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Autry Museum of Western Heritage

Photo Credit: Autry Museum of Western Heritage

The spirit of the Wild West is alive and well in southern California, thanks to the Autry Museum of Western Heritage. Gene Autry's intention to "build a museum that would exhibit and interpret the heritage of the West" became a reality when the museum opened in 1988. It now houses more than 85,000 items, and although only one small case is stocked with memorabilia that features Autry's likeness, his personal collections of Western objects form the heart and soul of this museum.

The West and its mystique is interpreted through the museum's extensive collection of cowboy paraphernalia, including chaps, spurs, saddles, branding irons, and a chuck wagon. The Colt firearm collection is rumored to be one of the finest anywhere, and includes Teddy Roosevelt's revolver and Annie Oakley's gold-plated Smith & Wesson. Beautiful Native American Indian art is here as well, along with paintings by American masters like Frederic Remington, Albert Bierstadt, and N.C. Wyeth.

Other exhibits focus on history, including pre-Civil War westward migration, ethnic diversity in the 1890s, the struggles between Native Americans and cowboys, and the way the West was portrayed in radio, film, and television. Kids can learn about living conditions in the old days in the Children's Discovery Center. And if you have a hankerin' to take home a pair of Autry-inspired cowboy boots, those and many other items are available in the museum gift shop.

Location
The Gene Autry Museum is located in Griffith Park at 4700 Western Heritage Way. It's across from the Los Angeles Zoo at the intersection of the Ventura Freeway and Golden State Freeway. Driving directions and a map can be found at the Autry Museum Web site. Parking is free and readily available.

Hours of operation
The museum is open Tuesdays through Sundays, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closing time is extended on Thursdays until 8 p.m.

Cost

Admission is free for everyone on the second Tuesday of each month.

This attraction participates in the CityPass discount program, which provides access to five popular Hollywood-area attractions for $69 (adults) and $49 (children, ages 3-9). CityPass booklets can be purchased at participating attraction locations or at the CityPass Web site.

Contact information
Call (323) 667-2000 or send e-mail to jaldrich@autry-museum.org.

Disabled access
The entire museum is wheelchair accessible, and wheelchairs are available for use free of charge.

Special considerations
Group tours must be made at least a week in advance. For reservations, call (323) 667-2000, extension 329, or visit the Web site.

Additional information

• Docent tours generally are available on Saturdays at 11 a.m. and noon.
• The Golden Spur Café serves breakfast and lunch.
• Visit the Autry Museum of Western Heritage Web site.

Please note
Cost, hours of operation, or other information about this attraction is subject to change without notice. We suggest you confirm with the attraction prior to your visit.