Autry Museum of the American West
The Autry Museum of the American West is a museum in Los Angeles, California, dedicated to exploring an inclusive history of the American West. Founded in 1988, it presents wide-ranging exhibitions and public programmes including lectures, film, theatre, festivals, family events, and music, alongside active scholarship, research, and educational outreach. The museum attracts approximately 150,000 visitors annually.
At a glance
- Type
- History and cultural museum
- Period
- Founded 1988
- Style
- Contemporary museum building in Griffith Park
- Location
- 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles, California, USA
Overview
The Autry Museum of the American West occupies a purpose-built facility in Griffith Park, adjacent to the Los Angeles Zoo. Named after Gene Autry, the singing cowboy film star who founded it, the museum takes a deliberately inclusive approach to the history of the American West, acknowledging the diverse communities — Indigenous peoples, Spanish and Mexican settlers, Chinese labourers, African American pioneers, and European immigrants — who shaped the region. Its permanent collection encompasses more than 500,000 objects spanning art, artefacts, manuscripts, and photographs.
History
Gene Autry established the museum in 1988 with the mission of telling the full story of the American West beyond the mythology of Hollywood Westerns. In 2003 it merged with the Women of the West Museum, and in 2004 it absorbed the Southwest Museum of the American Indian, one of California’s oldest museums founded in 1907. These mergers significantly expanded both the collection’s scope and its commitment to Indigenous cultural heritage. The museum continues to evolve its interpretive approach to address historical complexities and community perspectives.
What you see
The permanent galleries trace the natural and human history of the American West from prehistoric times through the 20th century. Highlights include historic firearms, cowboy gear, Indigenous artefacts, Spanish Colonial objects, and a substantial fine art collection depicting Western landscapes and peoples. Temporary exhibitions regularly address contemporary issues connected to Western history. The museum also features outdoor spaces and hosts live performances on its grounds.
Cultural significance
The Autry occupies a unique position in American cultural life, actively working to deconstruct romanticised narratives of the West while preserving the artefacts and stories of all its peoples. Its stewardship of the Southwest Museum collection — including significant Native American collections — carries particular responsibility for respectful and accurate representation of Indigenous heritage. The museum is a leading voice in debates about museum ethics, repatriation, and inclusive historiography.
Practical information
- Address
- 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
- Hours
- Check official website for current hours; closed Mondays and Tuesdays
- Admission
- Ticketed; free for members and children under 3
- Coordinates
- 34.1486° N, 118.2813° W
Getting there
The museum is located inside Griffith Park. By public transit, take the Los Angeles Metro B Line (Red Line) to Vermont/Sunset station and connect by bus. By car, take the I-5 or CA-2 to Zoo Drive; free parking is available on site. The museum is near the Los Angeles Zoo and Griffith Observatory, making it convenient to combine visits.