In Griffith Park, across from the Los Angeles Zoo, the Autry Museum of the American West explores the region’s art, history and cultures. Its galleries cover Indigenous life, cowboy culture, frontier history and the ways books, films and television shaped ideas of the West. Look for Native American art and artifacts, Western film memorabilia, historic transport and hands-on activities for children. A garden with native California plants adds an outdoor stop. The range of subjects suits families and anyone who wants a broader view of the American West than Hollywood Westerns alone.
A wider view of the American West
Founded by singer and actor Gene Autry in 1988, the museum is dedicated to the art, history and cultures of the American West. Its subject reaches beyond the familiar image of the cowboy: exhibitions consider the many peoples who shaped the region and the stories told about them. Displays address Native American history and culture, as well as the roles of minorities in the West’s history and cultural life.
The galleries connect historical objects with the myths of the frontier. You can encounter the history of Indigenous communities, Spanish exploration and mission-era California, cattle drives and daily life on the frontier, alongside the West’s later portrayal in books, television and film. This mix makes the museum useful for comparing popular Western imagery with the history behind it.
Art, objects and film history
The collection brings together art and material from across the West. Native American works and artifacts sit alongside paintings, ceramics, textiles and objects tied to cowboy life. Among the subjects represented are Pueblo pottery, Western clothing and the development of transportation. Historic vehicles include carriages, a fire engine and a slop wagon.
Film and television memorabilia offer another way into the story. Costumes and objects from Hollywood Westerns connect the screen’s version of the West with the museum’s wider historical themes. Gene Autry material is also part of the museum’s story, though the galleries cover far more than the life and career of its founder.
Exhibitions change, so the particular works and topics on view can differ from one visit to another. The museum has presented exhibitions on Black cowboy history, Native American beadwork and contemporary art. Check the museum website for current exhibitions before you go.
A visit with children
Interactive displays and family activities give younger visitors ways to engage with the material. Activities have included a scavenger hunt, a postcard activity and making bow-tie ribbons. A play space downstairs gives children room for hands-on play, while seating around the museum makes it possible to pause between galleries.
The outdoor garden contains native California plants, and the grounds also host public events. Programs across the year include lectures, films, theater, festivals, family activities and music. Some events take place outdoors, so check the museum’s calendar for details and any event-specific arrangements.
Häufige Fragen
Where is the Autry Museum of the American West?
It is at 4700 Western Heritage Way in Griffith Park, across from the Los Angeles Zoo.
How long should you spend at the Autry Museum?
Plan for about an hour and a half. Families may want more time for the interactive activities and play space.
Is the Autry Museum suitable for children?
Yes. The museum has interactive activities, family programs and a play space for children.
Is parking available at the Autry Museum?
On-site parking is available.
