Encompassing five museums and a research library, the Buffalo Bill Historical Center has expanded greatly since its humble beginnings in 1927. Originally housed in a modest 50 x 70 foot log building created to mimic Buffalo Bill’s ranch house, today the Center is recognized as one of America’s favorite museums.
Made up of The Whitney Gallery of Western Art, The Plains Indian Museum, The Cody Firearms Museum, The Draper Museum of Natural History, and The Buffalo Bill Museum—which is dedicated to the life of the Center’s namesake—there are diverse exhibitions and special events held throughout the year.
The Whitney Gallery of Western Art contains traditional masterworks of the American West up through the present; the Plains Indian Museum has one of the country’s largest collections of Plains Indian art and artifacts. The Cody Firearms Museum houses more than 5,000 firearms and the collection chronicles the development of firearms from the 16th century to the present. The Draper Museum explores the natural history of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, while The McCracken Research Library includes manuscripts, archives, and photographs, as well as printed and electronic resources which are available on the Center’s website. (KCE)
Buffalo Bill Historical Center Information
- Public Transportation: Poor
- Handicapped Accessibility: Good
- Hours: December–February: Thursday–Sunday 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; March–April: Daily 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; May–September 15: Daily 8 a.m.–6 p.m.; September 16–October 31: Daily 8 a.m.–5 p.m.; November: Daily 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Admission: Adults $18; Senior (65+) $16; Students (18+ w/ID) $13; Youth (6–17) $10; Children (5 & under) and Members Free. AAA members receive a $2 discount off the adult price, limited to 2 adults per group. Summer Combination Ticket: Cody Trolley Tour & Historical Center admission: Adults $37; Youth $20
- Membership: Individual Membership ($45); Family Membership ($65); Friend Circle ($100–$249); Sponsor Circle ($250–$499); Sustainer Circle ($500–$999); One-of-One-Thousand Circle ($1,000–$2,499); Pahaska Circle ($2,500–$4,999); Buffalo Bill Circle ($5,000–$9,999); Scout Circle ($10,000+). Benefits are tiered with every member receiving unlimited free admission; invitations to special events; a 10% discount in the Museum Store and the Museum Store online; a subscription to Points West quarterly magazine, including a calendar of events; discounts on educational programs, events, and tours; and discounts on the Historical Center’s reproduction prints
- Other Benefits: Depending on level, General Members receive admission for two guests when accompanied by a member; 12 months admission to the Museums West Consortium; advanced registration for selected special events and programs; recognition on the Annual Giving Donor Wall; custom gallery tours; invitations to special gatherings and presentations by the Center’s leaders; and one-time use guest admission passes available upon request. Depending on level (from Friend Circle level to Scout Circle level), Firearms Members receive the opportunity to purchase firearms services and receive discounts; complimentary factory letters; and free serial number searches. Depending on level (from Friend Circle level to Scout Circle level), Business Members receive free admission for employees and their families during the annual Business Friend Days; company name on Center’s business recognition board; inclusion in the Center’s business directory; one-time use guest passes; use of the Webster Boardroom (upon availability); special luncheon for business owners; and recognition and a live link on the Museum Web site.
