Bronze Bison Sculptures Stop at UNL on Cross-Country Trip to Smithsonian

Grand Island artist's work heads to Washington, D.C., after Nebraska visit

Mar. 14, 2026 at 9:48pm

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A set of bronze bison sculptures created by Grand Island native Gary Staab made a stop at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus on Saturday, joining the university's mammoth statue, Archie, before continuing a journey of more than 1,600 miles from Colorado to the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.

Why it matters

The sculptures represent an important work of art that will ultimately find a home at the prestigious Smithsonian Institution, showcasing the talent of a Nebraska artist on a national stage. The stop at UNL also highlights the university's connection to the state's natural history and the cultural significance of the bison.

The details

Staab said the process of creating the bronze bison sculptures took a full year, beginning with a miniature scale model before moving to a 4,000-year-old technique of pouring hot metal into wax molds. Before arriving at their permanent home at the Smithsonian, the statues are scheduled to make two additional stops — in Iowa City and Chicago.

  • The sculptures made a stop at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus on Saturday, March 14, 2026.
  • The sculptures will continue their journey to the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.

The players

Gary Staab

A Grand Island native who created the bronze bison sculptures.

Archie

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln's mammoth statue that the bronze bison sculptures joined during their stop on campus.

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What they’re saying

“It gives me a huge amount of Nebraska pride, stopping here and the history I have with my whole family that lives here in Nebraska. It's really humbling.”

— Gary Staab, Artist

What’s next

Before arriving at their permanent home at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., the bronze bison sculptures are scheduled to make two additional stops in Iowa City and Chicago.

The takeaway

The journey of these bronze bison sculptures from Colorado to the Smithsonian showcases the talent and pride of a Nebraska artist, while also highlighting the cultural significance of the bison and the university's connection to the state's natural history.