While the public process is beginning at the Griffith Park campus, as part of a separate effort, the Autry is saving the rare and extensive Southwest collection and the landmark Southwest Museum building, both of which are in need of substantial repair and rehabilitation. This will ensure that the Arroyo campus becomes a safer, more vibrant space and that the priceless artifacts and artwork are returned to their earlier splendor. To date, more than $5 million has been invested to save the collection and stabilize the Arroyo campus buildings. The Autry anticipates allocating an additional $1.5 million for continued preservation and building improvements this year.

When the project is completed, the Southwest will reopen as a new museum, education, and cultural center. This new center will feature rotating exhibitions from the Southwest collection in two galleries along with complementary educational and cultural programming. The new Southwest Center will focus on expanding our understanding of historic and contemporary American Indian cultures.