National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
About
The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum is America’s premier institution of Western history, art and culture. Founded in 1955, the Museum, located in Oklahoma City, collects, preserves, and exhibits an internationally renowned collection of Western art and artifacts while sponsoring dynamic educational programs to stimulate interest in the enduring legacy of the American West. More than 10 million visitors from around the world have sought out this unique museum to gain better understanding of the West: a region and a history that permeates our national culture. The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum features a superb collection of classic and contemporary Western art, including works by Frederic Remington and Charles M. Russell, as well as sculptor James Earle Fraser’s magnificent work, The End of the Trail. The exhibition wing houses a turn-of-the-century town and interactive history galleries that focus on the American cowboy, rodeo and Native American culture.
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- TracyAbilene, Kansas19 contributionsMemories were madeIt's a great place to take children. It was nostalgic for my husband and me because we took our children to it and saw some things we use to play with when we were kids. They do not just have galleries of painted art. It's galleries of MANY things. They even had collections of John Wayne's belongings. it was a great teaching moment for our children.Visited April 2023Written 13 April 2023
- Kathryn B21 contributionsAn excellent museumSuch an interesting museum. Many rooms of art and artefacts. We particularly liked the replica of a western town. The staff in the exhibits were full of information and very interesting to talk to. A great day out, fun but also very educational. We would recommend it highly.Visited April 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 19 April 2023
- Susan HTacoma, Washington2,617 contributionsEverything Cowboy and MUCH MoreWe weren’t sure we would enjoy this museum as we are not from the world of cattle and cowboys. We were pleasantly surprised. This place had so much to see. Everything from ranching life, to military, to native Americans, to rodeo, even Hollywood western movies and actors, and a full model western town. (I never knew there were so many types of barbed wire). The place is huge and has something for everyone! They even have activities to keep kids engaged and learning. Plan a full day and be prepared to walk…. A LOT!Visited April 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 29 April 2023
- Terra GJupiter, Florida30 contributionsBeautiful, good family stopThe art exhibits were beautiful, but the clothing/tools exhibits really caught our eyes. We visited with 2 kids (10&7) so we weren’t able to slow down to read and appreciate the details, but really enjoyed browsing it all visually. The outdoors was a nice break for the kids to play a bit. Every detail in and out was perfectly thought out and executed. Gorgeous museum!Visited June 2023Travelled with familyWritten 8 June 2023
- scott rSilver Spring, Maryland701 contributionsCovers almost anything related to the American WestExhaustive, comprehensive and potentially exhausting (!) Just when you think something has been overlooked, there it is (well except for any mention of Brokeback Mountain, this being Oklahoma after all). From Native Americans to Cowboys of various sorts, movies and TV shows featuring same, to an indoor recreation of an old west main street to exterior displays you may explore (hot as blazes), it's here. Cowboy attire, walls of boots,, guns, hats, et al. The role of women in the West, rodeos, commercialization, civil war and on and on. There's also a extensive art gallery that intermingles with actual (period) Western Art. (The gallery portion seemed to get a genuinely appreciative reception, but a little cheesy paying admission to see the inside of a showroom - want to spend $28,000 for a landscape? Step right up!) All in all just tons to see and you can easily spend 2-3 hours - at that you're still glossing over stuff, though not everything will appeal to everyone.Visited June 2023Written 25 June 2023
- wander1282 contributionsPart of our uniquely American experianceBeautifully done, with a great selection of art and artifacts. Many items from various genres, including the "real West" and the West of our TV and movie imagination. You can get worn out so allow several hours. I especially enjoyed the Charlie Russell works.Visited June 2023Written 26 June 2023
- A Midlife AdventureDursley, United Kingdom1,350 contributionsJust too much to see! We would love to return to see more but alas no more time!We allowed a couple of hours and stayed nearly 5 hrs! We definitely didn’t see everything in detail, there is just so much to take on board. Notwithstanding the fact that the grounds are also carefully laid out with additional statues, Native American homes, water features etc. This museum deserves so much credit for bringing the “Western World” to life in all its many facets. We spent ages looking at the galleries full of art, loved the rodeo section and the olde worlde western town and left worn out. You can have a guided tour but we preferred to go it alone. Whilst we had a leaflet with the layout we did feel like we needed something more maybe a suggested route as we were conscious we didn’t want to miss anything. This is the only improvement I would suggest otherwise a perfect day.Visited June 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 28 June 2023
- SulKnightLlano, Texas6 contributionsReally CoolThere was a lot of art exhibits. There was a few interactive exhibits and little theaters for shorts clips that explained history. There was exhibits that showed different Native American dwellings that's was really cool. If you are a western movie buff there is a section for all the more popular actor(s) and stuff about them. It is a really big museum so wear comfy shoes since there will be a lot of walking.Visited August 2022Travelled with familyWritten 30 June 2023
- John JDallas, Texas478 contributionsOverwhelming!There is so much to see it is overwhelming. The museum is so well organized and layed out. Separate sections for art, art you can purchase, rodeo, TV & Film star history, memorabilia from the old west, etc. We really enjoyed it.Visited July 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 26 July 2023
- Thomas KStratford, Connecticut732 contributionsExcellent PlaceThe museum is huge! Beautiful artwork and exhibits of Native American and Cowboy artifacts includes rodeo and hollywood. Also includes an indoor replication of an old west town. A must see!Visited July 2023Written 29 July 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
2,350 reviews
Excellent
1,847
Very good
411
Average
69
Poor
15
Terrible
8
GiddyUpNGoTravel
194 contributions
Mar 2024 • Family
If you like the West, cowboys or western movies. The museum is very detailed. Full of examples: 500+ barbed wire examples, movie star memorabilia, art work, interactive Indian lodging, statutes, and awesome volunteers. There is an entrance fee. Depending on your Western preference, plan on anywhere from 1 to 4 hours at the museum. The museum offers tours; call front desk for exact times. Tour was scheduled for 1 p.m. when we were visiting. There is not an easy flow to the museum; you wander from area to area loosing track of time enjoying the exhibits. The exhibit labeling offers good explanations. There are interactive children areas.
Written 9 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
khristystrange
Gore, OK378 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
If you enjoy cowboy and Indian art, you will love this place! And it’s more than that. There is an entire area dedicated to western film as well as the rodeo. It took about 4 hours to go through everything inside and out. We did stop and watch each of the films that were being offered but did not read each exhibit. Those ranged from 7-15 minutes each. A few places were under construction, and I can’t imagine having more to look at!
My husband loved the weapon exhibits. I loved the miniature western town where you could walk through a street and look or go into buildings to see what it was like during that time. They do have an original Remington sculpture (only one made) that is beautiful.
My husband loved the weapon exhibits. I loved the miniature western town where you could walk through a street and look or go into buildings to see what it was like during that time. They do have an original Remington sculpture (only one made) that is beautiful.
Written 11 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Deirdre Tampa
422 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
We planned an hour here, stayed 2 and could have stayed longer. There are so many exhibits. I personally liked the Remington and Russell art, but they also have prize winners for their art show, all excellent. I also enjoyed the rodeo part. My husband liked the western actor display and another person liked the soldier and native American art. A true treasure, check out this work of art.
Written 13 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Diane B
Steamboat Springs, CO15 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Fabulous museum and grounds. We were lucky to have a tour that was so informative because there is just so much to look at and read in this place! Room after room of displays. More information than you can absorb in one visit. Don't miss the grounds.
Written 25 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
C&D-Happy
Victoria, Canada86 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
This museum is fantastic. We spent 2.5 hours but could have spent the entire day. It was extremely well done, with magnificent artwork and fabulous history.
A must see.
A must see.
Written 21 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Explorer312408
Cancun, Mexico4 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Gosh there is so much to see at this museum. From barb wire to rodeo trophies. A real education. Set aside at least 3 hours.
Written 19 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CRAIG C
Utah296 contributions
Oct 2023 • Solo
This place leans more towards being an art museum. There is plenty to see in each area. They cover movies, tv, Indian art, cowboys and cowgirls. Our favorite part was the outside area. You can wander through different types of early housing and also see the graves of horses.
Written 15 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mary Jo Murphy
4 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
I married a Texan 40+ years ago so he was very excited to have look at the museum. The exhibits were excellent, especially the photos of farmers from many states. We were there 2 hours and could have spent more time.
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
Written 11 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
alibroon
Wishaw, UK400 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
For a wee boy growing up in '60s and' 70s Scotland, watching countless cowboy and Indian movies and TV shows this was a dream come true, a step into a dream, a golden ticket to Willie Wonka's, a trip to Mecca and it didn't disappoint.
This was one of the main reasons we travelled to Texas and Oklahoma this year and every minute of the 4 hours we spent here was magical.
The place is huge, much bigger than we imagined. We spent so long looking at the wonderful art not realising that there was so much more.
The costumes, the rodeo, the Hollywood memorabilia, the guns, the native American history, I could go on and on and we did.
The outside was amazing too.
It was worth our entire trip, so much to see, to appreciate and have to thank #hashtagtimthecowboy for really sparking our interest during the pandemic, we said when the world opened up we'd come and we did and it was so worth it.
This was one of the main reasons we travelled to Texas and Oklahoma this year and every minute of the 4 hours we spent here was magical.
The place is huge, much bigger than we imagined. We spent so long looking at the wonderful art not realising that there was so much more.
The costumes, the rodeo, the Hollywood memorabilia, the guns, the native American history, I could go on and on and we did.
The outside was amazing too.
It was worth our entire trip, so much to see, to appreciate and have to thank #hashtagtimthecowboy for really sparking our interest during the pandemic, we said when the world opened up we'd come and we did and it was so worth it.
Written 7 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Davigeta
Saint Louis, MO1,091 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
This is a great museum covering cowboys and the American West. The exhibition space is much larger than you might think. We spent 3 hours there and did not finish seeing the exhibits.
They had a lot of artworks from Remington and Russell, but also other artists. The was also an area displaying winners of their annual art competition. These were very good and not "modern art" pieces. They had exhibits on the military, Native Americans, black cowboys and vaqueros, and well as Hollywood's portrayals of the American West. The life of a cowboy was also discussed.
Outside, there are burial sites for a number of horses and bulls, a waterfall, multiple statues (including a large one of Buffalo Bill) and displays showing the "homes" of various tribes.
The gift shop is very nice, though of course fairly expensive. One negative- another bathroom would be nice.
Overall, I highly recommend this museum!
They had a lot of artworks from Remington and Russell, but also other artists. The was also an area displaying winners of their annual art competition. These were very good and not "modern art" pieces. They had exhibits on the military, Native Americans, black cowboys and vaqueros, and well as Hollywood's portrayals of the American West. The life of a cowboy was also discussed.
Outside, there are burial sites for a number of horses and bulls, a waterfall, multiple statues (including a large one of Buffalo Bill) and displays showing the "homes" of various tribes.
The gift shop is very nice, though of course fairly expensive. One negative- another bathroom would be nice.
Overall, I highly recommend this museum!
Written 2 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karen D
Fairfax, VA45 contributions
Is there parking available?
College-Schlepper
Zanesville, OH111 contributions
yes free parking, sorry for the late response - just saw the question
can I ride my mobility scooters in the museum
Chuckmidwest
Omaha, NE265 contributions
i agree with Lori. The exhibits have wide open areas and as you move from area to area its also very easy. might want to contact them in case they have scooters there for your use and could advise for days when gallery is less full.
Shakyhorse
Woodville, TX7 contributions
How much time should be allowed to see everything at a comfortable pace
Stephen J
Woodward, OK60 contributions
If you stay on track you can get to everything in around 4 hours. Unless they have an event going on and then it could take a little longer.
Alice M
Tulsa, OK69 contributions
Is this a fun place for a 5-yo and 2.5-yo? Is it an all day thing?
TravelwTiger
Oklahoma21 contributions
The Kids Corral is closed due to remodeling and they will be opening 15 Million dollar educational expansion for kids.
Liichokoshkomo
Limoney
San Francisco, CA15 contributions
I will be flying into Oklahoma City for a week of training in Norman. I will not have a vehicle. How much is a taxi or Uber from the airport to the museum? Is there a bus line?
Chris L
Kansas City, MO108 contributions
No bus. An Uber from Will Rogers to the museum would probably be around $20ish.
Geoffrey Y
28 contributions
Is photography allowed
Lara E
Oklahoma City, OK1 contribution
Yes! Photography is allowed at the Museum. However, there are certain galleries where the flash is restricted.
How much does it cost to go in
H0wardL713
Peoria, AZ75 contributions
I think $12 for adult ,$10 for seniors,$ 6 for kids.
Also...check Groupon
When we were there last...the museum staged a huge western artist art show.
So we got to see a lot!!!
Honeybee310
Nashville, TN
How is the weather in May?
Carol L
Florida1,253 contributions
Perfect in May...I would doubt if it gets to 90 we didn't have temperatures like that until late June/early July. Spring is a fabulous time...moderate but could be raining
Hayley1607
Kent, UK118 contributions
How long would you spend here?
Ginni M
Fort Smith, AR53 contributions
I think you could spend 2-4 hours depending on how much you choose to engage in the interactive areas.
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Claim your listingNATIONAL COWBOY & WESTERN HERITAGE MUSEUM: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
- National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum is open:
- Sun - Sun 12:00 - 17:00
- Mon - Sat 10:00 - 17:00
- Hotels near National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum:
- (0.20 mi) Park Hill Inn and Suites
- (4.38 mi) Ambassador Hotel Oklahoma City, Autograph Collection
- (5.13 mi) Colcord Hotel Oklahoma City, Curio Collection by Hilton
- (4.29 mi) Embassy Suites by Hilton Oklahoma City Downtown Medical Center
- (1.00 mi) Twin Fountains RV Park
- Restaurants near National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum:
- (0.06 mi) Dining on Persimmon Hill Museum Restaurant
- (0.34 mi) Sonic Drive-In
- (0.48 mi) McDonald's
- (2.61 mi) Metro Wine Bar & Bistro
- (3.36 mi) Paseo Grill