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

State of the Art: Student Art Show in Honor of Marion Buchenroth

Through June 4, 2023

This youth art exhibit is an annual collaboration between the National Museum of Wildlife Art and art educators from Teton County schools. The several hundred works of art on display beautifully demonstrate how students grow as artists as they move through grades K-12. Each art educator and group of students interpreted the theme Transformation in their own way.

See the Exhibit

For the Love of Canines

Through August 27, 2023

For the Love of Canines questions humans’ relation and fascination with canines, whether love or loathing, through works of art from the Museum’s permanent collection.

See the Exhibit

What People Are Saying

"The local student's art was one of my favorite things I've seen in a long time. It brought me to tears to see such an overwhelming amount of talent in our youth."

— Aubrey C.

"Beautiful and awe-inspiring! Loved every minute of this visit. "

— Carly S.

"Love the beauty and serenity of this Museum. Wonderful, kind, and educated staff!"

— Gemma M.

" I have visited museums around the world and I thoroughly enjoyed this one. It was far more than I was expecting. What a treat! Don't miss it!"

— Roxanne B.

"No trip to Jackson is complete without a visit to this Museum! It contains many current and historical wildlife paintings and overlooks the Elk Refuge. We go every time we visit."

— J.W.

"The permanent collection is fantastic, and the temporary shows are insightful and always full of surprises. "

— Jennifer S.

"This is as good as everyone says! We are not museum people and we are especially not art museum people but we loved this place."

— David W.

"The most pleasant surprise was the restaurant Palate - the manager ran it like a fine restaurant! What a view! And the food was excellent - probably one of the best meals we had in Jackson!"

— Erin S.