Knowing the West

Knowing the West: Visual Legacies of the American West the first major traveling exhibition to embrace and examine how people see the American West. It aims to tell a more inclusive story and show the diverse groups who shaped the art and life of the West.

Americans know the West in many ways, from Hollywood images to personal experience, with every perspective a thread in a tapestry of voices. Knowing the West goes beyond the stereotypical scenes, showcasing essential and often overlooked stories of the West through art, including those of Native American artists, women, and many more.

The art of the American West tells stories of persistence through innovation, adaptability, and resistance. Native American artists, in particular, have used art to transform, adapt, and challenge dominant structures.