In March 2026, the Baltimore Museum of Art (BMA) will present three exhibitions that explore the influence and legacy of French artist Henri Matisse. The museum holds the largest public collection of Matisse’s works in the world and is using these exhibitions to highlight both well-known and rarely seen pieces from its collection as well as from other institutions.
The first exhibition, “Fratino and Matisse: To See This Light Again,” opens on March 11. It brings together about 30 figure studies, interiors, still-lifes, and self-portraits by Matisse alongside new paintings by contemporary Maryland-born artist Louis Fratino. The show examines how Fratino’s work with male figures relates aesthetically and conceptually to Matisse’s own studies of female models.
On March 18, “Matisse and Martinique: Portraits and Poetry” opens. This exhibition focuses on a lesser-known series of book illustrations by Matisse that were inspired by his 1930 trip to Martinique. These works were created for John-Antoine Nau’s book “Poésies Antillaises (Antillean Poetry).”
The third exhibition, “Matisse in Vence: The Stations of the Cross,” begins on March 29. Co-organized with Musée Matisse in Nice, France, it features around 85 works on paper related to the mural Matisse created for the Chapel of the Rosary in Vence—the only architectural project he undertook. Many pieces in this exhibition have rarely or never been displayed before.
The BMA’s connection with Matisse began when sisters Claribel and Etta Cone donated 600 works in the early 20th century. Over time, gifts from the Matisse family have helped expand this collection significantly. In recent years, the museum has increased access to its holdings through initiatives like the Ruth R. Marder Center for Matisse Studies, established in 2021.
“Matisse’s extensive oeuvre continues to offer fertile ground for exploration and remains a source of deep inspiration for generations of artists across the globe,” said Asma Naeem, Dorothy Wagner Wallis Director at BMA. “Through the foresight of two incredible philanthropists and many BMA leaders, the museum has been able to establish one of the most important repositories of his work, placing us in the extraordinary position to create new and compelling ways for audiences to experience the beauty and power of his art. Our forthcoming exhibitions provide truly remarkable opportunities to view both iconic and little-known works and connect with the artist through both historical contexts and the vision of a rising contemporary artist in Louis Fratino.”
The upcoming exhibitions are curated by several specialists: Virginia Anderson and Katy Rothkopf lead “Fratino and Matisse,” while Dr. Denise Murrell guest-curates “Matisse and Martinique.” Yve-Alain Bois serves as guest curator for “Matisse in Vence,” assisted by Alix Agret; Katy Rothkopf also supports this presentation.
Founded in 1914, BMA houses more than 97,000 objects spanning multiple eras and cultures—including significant collections of prints, drawings, photographs, modern sculpture gardens, as well as contemporary artworks by diverse artists. General admission remains free so visitors can access these resources without cost.
