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The American West is steeped in myth and lore, symbolizing great promise, fresh vistas, and new beginnings. Literature, film and television, advertising and pop culture have long disseminated a vivid and romantic image of frontier and pioneer life. But how to separate myth from reality? With its wide-ranging collection and slate of programs, the Autry Museum of Western Heritage does just that. The engaging and informative way in which the museum explores the interwoven myths and histories of the American West makes for a distinctive and valuable resource for visitors of all ages.
The 1988 opening of the Autry Museum of Western Heritage was a dream fulfilled for entertainer and philanthropist Gene Autry. Established with a $54 million grant from the Autry Foundation, the museum incorporates permanent galleries, changing exhibitions, education and outreach, and special programs such as film, music, and lectures. At the heart of the museum's interpretive activities is the Institute for the Study of the American West. The institute acquires and preserves books, serials, and special collections that pertain to the museum’s mission, and makes them available to the public for research.
To support its many programs and activities, the museum holds two major annual fundraising events: a gala dinner and an exhibition and sale of fine art. The Norris Foundation helps fund the Masters of the American West Fine Art Exhibition and Sale. The museum exhibits original artwork from dozens of nationally recognized contemporary Western artists. Representing an extraordinary range of influence and creativity, subjects range from majestic landscapes, natural wonders and wildlife to Native Americans, settlers and immigrants. A month long program of special lectures and events adds depth and interest to the exhibition and sale. The 2003 exhibition and sale garnered $285,000 in sponsorship support and sold $1.3 million in artworks.
In 2003, the Autry Museum made news when it merged with the Southwest Museum. The Southwest Museum, dedicated to the preservation and presentation of the history and culture of the American Indian, is the oldest museum in the City of Los Angeles and one of the nation’s preeminent anthropological institutions. The partnering of the two organizations is an organic one as both have as their focus the complex history of the American West. To acknowledge its newly expanded identity, the Autry Museum of Western Heritage changed its name to the Museum of the American West in early 2004.
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