The museum was founded in 1988 by actor and singer Gene Autry and his wife, Jackie Autry.
It merged with the Southwest Museum of the American Indian in 2003, acquiring its extensive collection of over 250,000 items.
The museum holds one of the world's most significant collections of American Indian baskets.
The site was specifically chosen for its proximity to the Los Angeles Zoo, creating a cultural corridor within Griffith Park.
The museum displays original props and memorabilia from the careers of early Western film icons like Roy Rogers and Gene Autry.
The Autry Museum of the American West is located in Griffith Park and focuses on the diverse history, cultures, and art of the American West. It houses a collection of over 500,000 pieces, including significant holdings of Native American art and cultural objects. The museum features permanent galleries dedicated to the history of the frontier, Western films, and the evolution of the West. It is home to the Southwest Museum of the American Indian collection, one of the most important in the country. The site includes the Cross Roads West Cafe, which offers views of the surrounding parkland. The museum's programming frequently highlights the perspectives of indigenous peoples, women, and various ethnic groups in shaping the Western experience. It serves as a research institution and community center for scholars and the public. The grounds are designed to blend into the surrounding natural landscape of Griffith Park.
The central courtyard area provides an open, well-lit space with architecture that captures the Southwestern aesthetic.
Combine your visit with a walk in the surrounding Griffith Park trails.
Check the museum's online calendar for rotating exhibitions, as they change frequently throughout the year.
Plan to explore the outdoor garden area, which showcases native California plants.
Do not expect to see the entire collection in one visit, as the museum rotates its extensive archives.
Closed on Mondays.
Maintain a quiet volume in gallery spaces and refrain from touching artifacts or display cases.
