Alaska Dog Show Explores Timeless Human-Canine Bonds at Anchorage Museum 

Exhibition showcases dogs’ place in art, history, and everyday life across the Circumpolar North 
 
Dog Show 
On view May 2, 2025 – April 5, 2026 | Patricia B. Wolf Family Galleries 

ANCHORAGE, ALASKA — What does it mean to be a good companion? For thousands of years, dogs have been more than pets—they’ve been partners in survival, guardians of home and hearth, and cultural symbols shaping how we see the world. Opening May 2, 2025, Dog Show at the Anchorage Museum explores the powerful, enduring relationships between humans and dogs across the Circumpolar North and beyond. 

 
Through contemporary and historical artworks, cultural belongings, archival images, and ephemera from Canada, Greenland, Norway, and the Lower 48, Dog Show traces the ways these four-legged companions have influenced lifeways, landscapes, and traditions. From Arctic sled dogs that helped people traverse vast distances to modern-day pets that have become beloved family members, the exhibition considers how dogs shape our histories, societies, and personal lives. 

 
Visitors will find immersive, family-friendly interactives, outdoor art installations, and hands-on experiences that deepen our understanding of the deep emotional and functional bonds between people and animals. A full slate of public programs—including community dog meetups, artist talks, and educational workshops—will accompany the exhibition, making Dog Show an engaging experience for dog lovers of all ages. 

The Anchorage Museum connects people, expands perspectives, and encourages global dialogue about the North and its distinct environment, cultures, and histories. Through exhibitions, public programs, and community collaborations, the museum fosters a deeper understanding of Alaska and the world beyond.