Three towering bronze bison statues are making their way across the country from Colorado and will soon be on display at the National Mall. They’ll be visible at the entrance of the National Museum of Natural History starting March 19.
These statues are part of the Natural History Museum’s celebration of “all things American bison,” according to a news release from the Smithsonian. The museum is recognizing the national mammal with a series of exhibitions, displays, and programming.
Why Bison?
The Smithsonian’s bison-focused programming pays homage to the history of the animals in DC. In the late 1880s, several bison lived in an enclosure on the National Mall, and there was a lifelike display of taxidermized bison at the Smithsonian museum for almost 70 years.
Those displays were efforts from Smithsonian taxidermist William Temple Hornaday, who saw evidence of the species’ dwindling wild populations in Montana and wanted to spread the word. The living bison display was a precursor to DC’s National Zoo, according to the Smithsonian’s news release.
This year’s programming also recognizes the greater history of bison in the U.S., including how George Washington used to hunt the animals, how Lewis and Clark encountered them, and Native American communities’ relationships with the animals. American bison became the official national mammal in 2016.
Where to See the Bison Statues
The three bison statues were designed by natural history artist Gary Staab, modeled after specimens from Hornaday’s original Smithsonian display. Starting on March 11, they’ll travel across the U.S., making stops in Denver, Nebraska, Iowa, and Chicago before finally arriving in DC on March 18.
Upon arrival, the bison will be mounted to plinths flanking the entrance of the Natural History Museum. They’ll be open for public viewing starting March 19.
“These larger-than-life bronze bison depict museum specimens that literally helped turn the tide of extinction,” said Kirk Johnson, the Sant Director of the National Museum of Natural History. “Bringing the bronze bison to museums across the bison’s native range emphasizes the historic role the Smithsonian has played in preserving America’s natural history for future generations.”
Two Bison Exhibits on Tap
In addition to the statues, there will be two bison-focused exhibitions at the Natural History Museum.
The first, Bison Standing Strong, kicks off May 7. It explores the “cultural and ecological legacy of American bison,” with fossils, anthropological objects, Indigenous artwork, and more. There will also be an immersive prairie soundscape, mural-sized videos, and chances for visitors to touch replica bison bones.
The second exhibition, Imagining Bison, opens May 21. It will focus on the Smithsonian’s role in bison conservation through books, art, archival documents, and photographs.
There will also be several educational events about bison, including expert talks and film screenings.
Feature image courtesy Gary Staab
