Autry Museum of Western Heritage
Autry Museum of Western Heritage
Opening in November of 1988, the Autry Museum of Western Heritage was a dream come true for Gene Autry. Known as "America's Favorite Singing Cowboy", his career took in many forms of the entertainment industry.
Mr. Autry is the only entertainer to have a star for each area of entertainment he performed in. His stars are for radio, records, film, television, and live performance, including rodeo. He appeared in 93 films and made 635 recordings, and in 1961 purchased the American League's Los Angeles Angels. Out of his huge success and popularity, he felt he owed the people who had made him the icon he became something in return. Thus the dream of a museum, center for the history of the America West was born.
The Autry Museum of Western Heritage gives great insight to the experiences of a greatly diverse peoples of the American West, as well as connecting it all to our present and future. It is divided into three entities, which allow for the better understanding of the curatorial specialization, and distinctive inquiry to better grasp the diverse study of the American West.
What a grand museum in scope and size! It is host to six permanent exhibitions. You find mining picks, cavalry swords, hats, spurs, antique guns of the old west era,and Native American crafts. All pulled together to give the visitor a real image of the old west. The visitor will be treated to such exhibits as a "Buffalo Bill Show". Where you will see Annie Oakley's engraved golden pistol a gift from her husband Frank Butler. Also, there are many antiques available for viewing, branding irons, barbed wire, saddles, bridles, lassos, and a chuck wagon. In the Western Legacy Theater the visitor will see film regarding the hardships and struggles of the pioneer.
So, come and see what the real Old West was like, and it's part in forming this country. An entertaining and informative place to visit.
Hours:
Closed Mondays; Tuesday through Sunday 10:00 a.m. - 5:00p.m.
Admission: $7.50 adults ; $5.00 seniors 60 years and older and students with valid I.D.; $3.00 children ages 2 - 12; Free on Thursdays after 4:00p.m.
