Autry Museum of the American West

Visitor Guide to the Museum of the American West in Griffith Park

⏱ 2 to 3 hours👤 All ages$$

The galleries cover a range of topics, from the cultures and art of Native peoples to the history of settlers, ranching and the railroads, along with the pop-culture West of film and television. The collection includes firearms, saddles, costumes, paintings and film memorabilia, and the exhibits attempt to separate the myth from the reality of the American West. Special exhibitions rotate through the year, and the museum also hosts events and family programs, so check the calendar for what is on during your visit.

Griffith Park's setting adds to the visit. The museum is within the park, with trails and open space nearby, and the zoo and Griffith Observatory are a short drive away, so you can pair the museum with an outdoor visit. Check the museum's site for hours, admission and any free or discounted days, since details change, and book ahead if your visit coincides with a special exhibit. There is on-site parking at the museum, and the setting is quiet compared to other Los Angeles attractions.

Plan on two to three hours, longer if you linger over the Native American galleries or the film material. The museum suits adults, history lovers and families with school-age children, and it is a good rainy-day choice. For a fuller Griffith Park day, combine the museum with the Los Angeles Zoo or a hike, and finish with sunset at the observatory. It is an easy way to see another side of Los Angeles history.