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Bison-tennial: From Colonization to Rematriation

Starts May 16, 2026 Buy Tickets
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ON VIEW MAY 16, 2026 – AUGUST 23, 2026

Bison-tennial explores the profound influence of bison on the history, cultures, and landscapes of the North American West. The exhibition traces their story from pre-colonial times through westward expansion and the near-destruction of the great herds—arriving at today’s growing restoration and rematriation efforts. At its heart is the essential relationship between bison and Native American communities, and the leadership Native Nations continue to show in driving contemporary conservation.

Timed to coincide with the 10th anniversary of the bison’s designation as the U.S. National Mammal and the Nation’s 250th Anniversary, Bison-tennial is drawn primarily from the Museum’s permanent collection, with works by Charles M. Russell, Albert Bierstadt, Allan Houser, John Nieto, and many others. These are joined by important loans, including a compelling work by Indigenous artist Kent Monkman—on loan from the Denver Art Museum—alongside pieces by contemporary Native artists Stella Nall, Robert Martinez, and Starr Hardridge. Together, these voices span centuries of artistic tradition and bring urgent new perspectives to one of America’s most enduring stories.

John Nieto (United States, 1936 – 2018), Taos Buffalo, 1993. Acrylic on canvas. 60 x 48 inches. JKM Collection®, National Museum of Wildlife Art.
Allan Houser (Chiricahua Apache, 1914 – 1994), Fabricated Buffalo, 1993. Bronze. 32 x 52 x 13 inches. Gift of the 2004 Collectors Circle, National Museum of Wildlife Art.
Tucker Smith (United States, b. 1940), The Way Things Were, 1986. Oil on Canvas. 20 x 40 inches. JKM Collection®, National Museum of Wildlife Art. © Tucker Smith.
Charles M. Russell (United States, 1864 – 1926), Montana Winter, 1905. Gouache on paper. 12 x 19 inches. Gifted anonymously in honor of the trustees, staff, and volunteers who served the Museum during its first 30 years, National Museum of Wildlife Art.
Frederick Arthur Verner (Canada, 1836 – 1928), The Last Buffalo, 1893. Watercolor on paper. 12 x 23 ¾ inches. Gift of Joffa and Bill Kerr, National Museum of Wildlife Art.
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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"I have been to Europe multiple times—studied art in so many places—never saw anything so fantastic as this! Stunning and jaw-dropping, thank you!"
— Maggie A.
"Thank you for this glorious dedication to our "wild" life and human connection. Moving, emotional, and informative, with beauty within it all. "
— Lynne R.
"Architecturally stunning, thoughtful, interesting, educational, superb art and exhibits. A memorable experience. Thank you!"
— Susan B.
"I've never seen anything like this and I'm grateful to have stopped by. The extinct bird display nearly made me cry with the bird calls. Beautiful!!! "
— Marley S.
"This museum was so intimate and inspiring. As a former art teacher, the children's center made me want to have a classroom again!"
— Ellan M.
"Thank you for making this stop fun for my five kids. It kept them engaged, which allowed me to enjoy looking too!"
— Katie V.
"Super cool experience, I enjoyed the paintings and the thick paint textures! It made me feel like I was immersed in the natural environment!"
— Carmel G.
"BEST Museum I've ever been to! The hands on and special spaces for children were amazing and drew young people of all ages! Great job!"
— Judy G.