Autry National Center includes the Southwest Museum of the American Indian (currently closed for renovations) and the Museum of the American West, which is devoted to the preservation and acquisition of fine art, books, manuscripts and artifacts that document the American West and its history. The sprawling buildings, with red-tiled roofs, center on a dramatic inner courtyard, and a life-size bronze sculpture of benefactor Gene Autry—Back in the Saddle Again—greets visitors. Hands-on displays represent the history of the American West since the 1600s. An on-site theater screens western fare, and there's a special children's gallery. Tuesday-Sunday 10 am-5 pm (Thursday in summer till 8 pm; admission is free after 4 pm). Closed Monday. US$9 adults. US$5 students and seniors, US$3 children ages 3-12. Free on the second Tuesday of each month. Plenty of free parking. 4700 Western Heritage Way (on the Glendale side of Griffith Park), Los Angeles. Phone 323-667-2000. http://www.autry-museum.org.
