People have been exploring the unparalleled scenery and bountiful wildlife of this corner of northwest Wyoming for millennia. Native people began visiting the region over 11,000 years ago, valuing this ecosystem for its natural resources and as a site of spiritual importance.
Europeans began to explore the area approximately 200 years ago. Most famously, in 1871, the Ferdinand V. Hayden Expedition arrived with a mission to document the wonders of Yellowstone. Photographer William Henry Jackson and painter Thomas Moran returned from the expedition with images that helped convince the U.S. Congress to establish Yellowstone as the world’s first national park in 1872. Other parks along the Rockies soon followed, including Glacier National Park in 1910 and Grand Teton National Park in 1929.
Paintings and sculptures of these iconic parks and the wildlife thriving within their borders are presented here. This region remains a haven for artists and sight-seers drawn to its intact ecosystems, dramatic scenery, and plentiful wildlife.
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Bison-tennial: From Colonization to Rematriation
Through August 23, 2026Bison-tennial explores the profound influence of bison on the history, cultures, and landscapes of the North American West, especially within the United States. The exhibition traces their story from pre-colonial times through westward expansion, the near-destruction of the herds, and today’s growing restoration and rematriation efforts.
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From Sea to Shining Sea: Wildlife Above & Below the Waves
Through August 23, 2026Displayed 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.
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