Wildlife Photographer of the Year Exhibition to Open at the National Museum of Wildlife Art

The National Museum of Wildlife Art of the United States (NMWA) will open the exhibition Wildlife Photographer of the Year on Saturday, May 24, 2025, in the Changing Visions, Bison, and King Galleries. Wildlife Photographer of the Year is a world-renowned exhibition, featuring exceptional images that capture fascinating animal behavior, spectacular species, and the breathtaking diversity of the natural world. This exhibition uses photography’s unique emotive power to engage and inspire audiences. It also aims to shine a light on stories and species around the world and encourage a future of advocating for the planet. Wildlife Photographer of the Year is developed and produced by the Natural History Museum, London. The exhibition will be on view at NMWA through August 24, 2025.

Wildlife Photographer of the Year is the most prestigious photography event of its kind, providing a global platform that showcases some of the best photography talent from around the world for nearly 60 years. Launched in 1965, today the competition receives entries from 117 countries and territories all over the world, highlighting its enduring appeal. “We’ve consistently seen that our visitors really appreciate photography exhibitions. This is an especially exciting exhibition that features talented photographers from across the globe, who showcase wildlife from diverse habitats. We are thrilled to partner with the Natural History Museum in London to bring this prestigious exhibition to our museum,” says Dr. Tammi Hanawalt, NMWA’s Curator of Art. “Wildlife Photographer of the Year explores a wide variety of themes, presenting perspectives that range from lighthearted to deeply thought-provoking. Above all, the photographs are inspiring in their own unique ways, and we believe there will be something to engage every visitor.”

While the exhibition officially opens at NMWA on May 24, the public can enjoy early access during a sneak peek of the exhibit from 11:30 a.m.-12 p.m. on Friday, May 23. Larry Taylor, a featured photographer, will be in attendance to speak about his work in the exhibition—providing attendees with exclusive behind the scenes insight into how he captured his compelling shot. This event is free to Museum members and included in the cost of general admission.

Wildlife Photographer of the Year is generously sponsored at NMWA by Erika & Mick Cestia, Marnie & Tasso Coin, Estate of Berte Hirschfield, Friess Wildlife Art Charitable Lead Trust, Lightner Sams Foundation of Wyoming, Carol & Jim Linton, McCrea Foundation, Tally & Bill Mingst, Annette & Noah Osnos, Lindy & Hanley Sayers, Maggie & Dick Scarlett, Peggy Rose Schneider Endowment Fund, Singleton Peery Financial, Caroline & Ken Taylor, Thomas and Elizabeth Grainger Family Charitable Fund, Thomas Gilcrease Foundation, Grant Winthrop, and Halloran, Farkas, and Kittila LLC.