The Autry Museum of the American West is a history and art museum at 4700 Western Heritage Way in Griffith Park, Los Angeles, California 90027, just across from the Los Angeles Zoo. Founded in 1988 by singing cowboy and entertainment entrepreneur Gene Autry, the museum holds one of the country’s major collections of Western art, firearms, Native American material culture, and Hollywood Western memorabilia. Travelers come for its broad, multi-voiced interpretation of the American West, from Indigenous histories and Spanish colonial California to the cowboy as a film icon.
What to Expect at Autry Museum of the American West
The Autry’s mission is to tell the stories of all peoples of the American West, and the galleries reflect that range. Permanent exhibitions move through Native American cultures, the Spanish and Mexican eras, the Gold Rush and westward migration, and the myths that popular culture built around frontier life. Alongside historical artifacts sit paintings and sculpture by Western artists, including work by Frederic Remington and Charles M. Russell, which show how the region was imagined for audiences back East.
The museum also functions as a research institution and event venue. Its collection includes more than 600,000 objects, and its library and archives support scholars and fellows. Exhibitions rotate throughout the year; at the time of writing, the museum is promoting Promised Lands: California’s Unratified Treaties and Native Resilience. The calendar adds lectures, film screenings, live performances, family events, and outdoor programming, so a repeat visit rarely duplicates the first.
- Native American collections: Objects, textiles, and baskets presented with Indigenous perspectives, supported by the museum’s repatriation and community consultation programs.
- Western art galleries: Paintings and sculpture that shaped popular ideas of the frontier, including work by Remington and Russell.
- Firearms and Hollywood Western material: Historic weapons, saddles, costumes, and film memorabilia tied to Gene Autry’s career and the Western genre.
- Online and rotating exhibitions: Shows such as Reclaiming El Camino and What’s Her Story: Women in the Archives broaden the narrative beyond the cowboy.
- Family and educational programming: Hands-on activities, family events, docent-guided tours, and a Museum Store on site.
Autry Museum of the American West at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 4700 Western Heritage Way, Griffith Park, Los Angeles, CA 90027 |
| Neighborhood / Area | Griffith Park, across from the Los Angeles Zoo |
| Operating Hours | Closed Monday; Tuesday to Friday 10 AM to 4 PM; Saturday and Sunday 10 AM to 5 PM |
| Admission / Price Range | Paid admission (tier $$); free admission on First Wednesdays with advance registration. Confirm current rates on the official site. |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 2 to 3 hours |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | On-site parking at the museum; limited public transit access. See the official maps and directions page. |
| Official Website & Phone | theautry.org and +1 323-667-2000 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Weekday mornings shortly after the 10 AM opening are the quietest window, before school groups and weekend families arrive. Tickets can be bought online through the Autry’s Visit page, and the museum offers a Digital Guide for self-paced touring, plus docent-guided tours for groups. The first Wednesday of each month brings free admission, but registration is required, so reserve ahead. Since the museum is closed Mondays and closes at 4 PM on weekdays, plan your arrival to leave at least two hours for the galleries.
The museum sits in the northwest corner of Griffith Park beside the Los Angeles Zoo, and driving is the simplest approach, with on-site parking. Public transit options are limited, so check the official maps and directions page before you go. The building is a spacious, low-rise campus suited to wheelchairs and strollers; contact the museum on +1 323-667-2000 to confirm current accessibility services. Within a short drive, pair the visit with the Los Angeles Zoo, the trails and picnic areas of Griffith Park, and the Travel Town Museum, which makes this a natural half-day or full-day family outing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Autry Museum’s hours and best time to visit?
The museum is closed Mondays, open 10 AM to 4 PM Tuesday through Friday, and 10 AM to 5 PM on Saturday and Sunday. Weekday mornings after opening are typically the calmest.
How much does it cost to visit, and is there free admission?
The Autry charges general admission, and it offers free First Wednesdays with a registered ticket. Check theautry.org for current ticket prices and any special exhibition pricing.
How long should I plan to spend at the museum?
Budget two to three hours to see the main galleries and a rotating exhibition. Add time for the Museum Store, a program or film, or the cafe.
Is the Autry suitable for families and visitors with mobility needs?
Yes. The Autry runs family activities and educational programs and has a spacious, largely level campus. Call +1 323-667-2000 for specific accessibility arrangements.
When planning your Los Angeles travel guide or comparing verified attractions and museums in Los Angeles, pair this stop with standout local spots including Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills, El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument, Metropole Bar + Kitchen, and Los Angeles Zoo (0.7 km away).
