A Sneak Peak at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in OKC

The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

The National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City is a must-see destination for anyone interested in the history and culture of the American West. Located in the heart of Oklahoma City, this museum offers a wide variety of exhibits on topics ranging from cowboys and rodeos to Native American art and culture.

With its impressive collection of Western art and artifacts, the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum is sure to be a hit with history buffs, art lovers, and anyone who has ever dreamed of being a cowboy or cowgirl. Let’s take a closer look at what the museum has to offer and why it is worth a visit.

A Premiere Museum

The Museum was established to preserve and promote the art, history, and culture of the American West, and received its full accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums in 2000.

Its founders believed that the West played a vital role in shaping the identity of the United States, and they wanted to create a place where the history and culture of the West could be celebrated and shared with others. Initially located at the state fairgrounds in Oklahoma City, it soon outgrew its space and moved to its current location in the city’s Adventure District in 1965.

Today, the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum is recognized as one of the premier museums of Western art and culture in the United States.

What is there to see at the Cowboy Museum? 

The museum features exhibits on the art, history, and culture of the cowboy and the American West. Some of the things you can see at the museum include:

• Art exhibits featuring works by artists who have captured the spirit of the American West, including Frederic Remington and Charles Russell
• Historical exhibits on the cowboys, settlers, and indigenous peoples of the American West
• Exhibits on the culture of the American West, including the music, clothing, and customs of the region
• An extensive collection of Western artifacts, including saddles, guns, and other gear used by cowboys and pioneers
• A replica of a Western town, complete with a saloon, blacksmith shop, and other buildings
• expansive outdoor area with a playground and interactive wagon, where families can learn about Western culture through engaging activities. The courtyard features landscaped gardens, and visitors can also explore a Puebloan Cliff Dwelling and Kiowa tipi.

Some Art & Exhibits to Explore

The Museum houses an excellent array of classic and contemporary Western art, including pieces by Frederic Remington and Charles M. Russell. Also, try to catch the sculptor James Earle Fraser’s awe-inspiring work, The End of the Trail.

The museum has a variety of permanent exhibits, including the American Cowboy, American Rodeo, and Art of the American West.  It’s also home to a variety of temporary exhibitions.  For example, there’s one exhibit I like called Prosperity Junction, which is a replica of a frontier cattle town with 19 buildings.

It’s designed to be immersive, with expansive very tall 40-foot ceilings. There’s also an interactive section for kids called the Children’s Cowboy Corral, where they can dress up, “ride” horses and learn about cowboy ethics. Arts and crafts activities like decorating bandanas or making bracelets, story time sessions and illustration classes are also available.

Events You Can Attend

The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City offers a variety of educational programs and events throughout the year. These can include lectures, workshops, and tours focused on the art, history, and culture of the American West. Some examples of past events at the museum include:

• Film screenings and film festivals focused on Western themes
• Lectures and presentations by experts on a range of topics related to the American West
• Workshops on topics such as cowboy gear and the history of the American West
• Family-friendly events and activities, such as craft workshops and story time
• Special events and festivals, such as the annual Chuckwagon Gathering & Children’s Cowboy Festival

It is worth checking the museum’s website or contacting them directly to find out about current and upcoming events.  Click on this link to check out the Events Calendar for the museum

How long does it take to go through the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum?

The National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum is a large museum with a wide variety of exhibits, so the length of time it takes to go through the museum can vary. Some visitors may be able to see everything in a couple of hours, while others may want to spend a full day at the museum.

It is difficult to estimate exactly how long it will take you to go through the museum, as it depends on your personal interests and the amount of time you want to spend at each exhibit. You may also want to allot some time to grab a few souvenirs from the Museum Store.  Your safest bet is to set aside the full day so you can take your time.

Guest Reviews

Most guests’ reviews were positive, expressing surprise at how much they enjoyed the museum. Descriptive words such as “beautiful,” “huge,” and “well done” are commonly used.  Many were also amazed at the amazing artifacts that were on display.  Check out what visitors had to say about the museum on Yelp.

 

Museum Hours

Monday – Saturday	10 AM – 5 PM
Sunday	12 PM – 5 PM

 

Price of Admission

Age	Cost
5 Years Old and Under	FREE
6 – 12 Years Old	$5.75
Adults	$12.55

How to Get to the Museum

You will find the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum at the I-44 and I-35 junction.  If you’re coming in from I-44, Take Exit # 129 and go North until you reach 63rd Street.  Turn to your left, and head West until you see the entrance to the museum.  

1700 NE 63rd St, Oklahoma City, OK 73111
(405) 478-2250
http://nationalcowboymuseum.org/

 

Our Conclusion:

The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City is a must-see destination for anyone interested in the art, history, and culture of the American West.

With its extensive collection of Western artifacts, art exhibits, and historical exhibits, the museum offers something for everyone. From its replica of a Western town to its educational programs and events, the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum is a testament to the enduring spirit of the American West.

Whether you are a history buff, an art lover, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty and diversity of the American West, the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum is sure to have something you’ll enjoy.