New bison exhibit opens at National Museum of Natural History

WASHINGTON (Gray DC) - Visitors to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History can now see a new exhibit dedicated to America’s national mammal: the bison.

“Bison: Standing Strong” opened May 7 on the museum’s second floor as a tie-in to America’s 250th birthday. The exhibit explores the legacy and resilience of the bison through artifacts and art, and features a large stuffed bull greeting visitors in the exhibit’s first room.

The bison is a key link in North America’s ecosystem and history, providing an interesting subject to researchers tasked with contributing to the exhibition.

“It was really fun to work and learn more about the indigenous cultures that are shaped by bison,” said Melissa Hawkins, research curator.

The Smithsonian team has studied bison for years. The exhibit showcases their extensive work, presenting a history touched by disaster.

“Between 1870 and 1880, we took the bison population down to a few hundred animals, down from millions of animals,” said Kirk Johnson, Sant Director, referencing the exhibit’s second room.

The bison population has since recovered from near extinction, bouncing back thanks to the work of conservationists and, in part, the Smithsonian Institution.

“For the 250th anniversary of our nation, the bison was a really good story to tell,” Johnson said.

“Bison: Standing Strong” is open to the public at the National Museum of Natural History through May 2029.