SAVING THE WEST

OUR TOP WESTERN MUSEUMS FOR 2022 REFLECT THE DEDICATION OF COMMUNITIES TO THEIR HERITAGE.

- CANDY MOULTON

The icons of the West, like the Duke and the American cowboy, are among the featured exhibits in the best museums of the American West, and they are being joined by new cultural characters including Hank the Cowdog. That loveable pup-the literary creation of West Texas rancher and writer John Erickson-has his own exhibit designed to educate kids and adults about the importance of ranching.

In addition to new exhibitions and even entirely new or expanded facilities, museums are making their collections accessible through multimedia and online exhibits, so it is possible to experience and learn about the art, artifacts, culture, and stories of various institutions while remaining at home.

But trust us, it is so much better to get on the road and visit in person these great displays of our Western heritage.

1. NATIONAL COWBOY AND WESTERN HERITAGE MUSEUM

(OKLAHOMA CITY, OK)

"Colter's Hell: Yellowstone Park at 150" is a special exhibit at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum this year. It features art from the Cowboy Museum collection as well as items borrowed from other institutions including the Gilcrease Museum. On National Root Beer Float Day (August 6), kids took over the Cowboy for their own exploration of Yellowstone, looking for animals in the artwork during a scavenger hunt, and seeing a geyser in action. Among the exhibit's opening late this year and on into 2023 are "Looking into the Windows of the West, "Art of the Northwest Coast" and "Sombreros Texanas Bosses of the Plains: Cowboy Hats from the Permanent Collection NationalCowboy Museum.org

2. WESTERN SPIRIT: SCOTTSDALE'S MUSEUM OF THE WEST

(SCOTTSDALE, AZ)