore Museum of Art

LOS ANGELES, CA

“A homage to legendary American choreographers…”

"After more than a 20-year absence from The Music Center, New York City Ballet—one of the world’s premier dance companies—returns with two electrifying programs. These performances showcase the company’s storied legacy, featuring a roster of extraordinary dancers and an unmatched repertory sure to captivate Los Angeles audiences. Rooted in Founder George Balanchine’s revolutionary choreography, New York City Ballet has shaped the ballet canon for more than 75 years." -musiccenter.org

Ballet:

NYC Ballet on Tour

June 24-28, 2026

Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, The Music Center