Our Mission
The National Cowgirl Museum & Hall of Fame exists to honor and celebrate the women of the West—past and present—who have demonstrated extraordinary courage, resilience, and independence. Through education, storytelling, and preservation, the Museum brings to life the diverse experiences of cowgirls, ranchers, artists, activists, and pioneers whose contributions shape Western heritage and continue to inspire future generations.
Our Vision
We envision a world where the stories of women of the West are widely recognized as essential to American history and culture. The Museum strives to be a dynamic and inclusive space where visitors of all ages can connect with these powerful narratives—sparking curiosity, fostering appreciation, and empowering individuals to carry forward the pioneering spirit of the cowgirl in their own lives.
Our History
Founded in 1975, the National Cowgirl Museum & Hall of Fame began as a small but passionate effort to ensure that the stories of remarkable Western women would not be forgotten. Originally established in Hereford, Texas, the organization later found its permanent home in Fort Worth’s Cultural District, where it has grown into a nationally recognized institution.
Over the decades, the Museum has inducted more than 260 women into its Hall of Fame—each one representing a unique story of grit and determination. From ranchers and rodeo champions to writers, educators, and trailblazers in business and public service, these honorees reflect the rich diversity of the cowgirl legacy.
Today, the Museum blends interactive exhibits, multimedia storytelling, and educational programming to create an engaging experience for visitors. Whether exploring the lives of historic figures or discovering contemporary leaders shaping the West today, guests are invited to step into stories that are as bold and inspiring as the landscape itself.
Museum Architecture
World-class teams designed and constructed the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame – entirely appropriate for the stories contained inside. Designed by David M. Schwarz, the exterior style is cowgirl — from wild-rose finials and bas-relief sculpture panels to a Richard Haas mural and hand carved panels. Central spaces, indoors and outdoors, allow for after-hour events under the Texas stars.
In 2015, the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame began renovations of the galleries and public spaces. The renovation was completed in two phases, starting with the first floor. Renovations of the first floor were completed in July 2015, which included the Grand Rotunda mobile, the Anne W. Marion Gallery, and the Hitting the Mark: Cowgirls and Wild West Shows Gallery which highlights those women who were immensely popular during the heyday of wild west shows, like Annie Oakley.
The $5.5 million renovation of its second floor began in early 2018 and was reopened in March of 2019. The second floor contained the Kit Moncrief Galleries, of which the It’s Never Just a Horse™ exhibition examined the partnership between people and horses, particularly the Museum’s Honorees. The interior spaces were designed by the Paris architect firm, Projectiles. Two immersion rooms, the Western Design Room and the Bucking Bronc Room complete the second floor experience, including an interactive project table created exclusively for the Museum by Ideum.
Expansion
A significant 16,000-square-foot expansion is underway at The Cowgirl to further enhance the Museum’s mission to honor and celebrate women of the West.
The westward extension will feature a new entrance facing Dickies Arena, four new gallery spaces that will include a fashion gallery, personal collection gallery, photography gallery, and an 18-horse carousel custom-made in San Francisco. It will also include a 250-guest event venue, and dedicated space for K-12 programming.
A grand opening is planned for November 2026. Linbeck returns as the construction team, with Ewing Cole serving as the Architect of Record. Projectiles, of Paris, France, once again lends its vision as the Design Architect.
An Invitation to Explore
The National Cowgirl Museum & Hall of Fame is more than a museum—it’s a celebration of spirit, strength, and story. We welcome you to walk alongside the women who helped build the West and to discover how their legacy continues to ride forward.
