Way Out West – Visiting the Autry National Center

The first time I visited the Autry Center was well over 10 years ago. I may have been in high school even. I remember being really impressed and thinking it was an awesome museum. Well, this weekend I went back to see if my opinions held. And you know what? They totally did. This museum IS awesome.

Essentially the museum is a repository for all things Western. There are exhibits on Native Americans, cowboys, Western art, Western film, Western culture…if you can think of something Western they’ve got an exhibit on it.

Take Western film for an example. My favorite exhibit is a recreation of an old film set.

In the windows of the above storefronts are found memorabilia from various films. What an awesome way to display artifacts!
The Three Amigos!
I never knew Norman Rockwell painted Gary Cooper!
My mom read this magazine as a kid!
I used to have a recreation of this map hanging in my bedroom when I was a kid.
A costume design by the famous Edith Head.

Not all of the film memorabilia fit in this “set.” There’s an additional huge gallery housing lots and lots of pieces.

Another awesome exhibit is on Western history. In it you’ll find a recreation of the famous Gunfight at the O.K. Corral.

Press a button and you’ll hear a narration of the day’s events. Sure it may be hokey but I love it. It reminds me of Ghost Town at Knott’s Berry Farm.

Plus there’s a great outdoor space that you can visit complete with gold panning for the kiddos.

 Now the Autry charges $10 for admission. That’s not too bad but not quite the bargain I’m looking for. Luckily, they have a couple of free days a month that sweeten the pot! For the first weekend of the month they participate in Museums On Us from Bank of America. Just show your B of A card and you’ll get in for free (this is how I got in). But, if you aren’t a member of Bank of America have no fear because the second Tuesday of every month is free to anyone!

Autry National Center 
4700 Western Heritage Way (in Griffith Park across from the LA Zoo)
Los Angeles, CA 90027
open Tues – Fri 10-4, Sat & Sun 11-5, closed Mondays

2 Comments

  1. Emily Dicks September 8, 2012 at 6:46 pm
    Reply

    Looks like a gun day, I especially loved the costume design drawing!

  2. Melanie September 8, 2012 at 7:39 pm
    Reply

    That was one of my favorites too! I only wish my photo was better, no flash was allowed!

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