National Museum of Wildlife Art – Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Visti the National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson Hole, WY

The National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson Hole, Wyoming is a very unique place to visit, even if you’ve toured many American Art museums in other places in the past. The Museum has a very impressive collection of approximately 4,000 works of art, and it is located on the edge of the 20,000-acre National Elk Refuge.

You can see wildlife depicted in painting, sculpture, photography, drawings and other types of media at the National Museum of Wildlife Art. The artwork at the Museum dates from 2000 BC to present times, and includes European as well as American works. Artwork depicting wildlife from other countries throughout the world is presently being collected at the Museum as well, including work from New Zealand and Africa.

One of the strengths of the art collection at the Museum is American wildlife art from the 19th and 20th centuries. Much of this artwork chronicles the period of European exploration of the West. Since photography was still undeveloped at this time, the artwork is the only visual representation of how the undeveloped frontier appeared. In addition to explorer art, the National Museum of Wildlife Art exhibits works representative of Romanticism, Realism, Impressionism, Modernism and other genres.

One of the most stunning exhibits at the National Museum of Wildlife Art contains works that feature the American bison. The exhibit traces images of the bison as depicted in a variety of works from the past two centuries. Realistic drawings and paintings of bison, nostalgic and romantic views, and American Indian works featuring bison are some of the diverse images included in this fascinating exhibit.  

Works by renowned impressionist Carl Rungius are also showcased at the National Museum of Wildlife Art. The Museum holds a large collection of Carl Rungius’ beautiful works, including his two triptychs and the only two bronze works he ever produced. An entire gallery traces Rungius’ career and development as an artist.

The JKM gallery at the Museum traces the history and development of wildlife art in America. Artwork from the Museum’s impressive collection of 19th and 20th century collection is featured in this exhibit.  The JKM gallery exhibit highlights how artists’ have used themes involving people and wildlife to explore and comment upon humankinds’ place in the world. Visitors will delight in seeing famous works by George Catlin, Albert Bierstadt, John Audubon, Sherry Sander and many others in person.

Works by many other wildlife artists are exhibited throughout the galleries at the National Museum of Wildlife Art.  In addition to viewing artwork and the incredible view of the National Elk Refuge, visitors can also take advantage of the Museum’s expansive Library to do research and explore art history, natural history, wildlife biology, conservation, and many other subjects.

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