Luis Tapia, Mi Carrito, 1994. Wood, carved and painted. Purchase made possible by Joanne and Monte Hale and Irena and Barry Gernstein through the 2004 Gold-level Acquisitions Committee, Autry Museum; 2004.25.1
Through the Autry’s unique collection, we enrich the public’s understanding of the historical and contemporary American West and the diversity of the indigenous cultures across the Americas. Protecting and preserving our collection for future generations is one of our greatest responsibilities. With more than 600,000 objects and cultural materials, our collection contains art, firearms, saddles, Hollywood Western memorabilia, and Native American baskets, ceramics, jewelry, and textiles animating the following themes:
- California History
- Native America
- Environment and Western Resources
- Ranching and Cowboys
- Archaeology and Anthropology
- Popular Culture
Please note: The Autry’s new, state-of-the-art collections care, research, and educational facility in Burbank is anticipated to open in 2022. Until then, the Autry collections are not available for outside access, including in-person research. Please visit our online collections database for information about many of the items within the collections. Sign-up for this e-mail list to receive updates about the opening of the Resources Center. We look forward to seeing you in our new home!
Collections Out On Loan (Click image for details)
Nero, or, the destruction of Rome
Pamphlet for “Nero, or, the destruction of Rome.” Spectacle invented, designed, and produced by Imre Kiralfy, in association with Barnum & Bailey. Buffalo, N.Y.: Courier Co., 20 pages, color illustrations, 1890. Paper. 9 in x 6 1/8 in (23 cm x 15.4 x 0.2 cm).
Library Collection, Autry Museum; 90.253.16754. On loan to City of Cinema: Paris 1850–1907. Los Angeles County Museum of Art, through July 10, 2022.
Jessie Benton Fremont
Painting by Thomas Buchanan Read,1856. Portrait of Mrs. Jessie Benton Fremont, Wife of General John C. Fremont. Oil on canvas, 37.5 in x 33 in x 3 in. Braun Research Library Collection, Autry Museum; 81.G.2
On loan to Alexander Von Humbolt and the United States: Art, Nature, and Culture. Smithsonian American Art Museum, Washington, DC, through July 2021
American Progress
Painting by John Gast, 1872. Oil on canvas in gilt wood frame. 11 1/2 in x 15 3/4 in (29.2 cm x 40 cm); Framed: 17 9/16 in x 21 1/2 in x 1 7/8 in (44.6 cm x 54.6 cm x 4.7 cm). Autry Museum; 92.126.1.
On loan to ¡Presente! A Latino History of the United States, National Museum of the American History, through December 31, 2024.
Herbert Jeffries’ boots
Pair of black leather cowboy boots with white/red cutout floral design. Boots worn by Herbert Jeffries in “Harlem on the Prairie” (1937), maker unknown, circa 1937. H: 12 in, L: 12 in, W: 4 in.
Autry Museum; 90.59.1. Donated by Herbert Jeffries.
On loan to Regeneration: Black Cinema 1898-1971. Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, August 21, 2022 – April 9, 2023.