The Southwest Museum Dioramas are Conserved for the Future
Richard Moll, Autry National Center Conservator, leads the effort to preserve the historic dioramas at the Southwest Museum. Video: Grant Capes.
Beginning July 1, the Autry National Center's historic Southwest Museum of the American Indian in Mt. Washington will undergo 3 1/2 years of major repairs. The Southwest Museum and Museum Store will be open on Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. with free admission. Although the main galleries will be closed, there will be changing lobby displays and visitors will still be able to enjoy a variety of entertaining and educational events. The Braun Library will continue to be open by appointment. The needed move and conservation of the Southwest's threatened 225,000 artifacts has been underway since 2003 when the Autry stepped up with a merger plan to save the imperiled collection.
A popular and familiar sight at the Southwest Museum have always been the magnificent dioramas that can be found throughout the galleries and the entrance tunnel at the base of the museum. When a torrential downpour saturated the hillside and water threatened to destroy them, Autry National Center Conservator Richard Moll took quick action to preserve them. View the above Autry Vision clip to learn more about the preservation and protection of these dioramas.
Southwest Museum Dioramas. Photos: Tom Yi
The Community and City Councilman José Huizar Come Together for the Southwest Museum Beautification Project
A community volunteer morning on Saturday, May 20th was a wonderful success. Nearly 30 people volunteeted their time and energy to plant over 150 indigenous plants and five native trees along Marmion Way, between the tunnel entrance and the driveway of the Southwest Museum.
Councilmember Huizar joins dozens of community volunteers during one of a series of beautification projects at Southwest Museum in Mt. Washington. Photos: Maria Ventura.
Councilmember José Huizar arrived at the start of the day to say hello, thank volunteers for their efforts, and help plant a Coast Live Oak near the tunnel entrance. Mr. Huizar and community members planted indigenous plants at the museum. The Councilmember reiterated the importance of keeping destination sites such as the Southwest Museum beautiful.
Volunteers included members from the Mt. Washington Association, Mt. Washington Homeowners Alliance, Highland Park Heritage Trust, Arroyo Seco Neighborhood Council, Highland Park Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis, and youths from Anahuak Soccer. It was a great morning. After some finish work the completed landscape beautification project will be given a dedication in early July. Thanks to everyone who volunteered their time and energy to this project.
View More Autry Vision . . .
Masters of the American West Fine Art Exhibition and Sale. Click here
The Preservation Project: Saving the Collection at the Southwest Museum of the American Indian. Click here
How Does the Autry National Center Collect Some of its Art and Artifacts? Click here
The Southwest Museum Dioramas are Conserved for the Future and The Community and City Councilman José Huizar Come Together for the Southwest Museum Beautification Project. Click here
The Autry National Center Honors Southwest Museum Founder Charles Fletcher Lummis for Lummis Day. Click here
Haida artist, Jim Hart, creates historic totem at the Autry National Center. Click here
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