National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson, Wyo.
An experience in itself.
Perched above the National Elk Refuge and two miles from the Grand Teton National Park entrance, the National Museum of Wildlife Art features more than 5,000 items of animal art. Here are six reasons to visit this national gem.
1. Chief by Robert Bateman
This is one of those paintings you must see if you visit. It’s a domineering painting of a bison by Robert Bateman that is both moody and beautiful. It’s one that captures a longtime resident of the area.
2. Palate Restaurant in the Museum
Enjoy lunch to match the views from Graeme and Christine Mara Swain who own Jackson’s popular Gather Restaurant. The restaurant’s interior is ultra modern with decor that matches the world-class views from the museum. “Our goal is to create an experience where the food, the view, and the art all come together to create a one-of-a-kind dining experience,” says Graeme Swain.
3. Wildlife Paintings from the Permanent Collection
The museum features more than 550 artists and has more than 5,000 cataloged items of animal art from 2500 b.c. to today. In the JKM Gallery, you’ll discover “Wildlife Paintings,” a thematic exhibit filled with wildlife paintings done by artists like Albert Bierstadt, Charles M. Russell, Georgia O’Keeffe, Alexander Pope and more.
4. Scenes of Transcendent Beauty: Thomas Moran’s Yellowstone
Opens May 14, 2022
See Yellowstone through artist Thomas Moran’s eyes in this exhibit. You’ll see Moran to bring to life scenes from Yellowstone in 20 watercolor sketches he did. Moran served as a painter on the first official expedition into Yellowstone, the Hayden Expedition of 1871. His paintings and sketches opened the country’s eyes to the rare beauty of the park. This exhibit celebrates the park’s 150th anniversary marked in 2022.
5. Yoga on the Trail
Visitors can participate in a free yoga class on the museum’s Sculpture Trail every Thursday. Check for hours when the museum opens. You may never do yoga in a more gorgeous setting, so don’t miss this opportunity to be outside overlooking the National Elk Refuge.
6. Bonheur & Beyond: Celebrating Women in Wildlife Art
Opens June 4, 2022
Explore the works of Rosa Bonheur who lived between 1822-99 and created beautiful works that are celebrates as some of the finest animal painters of the 1800s. This year marks the 200th anniversary of Bonheur’s birth. Along with Bonheur, this exhibit features historic and contemporary animal art done by female artists.
For more information:
(800) 313-9553, (307) 733-5771
2820 Rungius Road, Jackson, Wyoming 83001
wildlifeart.org