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Oldest Living Things in the World

May 16, 2015 - August 23, 2015

Rachel Sussman has been researching, working with biologists, and traveling the world to photograph the oldest living things in the world – organisms that have lived continuously for 2,000 years or longer. She began at “year zero” and looked back from there, exploring the living past in the fleeting present. This original index of millennia-old organisms has never before been created in the arts or sciences.

Rachel Sussman, Llareta.
Rachel Sussman, Spruce.
Rachel Sussman, King Penguins.
Rachel Sussman, Welwitchia Mirabilis.
Other Exhibits
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A Conceptual Thread

Through November 2, 2025

Various types of textile art—quilting, weaving, tapestry, and knitting—will be featured in this exhibit, each showcasing its unique ability to tell stories about wildlife and nature. The exhibition will also include a large communal loom in the Wapiti Gallery; Museum visitors will have the opportunity to contribute to the exhibition by weaving on this loom during their visit.

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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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What People Are Saying
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"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.
"Best food in town and 5-star service! We'll be coming back again! "
— Anna T.
"Not only was the museum interesting, the all gender bathroom was great. Thank you for thinking about LGBTQ and disabled people!"
— Bishnu A.