Autry Museum of the American West

Stepping into the Autry Museum of the American West, nestled in Los Angeles’ Griffith Park, is like embarking on a journey through time. This unique museum, founded by the iconic Hollywood cowboy Gene Autry, is a treasure trove of the American West’s diverse heritage. From the rich tapestry of Native American art and artifacts to the vivid depictions of the Wild West in popular culture, the Autry Museum offers a truly immersive experience for history enthusiasts.

The museum’s exhibits cover various topics, making it eclectic due to its broad focus. Despite this, the Autry Museum impresses with its permanent exhibition areas designed by Walt Disney Imagineering, headquartered nearby in Glendale, California.

While the museum’s varied exhibits may not always align cohesively, it houses an extensive collection of cowboy memorabilia, genre film props, Western paintings, sculptures, Native North American pottery, beadwork, carvings, and other artifacts.

One of the Autry Museum’s most commendable aspects is its commitment to presenting a balanced view of the American West. It doesn’t shy away from showcasing the romanticized, fictionalized version of the West popularized in Hollywood, but it also provides a more realistic look at the intertwined cultures of the West, Native American heritage, and the daily lives of those who settled in the West. This thoughtful approach respects the audience’s interest in history and acknowledges the complexity of the West’s narrative.

The museum’s honest portrayal of both glamorized and realistic aspects of the West may fail to offer much insight into how history was whitewashed, which is a critical mistake as it accentuates the divide between the two parts of the museum.

The Autry Museum is a dynamic institution, constantly evolving to reflect the changing perceptions of exploration and exploitation, especially in Los Angeles. There’s a noticeable shift towards emphasizing the multicultural nature of the American West and replacing exhibits that romanticize cowboys and manifest destiny with those highlighting diverse cultural influences. This evolution is a testament to the museum’s commitment to staying relevant and engaging, offering visitors a fresh and exciting experience with each visit.

Some of the highlights of my visit to the Autry Museum of the American West included the “The Colt Revolver in the American West” exhibition, which features the most extensive collection of Colt handguns worldwide. However, it lacked some historical context. The “Journeys Gallery” was particularly engaging as it explored the people, technologies, and circumstances that shaped the West in the nineteenth century. Another popular exhibit, “Play!”, showcasing toys and games from different cultures and time periods, is aimed at kids. There’s also the impressive 140′ mural by Guy Deel titled “Spirits of the West.”