Bison-tennial: From Colonization to Rematriation

May 16, 2026 - August 23, 2026

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.

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.

Not able to visit us in person? Click below to explore a 3D virtual tour of the exhibition:

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), *Nature's Beauty*, 1990. Bronze. 9 1/2 x 17 1/2 x 9 1/2 inches. JKM Collection®, 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.

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.

Kent Monkman (Fisher River Cree Nation), *The Fourth World*, 2012. Denver Art Museum: Gift from Vicki and Kent Logan to the Collection of Denver Art Museum, 2014.224. © Kent Monkman. Photograph courtesy of the Denver Art Museum.

Other Exhibits

Impact and Entanglement: Three Video Works by Christina Seely

Through January 3, 2027

For almost two decades, Christina Seely has worked alongside scientists in the Arctic and tropics, creating immersive moving-image and sound installations that explore the changing relationships between wildlife, humans, and the planet.

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Birds in Art

Through April 25, 2027

“Birds in Art” is an annual exhibition organized by The Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum in Wausau, Wisconsin, each year since 1976. The exhibit typically features new works by contemporary artists. However, this special 50th anniversary edition of “Birds in Art” also includes a selection of highlights from past years.

See the Exhibit

What People Are Saying

"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.