6 Places to See Goya’s Work in 2026

If you’re planning your cultural calendar for 2026, there’s no better artist to build a trip around than Francisco de Goya. Few painters capture the full spectrum of human experience—beauty, brutality, power, and madness—quite like Goya. From glittering royal portraits to haunting visions of war and despair, his work feels as urgent today as it did over 200 years ago.

Whether you’re drawn to blockbuster exhibitions or world-class permanent collections, here are the must-see places to experience Goya in 2026.

Temporary Exhibitions

Goya in the Age of Revolution — New York City

At the Hispanic Society Museum & Library, this exhibition runs through June 28, 2026, and places Goya squarely in the turbulence of his time. The show explores how the American and French Revolutions—and Napoleon’s invasion of Spain—shaped his artistic evolution. Expect a powerful mix of portraits, prints, and politically charged works that reveal how Goya transformed from court painter to unflinching chronicler of human conflict.  

Goya, From the Museum to the Palace — Zaragoza

Set in the stunning Aljafería Palace until December 31, 2026, this exhibition brings together 62 works from the Museo de Zaragoza while the museum undergoes renovations. The palace setting adds an atmospheric, almost cinematic quality to the experience—perfect for Goya’s blend of elegance and unease. Paintings and prints are displayed in a way that connects his work to Spain’s layered history.  

Permanent Collections

Museo del Prado, Madrid

No Goya itinerary is complete without the Museo del Prado, the definitive home of his work. The Prado holds over 1,000 works, including more than 140 paintings, making it the most comprehensive Goya collection in the world.

Here, you can trace his entire career: Royal Masterpieces like The Family of Charles IV,  Historical Dramas such as The Third of May 1808,  Iconic Portraits including the Naked and Clothed Maja, and, most hauntingly, the Black Paintings, including Saturn Devouring His Son created late in his life. Seeing these works in person is unforgettable. The scale, texture, and psychological intensity simply don’t translate fully in reproduction.  

Meadows Museum, Texas

Often called “the Prado of the Prairie,” the Meadows Museum houses one of the most significant collections of Spanish art in the United States. Its Goya holdings provide an excellent overview of his range, from courtly elegance to darker, more introspective works, making it a must-visit if you’re in the U.S.  

Louvre, Paris

The Louvre Museum may be best known for Leonardo and the Mona Lisa, but its collection of Spanish painting includes important works by Goya. Seeing him alongside other European masters offers valuable context, highlighting just how radical his vision was compared to his contemporaries.  

Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

At the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Goya’s works are woven into a broader narrative of European art. The Met’s collection allows you to experience his portraits and prints up close, often in quieter galleries where you can really study his brushwork and psychological depth.  

Goya's Place in Art History

What makes Goya such a compelling artist to follow across museums and exhibitions is his range. He’s not just a painter of kings or tragedies—he’s both, and everything in between. In 2026, you have the rare opportunity to experience his work across continents, formats, and interpretations. If you’re building a travel itinerary or even just a dream list, this is your year to step into Goya’s world. And trust me: once you do, you won’t see art (or history) the same way again.  

If you'd like to learn more about Goya's life and art, you'll find plenty of books about him. My two favorites are Goya: His Life & Works in 500 Images by Susie Hodge and Goya by the incomparable Robert Hughes.