3 Giant Bronze Bison Statues Coming to UI Museum

Sculptures will stop in Iowa City as part of national tour to Smithsonian

Mar. 14, 2026 at 9:00pm

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Three larger-than-life bronze bison statues will be on display at the University of Iowa Museum of Natural History on March 15 as part of a weeklong, cross-country journey from Colorado to the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C. The sculptures will be installed at the Smithsonian's entrance on March 18 ahead of a new exhibition, "Bison: Standing Strong."

Why it matters

The bronze bison sculptures represent an iconic American species and a story of conservation and survival. Their stop in Iowa City highlights the state's long history and connection to bison, as well as the University of Iowa Museum's role in preserving bison specimens and artifacts.

The details

The three bronze bison, created by artist Gary Staab, are based on specimens collected by the Smithsonian's former taxidermist William Temple Hornaday. Before arriving in Iowa City, the sculptures will stop at museums in Colorado and Nebraska. After leaving Iowa, they will visit the Field Museum in Chicago before their final installation in Washington, D.C.

  • The bronze bison sculptures will be on public display in front of the University of Iowa Museum of Natural History from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm on March 15, 2026.
  • The sculptures will depart Iowa City at 3:00 pm on March 15 to continue their journey to Chicago.

The players

Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History

The national museum celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence with a new exhibition and programming focused on the American bison.

University of Iowa Museum of Natural History

The museum hosting the bronze bison sculptures during their cross-country tour, featuring its own bison specimens and artifacts.

Gary Staab

The renowned natural history artist who created the bronze bison sculptures.

William Temple Hornaday

The Smithsonian's former taxidermist whose work inspired the design of the bronze bison sculptures.

Liz Crooks

The director of the University of Iowa's Pentacrest Museums.

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What they’re saying

“These larger-than-life bronze bison depict museum specimens that literally helped turn the tide of extinction.”

— Kirk Johnson, Sant Director of the National Museum of Natural History

“We were so proud to learn that The University of Iowa Museum of Natural History and Iowa City would be part of the bronze bison's national journey. These sculptures represent not only an iconic species, but a story of survival and stewardship that continues today.”

— Liz Crooks, Director of the University of Iowa's Pentacrest Museums

What’s next

After leaving Iowa City, the bronze bison sculptures will stop at the Field Museum in Chicago on March 16 and 17 before heading to their final destination at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C., where they will be installed on March 18.

The takeaway

The arrival of the bronze bison sculptures in Iowa City highlights the state's deep connections to this iconic American species and the University of Iowa Museum's role in preserving bison history and artifacts. The sculptures' national tour celebrates the bison's conservation story and its significance as a symbol of resilience.