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30 Wonders/30 Years: A History of the Museum in 30 Works

October 28, 2017 - May 6, 2018
Rungius Sportsmens Moose Wildlife Art

Carl Rungius’ Sportsmen’s Moose exemplifies the incredible stories behind many of the objects collected by the Museum during its 30-year existence. This painting appeared on a poster in 1907, promoting a sportsmen’s expo. The National Museum of Wildlife Art owned a copy of the poster and used the image of the moose on the inaugural material for the opening of the Museum in 1987 without knowing where the original was. In 2012, the painting was found in an attic on Prince Edward Island and, thanks to the Robert S. and Grayce B. Kerr Foundation, we were able to acquire it. It is a classic, early Rungius with a great story and clear ties to the Museum.

This exhibit will uncover other amazing stories behind a diverse range of objects as we trace the history of this institution from Wildlife of the American West Art Museum on the Jackson Town Square to the National Museum of Wildlife Art of the United States in its permanent facility overlooking the National Elk Refuge. This exhibition will consist of 30 objects representing the diversity of the collection in terms of depth and breadth.

Rungius Sportsmens Moose Wildlife Art
Carl Rungius (American, b. Germany, 1869 – 1959), "Sportsmen's Moose," 1907. Oil on canvas. 28 x 21 inches. Purchased with Funds Generously Donated by the Robert S. and Grayce B. Kerr Foundation, National Museum of Wildlife Art. © Estate of Carl Rungius.
Liljefors Swans
Bruno Liljefors (Swedish, 1860-1939), "Swans," 1917. Oil on canvas. 27 3/4 x 39 1/2 inches. JKM Collection®, National Museum of Wildlife Art.
Righetti Baboon Sculpture
Guido Righetti (Italian, 1875 – 1958), "Sacred Hamadyras Baboon," 1919. Bronze. 13 1/2 x 11 1/2 x 13 1/2 inches. Gift of Dr. Lee W. Lenz, National Museum of Wildlife Art. © Guido Righetti.
Other Exhibits
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Wolves: Photography by Ronan Donovan

Through April 29, 2023

This exhibition features the impactful work of National Geographic Explorer and photographer Ronan Donovan. Created by National Geographic Society and the National Museum of Wildlife Art, this exhibition will display images and videos—highlighting the contrast between wolves that live in perceived competition with humans and wolves that live without human intervention.

See the Exhibit
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State of the Art: Student Art Show in Honor of Marion Buchenroth

Through June 4, 2023

This youth art exhibit is an annual collaboration between the National Museum of Wildlife Art and art educators from Teton County schools. The several hundred works of art on display beautifully demonstrate how students grow as artists as they move through grades K-12. Each art educator and group of students interpreted the theme Transformation in their own way.

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What People Are Saying
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" I have visited museums around the world and I thoroughly enjoyed this one. It was far more than I was expecting. What a treat! Don't miss it!"
— Roxanne B.
"No trip to Jackson is complete without a visit to this Museum! It contains many current and historical wildlife paintings and overlooks the Elk Refuge. We go every time we visit."
— J.W.
"The permanent collection is fantastic, and the temporary shows are insightful and always full of surprises. "
— Jennifer S.
"This is as good as everyone says! We are not museum people and we are especially not art museum people but we loved this place."
— David W.
"The most pleasant surprise was the restaurant Palate - the manager ran it like a fine restaurant! What a view! And the food was excellent - probably one of the best meals we had in Jackson!"
— Erin S.
"The venue was fantastic! Spacious, great service, and fun to look at the artwork. The vista over the elk refuge was gorgeous."
— Justicia T.
"Incredible and not to be missed. Bierstadt, Wyeth, O'Keeffe and many other greats all represented!"
— David P.
"Well worth the trip! The collection was much more extensive than we expected. The exterior sculptures are wonderful."
— Elizabeth H.