Luis Tapia, Spanish Colonial Carreta, 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
The Autry’s unique and superb collection is a powerful tool to engage our audiences. Through this great resource, 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. 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 2019. 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)
Battle of Little Bighorn
Muslin painting by Crow artist, White Swan, ca. 1890. Crayon, pencil, and watercolor drawing of the battle of the Little Big Horn. Autry Museum; 96.38.1.
On loan to Plains Indian Art: Created in Community Gilcrease Museum, Tulsa, OK, February 26, 2017 – August 27, 2017
Script
"A Small Deception" from the series "The Rifleman," written by David Lang, dated 09/19/62. Autry Museum; 91.244.62.
On loan to Hollywood Southwest: New Mexico in Film and Television Albuquerque Museum, Albuquerque, NM, February 25, 2017 – August 27, 2017.
Basket
Luiseño storage basket, probably made by Esperanza Hungnick (Temecula, California) in circa 1880. Sumac coiled on a deergrass bundle foundation, design in natural and and black-dyed juncus. Southwest Museum of the American Indian Collection, Autry Museum; 1.Q.120
On loan to Túkmal Néechiqat” (A Basket that Visits) Pechanga Cultural Resources, Temecula, CA, November 2016 – November 2017
Sewing box with two sections inlaid with exotic woods imported from Hawaii, South American and Asia, late 1700s. Front section has two removable trays, each with smaller lidded compartments; rear section lifts up and is held in place with a spring mechanism. Autry Museum; 88.127.16. Museum purchase.
On loan to LA Starts Here! LA Plaza de Cultura Y Artes, Los Angeles, CA, through July 31, 2017.
Women's outfit made by Niio Perkins (Mohawk), includes skirt, shirt, belt, collar, purse, a pair of cuffs, and pair of moccasins, cloth decorated with beaded floral design, 2010. Autry Museum; 2010.62.1-.7. 2010 American Indian Arts Marketplace Jackie Autry Purchase Award.
On loan to Native Fashion Now
Peabody Essex Museum, Salem, MA. November 21, 2015 - March 6, 2016
Portland Art Museum, Portland, OR. June 4 – September 4 2016
Philbrook Museum, Tulsa OK. October 2 2016 – January 8 2017
National Museum of the American Indian, George Gustav Heye Center, New York, NY. February – September 2017