About the Exhibition
Following a months-long renovation, the Cowboy Gallery features new videos, infographics, and hands-on activity stations. Discover a full-size chuck wagon and explore the tools and tasks of the cowboy trade—all showcased alongside a 16-foot projection of stunning Western landscapes from Oklahoma to California.
This gallery details the evolution of the cowboy—from the open range to the era of the Texas trail drives and ranching on the Plains. An icon of the American West, the cowboy represents the fusion of ethnic traditions and adaptations to Western environments that evolved on the American frontier.
Highlights (Click image for details)
Western Characters on Horseback
Painting by Newell Convers Wyeth, WESTERN CHARACTERS ON HORSEBACK, no date.
(Autry Museum of the American West, 88.108.30)
Saddle
Single, Mexican-rigged, Mexican or Charro-style saddle (20th Century)
(Autry Museum of the American West, 86.7.4.1)
Throwing Rope
Eight-strand, 7/16 inch, herringbone braided rawhide reata, attributed to Luis Ortega, mid-1900s (Autry Museum of the American West, 86.2.114)
Commemorative Ribbon
Vaquero Club Centennial Celebration (September 16, 1910)
(Autry Museum of the American West, 91.57.13)
Tafetta Dress
with gold, orange, and lavender floral pattern print, made circa 1920.
(Autry Museum of the American West, 2002.53.1)
California-style spur attributed to Josia Tapia, c.1890; 97.162.70
Saddle made by Main and Winchester of San Francisco, 1889; 88.243.1
Buffalo hide coat, 1870s; 90.143.17