See animals come to life via the exquisite exhibits of the National Museum of Wildlife Art. Lithographs, photographs, sculptures and watercolors portray animals in their natural habitats. The museum holds a catalog of 5,000 artifacts, some of which are over 4,500 years old. Its mission is to educate visitors about the importance of animals to our daily lives.
The exhibits cover modernism, impressionism, romanticism and sporting art, among other genres. Discover a strong focus on American and European art from the 1800s and 1900s. Browse works by Andy Warhol, Auguste Rodin, Carl Rungius, George Catlin, Henri Rousseau and Wilhelm Kuhnert. In the Children’s Discovery Gallery are activities such as an interactive studio, a puppet theater and a wildlife costume wardrobe.
Outside, a sculpture trail sits against the glorious mountain backdrop of Jackson Hole Valley. A major highlight is the set of life-like elk sculptures along a path called the Wapiti Trail. Enjoy views across to the National Elk Refuge, where bison, elk and wolves roam freely. Admire the museum’s red sandstone building, which is modeled on the remains of Slains Castle, in Aberdeenshire.
Time your visit to coincide with events and workshops. June’s Plein Air Fest allows visitors to watch invited artists paint pieces to be sold at auction. Purchase books, handicrafts and household items at the museum shop. Enjoy lunch with a view on the terrace of the on-site restaurant.
Find the museum about 3 miles (5 kilometers) north of Jackson. Free parking is available. Drop by on your way to Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park. Also worth visiting is nearby Wilcox Gallery, which features fine arts by artists such as the landscape painter Jim Wilcox.
The National Museum of Wildlife Art is open daily, from May to October. Between November and April it opens from Tuesday to Sunday. There is an admission fee, which is discounted for children and seniors. An audio guide is included with the entrance price. Visit the museum’s official website for more information and an up-to-date exhibit schedule.