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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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Staff Picks

Through May 10, 2026

Curating this exhibit has been an exercise in collaboration, which is one of our core values at the Museum. We began by asking each staff member to make a short list of some of their favorite works in the collection. Then, the curatorial team took them to see a few of those pieces. We asked the staff to look for artworks that were not already on display and would not be part of any upcoming exhibitions. A person’s taste in art is so uniquely personal and individual to who they are. This exhibition is not only an opportunity for you to get to know our staff, but it is also a chance to discover new pieces in the permanent collection—or perhaps to see old favorites in a new light.

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Two of a Kind?

Through April 26, 2026

This exhibition is an exercise in comparison. It invites visitors to consider pairs of artworks, drawn primarily from the Museum’s permanent collection, and contemplate the question posed by its title: are these artworks truly Two of a Kind?

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What People Are Saying
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"The most fabulous gallery that we have ever seen and enjoyed. Highlighting the plight of our animal kingdom is so important! "
— Nancy H.
"One of the most amazing museums I have ever visited. Everything—not just art, is amazing. "
— Elizabeth C.
"Phenomenal gallery! Exquisitely curated! Must-see highlight of our trip. P.S. Lunch was also delicious!"
— Jen R.
"Amazing collection of art. This is truly a special place!"
— David L.
"Absolutely incredible! We will be back!"
— Sebastian D.
"Love the variety of art, the historic documentation, and how attitudes changed and developed about wilderness and wildlife. Plus, wonderful interactive areas!"
— Bill S.
"Lunch was fab - the trout po' boy and lettuce wraps, wow!"
— Pamela Ann S.
"This is one of my happy places. I stop here every time I'm in Jackson."
— Monica M.