National Museum of Wildlife Art Celebrates Jackson’s Recognition as the Nation’s #1 Arts Community
January 21, 2026The National Museum of Wildlife Art celebrates Jackson, Wyoming, being named the most arts-vibrant community in the United States for 2025, according to the Arts Vibrancy Index released by SMU DataArts and the National Center for Arts Research. The designation places Jackson first among the newly expanded Top 100 Arts-Vibrant Communities, recognizing cultural excellence across communities of all sizes nationwide.
The Arts Vibrancy Index evaluates communities using indicators measuring arts activity, cultural participation, and public support, adjusted for population and cost of living. Jackson’s top ranking places it ahead of major metropolitan regions including, New York City, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C., underscoring the national significance of its creative ecosystem.
A cornerstone of Jackson’s cultural landscape, the National Museum of Wildlife Art has helped shape the region’s reputation for artistic excellence for decades. Founded in 1987, the Museum holds more than 5,000 works of wildlife art from around the world and was designated the National Museum of Wildlife Art of the United States by order of Congress in 2008.
The Museum’s collection—featuring artists such as Georgia O’Keeffe, Andy Warhol, Albert Bierstadt, John James Audubon, and Carl Rungius—spans more than 4,500 years of art history. Through exhibitions, scholarship, and public programs, the Museum draws national and international audiences while remaining deeply connected to the cultural life of Jackson Hole.
“This recognition affirms the extraordinary commitment to the arts that defines Jackson,” said Steve Seamons, Executive Director of the National Museum of Wildlife Art. “We are proud to be part of a community whose cultural institutions and artists contribute meaningfully to the national arts landscape.”
Now in its tenth year, the Arts Vibrancy Index highlights communities where the arts are both deeply embedded and broadly supported. Jackson’s number-one ranking reflects sustained investment in cultural infrastructure and strong public engagement with the arts. The National Museum of Wildlife Art congratulates the entire Jackson arts community on this achievement and looks forward to continuing its role as a pillar of one of the most dynamic arts communities in the Nation.