The University of Iowa Museum of Natural History is a featured stop on a historic cross-country journey celebrating the American bison. 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. This national journey is party 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 of America.<\/p>\n
The sculptures will be parked outside the museum throughout the day, offering a rare opportunity to see them up close before they continue their trek to DC for permanent installation on the National Mall. 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 long history and connections with bison, highlighting ties to the museums’ founders, collections, and exhibits. Smithsonian content experts will share perspectives on bison history, science, conservation, the bronze sculptures, the national road trip, and the forthcoming exhibitions in DC.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The day’s events are free and open to the public. All ages welcome.<\/p>\n
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