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Three Massive Bison Sculptures Arrive in Iowa City on National Tour
The bronze statues, created for the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History, will make a stop at the University of Iowa Museum of Natural History as part of a cross-country journey.
Mar. 15, 2026 at 1:30pm
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Three larger-than-life bronze bison sculptures, created for the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History, will arrive in Iowa City as part of a road trip from Colorado to Washington, D.C. The sculptures will be on display outside the University of Iowa Museum of Natural History, offering a rare opportunity for visitors to see them up close before they continue their trek to D.C. for permanent installation on the National Mall.
Why it matters
The national journey of these bronze bison sculptures is part of the Smithsonian's commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, highlighting the bison's enduring cultural, ecological, and scientific significance as the national mammal of the United States. The stop in Iowa City also celebrates the state's long history and connections with bison, which are tied to the museum's founders, collections, and exhibits.
The details
Inside the museum, visitors are invited to a special bison-focused program featuring short talks and up-close experiences. Pentacrest Museums Director Liz Crooks, now officially dubbed a "Bison Ambassador", will discuss Iowa's bison history and connections. Smithsonian content experts will also share perspectives on bison history, science, conservation, the bronze sculptures, the national road trip, and the forthcoming exhibitions in D.C. The program will conclude with close-look tables featuring bison research collections, a visit to museum galleries with bison connections, and a farewell gathering outside to wave off the bronze bison as they depart for their next stop.
- The bronze bison sculptures will arrive in Iowa City on March 15, 2026.
- The bison-focused program and events will take place throughout the day on March 15, 2026.
The players
Liz Crooks
The director of the Pentacrest Museums at the University of Iowa, who has been officially dubbed a "Bison Ambassador" for the event.
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
The museum that commissioned the three larger-than-life bronze bison sculptures, which are now on a national tour.
What they’re saying
“We're thrilled to host these magnificent bronze bison sculptures and share Iowa's deep connections to these iconic animals with visitors from across the state and country.”
— Liz Crooks, Pentacrest Museums Director
What’s next
After the stop in Iowa City, the bronze bison sculptures will continue their journey to Washington, D.C., where they will be permanently installed on the National Mall as part of the Smithsonian's 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence celebrations.
The takeaway
This national tour of the Smithsonian's bronze bison sculptures not only highlights the cultural, ecological, and scientific significance of the bison, but also celebrates Iowa's own rich history and connections to these majestic animals through the University of Iowa Museum of Natural History's collections and exhibits.
