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From Sea to Shining Sea: Wildlife Above & Below the Waves

May 23, 2026 - August 23, 2026
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ON VIEW MAY 23, 2026 – AUGUST 23, 2026

Displayed in the King Gallery, From Sea to Shining Sea: Wildlife Above & Below the Waves celebrates the rich diversity of aquatic life across the continent—from freshwater rivers and wetlands to coastal shores and open seas. The exhibition brings together a carefully selected group of works from the Museum’s permanent collection, featuring fish, dolphins, sea turtles, seahorses, otters, beavers, seals, sea lions, and a variety of birds, all focused exclusively on North American species—a choice that deepens the connection between the exhibition’s title and the Nation’s 250th Anniversary.

Though aquatic and marine subjects appear less frequently in the permanent collection than other wildlife, they number among its most captivating works—and many have rarely been on public view. From Sea to Shining Sea offers a rare opportunity to see them gathered together, with works by artists including Andy Warhol, Robert Bateman, Carl Rungius, Katherine Lane Weems, He Xi, and many more. From the playful to the majestic, these animals promise to delight and inspire visitors of all ages.

 

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

Katherine Lane Weems, (United States, 1899 – 1989), Dolphins of the Sea, 1977. Bronze. JKM Collection®, National Museum of Wildlife Art.
Robert Bateman (Canada, b. 1930), Bright Day - Atlantic Puffins, 1977. Acrylic on board. 16 ½ x 23 ½ inches. Gift of Florence Lamb, National Museum of Wildlife Art. © Robert Bateman.
He Xi Chasing Fish
He Xi (China, b. 1960), Chasing Fish, 2019. Ink and pigments on silk. 15 x 14 inches. Gift of the 2020 Blacktail Gala, National Museum of Wildlife Art. © He Xi.
Other Exhibits
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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.

See the Exhibit
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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
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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.