Autry Museum of the American West Los Angeles
The Autry Museum of the American West, located in Los Angeles, California, is a museum dedicated to the history and culture of the American West. The museum was founded in 1988 by actor and singer Gene Autry, and is located in Griffith Park in the heart of the city.
The Autry Museum features a wide range of exhibits and collections that showcase the history and culture of the American West, including its art, music, and cultural traditions. The museum’s collection includes more than 500,000 objects, ranging from historic firearms and Native American artifacts to contemporary art and popular culture memorabilia.
One of the museum’s most popular exhibits is its collection of firearms and weapons, which includes more than 14,000 items, making it one of the largest collections of its kind in the world. The collection includes weapons used by cowboys, lawmen, and outlaws of the American West, as well as those used by Native American tribes and early explorers of the region.
The museum’s Native American collection is also extensive, featuring artifacts and artwork from the tribes of the American West, including the Navajo, Hopi, and Pueblo peoples. The collection includes baskets, pottery, and jewelry, as well as more contemporary works of art by Native American artists.
In addition to its permanent exhibits, the Autry Museum also features a number of temporary exhibits throughout the year, focusing on various aspects of the American West. These exhibits have included a tribute to the cowboy, an exploration of the role of women in the American West, and a celebration of the music of the region.
The museum also features a range of educational programs and initiatives, aimed at promoting a deeper understanding and appreciation of the American West. These programs include lectures, workshops, and hands-on activities for students and adults, as well as online resources and exhibits for those who cannot visit in person.
One of the most unique aspects of the Autry Museum is its focus on the intersection of popular culture and the American West. The museum features an extensive collection of Western film and television memorabilia, including costumes, props, and posters from classic Western movies and TV shows. Visitors can also explore the history of Western music, from traditional cowboy songs to the modern country music that remains popular today.
Overall, the Autry Museum of the American West is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the history and culture of the American West. Its extensive collections, engaging exhibits, and educational programs make it a valuable and unique cultural institution in Los Angeles. Whether you are a student of history, an art lover, or simply looking for an enjoyable and informative day out, the Autry Museum is the perfect destination for you.
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Free Admission
In accordance with the recent Los Angeles city ordinance, proof of full COVID-19 vaccination is required to enter the premises. Visitors with medical or religious exemptions will be required to provide proof of a recent negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours, in accordance with the ordinance. Masks are also required indoors at the Southwest regardless of vaccination status by all those over age 2 (no exceptions). Thank you for your cooperation.
TRANSPORTATION
Parking is free but limited. To arrive via public transportation, take the Metro Gold Line to the Southwest Museum Station, located near the intersection of Marmion Way and Museum Drive. Enter through the pedestrian tunnel entrance on Museum Drive. At this historic site, some areas are fully accessible to wheelchair users; other areas may require assistance.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
Go Metro and take the Gold Line to the Southwest Museum. Plan your trip on metro.net.
ON VIEW
Four Centuries of Pueblo Pottery This exhibition features more than 100 pieces of rare ceramics from the Autry’s Southwest Museum of the American Indian Collection. This exhibition traces the dramatic changes that transformed the Pueblo pottery tradition in the era following sixteenth-century Spanish colonization to the present. Making a Big Noise: The Explorations of Charles Lummis A California icon and founder of the historic Southwest Museum, Charles Lummis was more than a collector: He participated in creating a national narrative of discovery and exploration. Through archaeological objects and associated photographs, maps, and archival materials, Making a Big Noise reveals stories about Lummis and his journeys, including his “Tramp Across the Continent” a crosscountry trek from Ohio to L.A. and his archaeological expeditions in New Mexico, Peru, and Mesoamerica.
