National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson, Wyo.

Author:: Tori Peglar
Publish date:: Jun 18, 2018

National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Courtesy photo — Courtesy of National Museum of Wildlife Art

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 seven reasons to visit this national gem.

1. Invisible Boundaries: Exploring Yellowstone's Great Animal Migrations

June 1-Aug. 19, 2018

Invisible Boundaries Exhibit — Joe Riis photograph, courtesy Buffalo Bill Center of the West, Cody, Wyoming, USA., courtesy of National Museum of Wildlife Art

Get insight into the invisible boundaries migratory animals cross, including between national parks and private lands in this exhibit. Joe Riis' trail camera photography captures close-up images of pronghorn, deer and elk during their migrations. Artwork by James Prosek and a film by Jenny Nichols is part of the exhibit.

2. Chief by Robert Bateman

Robert Bateman (Canadian, b. 1930), Chief. 1997. Acrylic on Canvas. 71 x 98 inches. Gift of Birgit and Robert Bateman, National Museum of Wildlife Art

This domineering painting of a bison is both moody and beautiful. It's one that captures a longtime resident of the area.

3. Thomas Mangelsen: A Life in the Wild

Oct. 20, 2018- May 5, 2019

Travel the world with nature photographer and Jackson resident Tom Mangelsen who has spent 40 years capturing the last of Earth's wild places. In this exhibit, you'll see tigers, bobcats, polar bears and more.

4. Palate Restaurant in the Museum

Enjoy food to match the views from Graeme and Christine Mara Swain who own Jackson’s Gather Restaurant.

5. Thomas Moran’s Paintings

In 1872, Moran’s paintings of the Yellowstone area helped persuade Congress to designate Yellowstone as the world’s first national park.

6. 20th Anniversary of Collectors Circle

May 5- Aug.26, 2018

20th Anniversary of Collectors Circle at the National Museum of Wildlife Art — George Stubbs (British, 1724 – 1806), A Horse Attacked by a Lion, 1788. Etching. 10 7/8 x 14 inches. Gift of the 1999 Collectors Circle, National Museum of Wildlife Art.

See works from John James Audubon and Emily Lamb at this exhibit celebrating art purchased by the Collectors Circle (a member-based museum program). Kids Collect is a companion exhibit featuring unique collecting practices of kids across the nation.