Ronald Reagan Library Debuts "Cowboys: History and Hollywood" Exhibit

The new display explores the iconic American figure through film and history.

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum in Simi Valley, California has opened a new exhibit called "Cowboys: History and Hollywood" that explores the legacy of the cowboy archetype through film, television, and American history.

Why it matters

The cowboy has long been a central figure in American popular culture, and the Reagan Library's new exhibit aims to examine how this iconic character has been portrayed on screen and how it reflects the nation's values and history.

The details

The "Cowboys: History and Hollywood" exhibit features costumes, props, and memorabilia from classic Western films and TV shows, as well as historical artifacts that provide context on the real-life cowboy experience in the American West.

  • The new exhibit opened to the public on February 1, 2026.

The players

Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum

A presidential library and museum located in Simi Valley, California that is dedicated to preserving the legacy of the 40th President of the United States.

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What’s next

The exhibit is scheduled to run through the end of 2026, and the library plans to host a series of related events and programming throughout its duration.

The takeaway

The Reagan Library's new "Cowboys: History and Hollywood" exhibit offers visitors an in-depth look at how the cowboy figure has been mythologized and celebrated in American popular culture, while also providing historical context on the real-life experiences of those who lived and worked on the frontier.