Gene Autry Museum

The Gene Autry Oklahoma Museum in the small town of Gene Autry celebrates the era of singing cowboys and Western entertainers who became major figures in radio, film and recorded music. Gene Autry is the central figure, but the collection typically reaches beyond him to other performers who helped shape twentieth-century Western popular culture. Autry's career was enormous: recordings, movies, radio programs, television and business ventures made him one of the best-known entertainers in America. His connection with the Oklahoma community came through ranching interests and ultimately led the town to adopt his name. The museum's charm comes from its setting. Rather than being located in Los Angeles or another entertainment center, it sits in a tiny Oklahoma town whose name preserves Autry's regional connection. Memorabilia, photographs, posters and recordings help visitors understand how the Western hero image was packaged and sold to national audiences. The museum is especially appealing for fans of classic country music, old Hollywood and roadside Americana.