John Wayne: An American Experience

10/11/2026

64 years ago, The Longest Day premiered in Los Angeles.

John Wayne starred as Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin Vandervoort in the sweeping 1962 recreation of the D-Day invasion, joining an extraordinary international cast that included Robert Mitchum, Henry Fonda, Richard Burton, Sean Connery, and Robert Ryan.

The film was one of the largest productions of its time, recreating the events of June 6, 1944 across locations in France and England and featuring veterans of the actual invasion as technical advisors.

Today, you can see a piece of Duke’s connection to the film at John Wayne: An American Experience Museum. On display is John Wayne’s personal Gold Handle Mug from The Longest Day, one of the distinctive mugs Duke had made to commemorate his films.

Gold Handle Mugs became a tradition for Duke, who gave personalized mugs to cast and crew as a thank-you after productions. His personal mug offers a tangible connection to the man behind the role and one of the most significant films of his career.

Come see this piece of John Wayne history and explore more of the Duke’s personal and professional collection at the museum.

10/08/2026

See the American West through Andy Warhol’s eyes.

His Cowboys and Indians portfolio brings bold color to 10 screenprints, including a portrait of John Wayne inspired by The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance.

See the works at the John Wayne: An American Experience Museum and discover why Fort Worth voted us Best Local Attraction.

Plan your visit: https://bit.ly/47FE9pK

10/06/2026

Thank you to all who visited this past weekend during Modern Masters of the West and Fashion Week Stockyards Style!

10/05/2026

Immerse yourself in the history of John Wayne and the American West, plan your visit at johnwayneae.com

10/02/2026

96 years ago, The Big Trail premiered in Los Angeles, marking a major turning point in the career of a young actor named Marion Morrison.

Directed by Raoul Walsh, the ambitious 1930 Western was John Wayne’s first starring role and the production that introduced the world to the name he would carry for the rest of his life. Walsh had discovered Morrison while he was working behind the scenes at Fox and cast him as wagon master Breck Coleman.

The production was an extraordinary undertaking, filmed across eight states with hundreds of horses and cattle and using Fox’s new 70mm Grandeur process to capture the sweeping landscapes of the American West.

When filming was complete, Walsh gave John Wayne a carved bone dagger and scabbard as a memento of the production.

Today, that artifact is on display at John Wayne: An American Experience Museum in the Fort Worth Stockyards. It is one of the oldest artifacts in the museum and offers a remarkable connection to the very beginning of John Wayne’s legendary career.

Come see the dagger and scabbard in person and discover more of the stories behind the man who became the Duke.

Plan your visit at johnwayneae.com

10/01/2026

We’ve got some exciting news, Pilgrim! 🤠

John Wayne: An American Experience has been recognized in the Dallas Morning News’ Best in DFW competition!

🥈 Silver Award for Best Arts & Culture Event
🏆 Runner-Up for Best Family Attraction
🏆 Runner-Up for Best Museum

Thank you to everyone who voted and continues to make the John Wayne Museum a must-visit destination in the Fort Worth Stockyards. We couldn’t do it without you!

Plan your visit johnwayneae.com

09/28/2026

Modern Masters of the West | Oct. 2-4

Modern Masters of the West returns to the Fort Worth Stockyards during Stockyards Fashion Week, featuring artist Miah Chalfant at the John Wayne Museum and a special John Wayne piece.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/3IdvQIV

09/22/2026

Fall is here, Pilgrim.

And there’s plenty happening at the John Wayne Museum this season.

This October, the Fort Worth Stockyards will come alive for Modern Masters of the West, October 2–4, with artist Miah Chalfant joining us at John Wayne: An American Experience for live art demonstrations. Chalfant’s work brings together contemporary art, Western life, and the stories and traditions of her Northern Cheyenne heritage.

Then in November, the John Wayne Grit Series returns to the Stockyards on November 7, benefiting the John Wayne Cancer Foundation. And in honor of Veterans Day, veterans and active-duty military will receive free admission to the museum November 7–11.

From art and the Western spirit to honoring those who serve and supporting the fight against cancer, there’s a lot to look forward to this fall.

See you in the Stockyards, Pilgrim.

Plan your visit johnwayneae.com

09/22/2026

Thank you Fort Worth Magazine for voting us Best Local Attraction for 2026! Plan your visit johnwayneae.com

See why Fort Worth voted us Best Local Attraction for 2026. Visit the John Wayne Museum in the Stockyards.


LEARN MORE: johnwayneae.com

09/16/2026

Some of the most revealing stories at John Wayne: An American Experience begin on the bookshelf.

The Duke’s Library features personal copies, first editions and books tied to some of John Wayne’s most iconic films, including Hondo (1953), True Grit (1969), The Searchers (1956), Stagecoach (1939), Rio Grande (1950) and The Alamo (1960).

One highlight: a first edition of The Searchers, Alan Le May’s 1954 novel and the book John Wayne read before taking on his iconic role as Ethan Edwards.

See why Fort Worth voted us Best Local Attraction. Plan your visit today at johnwayneae.com