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Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
Clay scuptures of a calf, a cow and a bull bison.
National Mall museum entrance

Bronze Bison

Coming March 2026
Outside at the National Mall museum entrance
Always Free
Coming in Spring 2026 | FREE

Bison Are Coming Back to the National Mall  

photographs of two clay models of bison comparing the miniature and 125% scale
Clay models of the miniature and 125% scale bison bronzes

 

More than 100 years ago, real bison grazed outside the Smithsonian Castle building. Bison are returning in a bold new way! This spring, three larger-than-life bronze bison, created by famous sculptor Gary Staab, will find a permanent home outside the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.  

Black and white photo of taxidermy bison in a glass display.
Hornaday Bison Display at the Arts and Industries Building. Photo courtesy Smithsonian Institution Archives.

These towering sculptures of a bull, cow, and calf are at 125% scale and modeled after taxidermy specimens seen in this museum between 1888 and 1957. The original bison diorama introduced generations of visitors to an animal and a prairie landscape they had never seen and helped spark the bison conservation movement.  

The new bison bronzes will welcome visitors from around the world and celebrate America’s national mammal. 

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Gift of Naoma Tate and the family of Hal Tate 

Online Bison Resources

Experience More

A herd of bison
Smithsonian Bison
A herd of bison standing in grass with a stylized sun behind them.
SECOND FLOOR | EXHIBIT
Bison: Standing Strong