The 51,000 square foot building with its Idaho quartzite façade was inspired by the ruins of Slains Castle in Aberdeenshire, Scotland and echoes the hillside behind the facility.

Located on a bluff called East Gros Ventre Butte in the midst of a real wildlife habitat, the institution overlooks the National Elk Refuge and is situated 2.5 miles north of the town of Jackson.

Characteristic examples, along with those of Rungius and Kuhn, include works by Albert Bierstadt, George Catlin, Karl Bodmer, Charles Marion Russell, Frederic Remington, John James Audubon, N.C. Wyeth, Friedrich Wilhelm Kuhnert, Bruno Liljefors, Robert Bateman, Simon Gudgeon, Tucker Smith, and Mark Catesby.

Additionally, there are works depicting wildlife by Auguste Rodin, Picasso, Rembrandt, Archibald Thorburn, Daniel Huntington, Rosa Bonheur, Georgia O'Keeffe, Walton Ford, Andy Warhol and Kendra Haste.

The collection contains a wide variety of materials including books, journals, artist biographical files, video and DVD recordings, and Museum publications.

In establishing the Rungius medal, the museum recognizes outstanding individuals and organizations across fields ranging from the fine arts to the natural sciences.

[6] Rungius Medal winners: Joel Sartore, 2017; John F. Turner, 2010; Bill and Joffa Kerr, 2007; Clifford P. Hansen, 2006; E. O. Wilson, 2005; Kenneth Bunn, 2004; J. Michael Fay, 2003; David Love, 2002; Bertram C. “Bert” Raynes, 2001; Jane Goodall, 2001; Robert Bateman, 2000; Kent Ullberg, 1996; Roger Tory Peterson, 1994; Wallace Stegner, 1993; Bob Kuhn, 1992; Robert L. Lewin, 1990; Mardy Murie, 1989; John Clymer, 1988.