Spirit of Imagination

The Museum of the American West, earlier known as the Autry Museum of Western Heritage, is located in Los Angeles. Established in 1988, the museum examines the interwoven histories, cultures and mythologies of the American West and its diverse people. Its collection encompasses a broad representation of art and artifacts from the American West, including a renowned collection of ranch life and cowboy culture. The museum receives more than 370,000 visitors annually and provides free guided tours and educational activities for over 40,000 school children. The museum merged with other historical centers and formed the Autry National Center that offers a whole new way to explore galleries with audio tours. Its visitors choose the artifacts and works of art to learn more and hear brief presentations, with quotes, music and sound effects.