Thomas D. Mangelsen: A Life in the Wild

October 20, 2018 - May 5, 2019

About the Exhibition:

American nature photographer, Thomas Mangelsen, has dedicated the past 40 years to traveling and capturing the last of Earth’s wild places. One of the most prolific nature photographers of our time, he has been described as a spiritual descendant of pioneering American photographer Ansel Adams. This impressive photography retrospective truly chronicles a life in the wild. It takes guests on an adventure around the world, with images of tigers, elephants, bobcats, leopards, polar bears, and penguins, to name a few.

About Thomas Mangelsen:

Thomas Mangelsen was named the 2011 Conservation Photographer of the Year by Nature’s Best Photography. This placed his work in the permanent collection at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C. He was named one of the 40 Most Influential Nature Photographers by Outdoor Photography, and one of the 100 Most Important People in Photography by American Photo magazine. The North American Nature Photography Association has named him Outstanding Nature Photographer of the Year. The British Broadcasting Corporation gave him its coveted, prestigious award, Wildlife Photographer of the Year.

Thomas Mangelsen has traveled to the wildest corners of North America, Africa, and beyond, for more than 40 years. In doing so, he’s and produced a body of work second to none. At a time when digital technology is, notoriously, conditioning users to have shorter attention spans, A Life In The Wild stands as a testament by Thomas Mangelsen. It shows the rewards that can come to those who get close to nature.

Please check our events calendar for special events related to this exhibition.

The Thomas D. Mangelsen – A Life In The Wild, Tour is produced by David J. Wagner, L.L.C. in partnership with Thomas D. Mangelsen, Inc.

Thomas Mangelsen Cheeta — Thomas D. Mangelsen, "Bathtime in Maasailand," 1994, Fujiflex Crystal Archive Print Framed. 40 x 55 inches.

Thomas Mangelsen Bear — Thomas D. Mangelsen, "Catch of the Day," 1988, Fujiflex Crystal Archive Print Framed. 50 x 70 inches.

Thomas Mangelsen Polar Bear — Thomas D. Mangelsen, "Wind Song, 1991," Fujiflex Crystal Archive Print Framed. 40 x 55 inches.

Thomas Mangelsen Tanengers — Thomas D. Mangelsen, "Spring Blossoms," 2010, Fujiflex Crystal Archive Print Framed. 28 x 38 inches.

Thomas D. Mangelsen, Gentle Giant, 2003, Fujiflex Crystal Archive Print Framed. 50 x 70 inches.

Other Exhibits

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Western Visions® is the National Museum of Wildlife Art’s largest and longest-running fundraiser and is one of the signature events of the Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival.

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Re-Imagining Conservation

Through November 12, 2023

Re-Imagining Conservation strives to create space for multidisciplinary and varied perspectives about conservation. It encourages visitors to consider new ways to find a healthy balance in our human-animal relationships, including how we live together in shared environments.

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What People Are Saying

"Not only was the museum interesting, the all gender bathroom was great. Thank you for thinking about LGBTQ and disabled people!"

— Bishnu A.

"An amazing collection of paintings, sculptures, and artifacts that preserve and celebrate the beauty of the natural world and wildlife. I was thoroughly impressed!"

— Rita D.

"What an amazing and inspiring collection. A lovely way to spend time in Jackson Hole!"

— Jo A.

"I loved it and was surprised to see a section that also encouraged children to participate, probably one of the only museums that wasn't boring!"

— Mandy L.

"This place is amazing! And I absolutely love the educational considerations for young minds. "

— Charlotte C.

"Wonderful museum. Excellent restaurant - the food, waitstaff, and ambiance! "

— Eileen J.

"Enjoyed the botanical tour! The plants were all blooming, and there were birds too. "

— Ron K.

"Really enjoyed the exhibit of the Big Four!"

— J.B.