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Sage Grouse: Icon of the West, Photography by Noppadol Paothong

November 7, 2020 - May 2, 2021

This stunning photography exhibition highlights an extraordinary story of life, natural history, and the unique spring courtship behaviors of the greater sage-grouse. Noppadol Paothong has been documenting the high desert sagebrush sea for the last 18 years. The bizarre courtship dance of greater sage-grouse is known to nature lovers as one of the most impressive wildlife displays in North America. Now, with populations dramatically declining, Paothong hopes to spark discussion about conservation in ways that will benefit all – humans and wildlife coexisting in sage-grouse habitat.

A male Greater Sage-Grouse performs a mating display early before dawn during spring courtship ritual to attract hens in Sublette County, Wyoming.
Males Greater Sage-Grouse in a silhouette gather on a lek near White Mountain to perform annual spring courtship in high desert area in Wyoming.
Males Greater Sage-Grouse gather on a lek to perform a mating display during spring courtship ritual to attract hens in Carbon County, Wyoming.
Males Greater Sage-Grouse gather on a lek near Boar's Tusk to perform annual spring courtship in high desert area in Wyoming.
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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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"The most fabulous gallery that we have ever seen and enjoyed. Highlighting the plight of our animal kingdom is so important! "
— Nancy H.
"One of the most amazing museums I have ever visited. Everything—not just art, is amazing. "
— Elizabeth C.
"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.