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Smithsonian Welcomes 2,500-Pound Bronze Bison to New Permanent Home at National Museum of Natural History
Key Takeaways
- Three 2,500-pound bronze bison statues installed outdoors at the National Museum of Natural History.
- Unveiled to mark America's 250th birthday celebration.
- Celebrates the official mammal of the United States, designated by Congress.
Historic Installation
The Smithsonian Institution has unveiled three monumental bronze bison statues as a permanent addition to the National Museum of Natural History.
“America’s official mammal, the bison, gets a bronze tribute for the country’s 250th birthday America’s official mammal, the bison, gets a bronze tribute for the country’s 250th birthday KEARNEY, Mo”
The installation features a bull, cow, and calf cast in bronze, weighing approximately 2,500 pounds total.
The sculptures are scaled at 125 percent larger than real-life bison to create maximum visual impact.
This artistic celebration recognizes the bison's profound cultural, historical, and ecological importance to North America.
The species was designated the official national mammal by an act of Congress signed by former President Obama in 2016.
The sculptures represent both artistic achievement and conservation success.
They stand as permanent symbols of an animal that was once nearly driven to extinction but has now achieved protected status.
Artistic Creation
The artistic creation of the bronze bison represents a meticulous process of design and execution.
Award-winning sculptor Gary Staab was commissioned to bring these monumental figures to life.
Staab is a paleoartist who specializes in creating sculptures of animals and historical artifacts for museums worldwide.
He designed the full-size statues in foam and clay before they were cast in bronze and assembled at a foundry in Colorado.
The decision to scale the bison at 125 percent their actual size was based on careful testing.
According to museum director Kirk Johnson, the team experimented with paper replicas to gauge maximum physical impact.
The sculptures are modeled after zoologist William Hornaday's taxidermy collection.
This collection was on view at the Smithsonian from 1888 to 1957, creating historical connection to bison conservation.
Historical Context
The installation carries profound historical significance.
“A decade ago, the bison received a long overdue title: the official mammal of the United States”
It connects contemporary conservation efforts with the Smithsonian's long-standing relationship with bison preservation.
In the late 1800s, four actual bison lived behind the Smithsonian Institution Building and grazed on the National Mall.
These historical bison represented one of the earliest conservation efforts for the species.
They formed the foundation of the Smithsonian's National Zoo.
The zoo was founded by Hornaday in 1891 and started with Nebraska-sourced animals that traveled by train.
This historical context shows deep institutional commitment to bison conservation.
The species was nearly driven to extinction in the 1800s when millions roamed the Great Plains.
The bronze sculptures serve as both artistic tributes and living monuments to conservation success.
Conservation Significance
The bronze bison installation represents more than just artistic achievement.
It embodies a powerful conservation narrative that resonates with contemporary environmental challenges.
Gary Staab emphasized this broader significance when describing the project.
He called it 'a wonderful story of conservation working'.
He described it as 'a story of people seeing a need and getting behind that to conserve an animal that is specific to North America.'
This perspective shows the bison's journey from near extinction to national symbol.
It demonstrates successful intervention and collective conservation action.
The permanent placement ensures the conservation story will be told to millions of visitors.
The timing coinciding with the nation's 250th anniversary adds additional meaning.
It frames conservation success as integral to American identity and heritage.
Artistic Process
Staab completed the ambitious project in what he described as 'lighting fast' four months.
Working from his studio in Kearney, Missouri, he sculpted the full-size statues in foam and clay.
The sculptures were then transported to a foundry in Colorado for bronze casting and assembly.
This efficient timeline speaks to Staab's expertise and collaborative effort.
The final result captures anatomical accuracy and majestic presence through careful detail.
The decision to create a family group adds emotional resonance.
The bull, cow, and calf symbolize continuity and ongoing conservation legacy.
This legacy began over a century ago and continues to inspire environmental stewardship today.
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