The John Wayne Birthplace & Museum contains an extensive collection of artifacts and memorabilia from the actor’s life and career. Naturally, the facility also includes a movie theater. Relax in comfortable seats (originally from Grauman’s Chinese Theater in Hollywood) and watch a documentary on Duke’s phenomenal film career. Be sure to explore our gift shop’s wide assortment of John Wayne merchandise perfect for souvenirs or great new items to add to your collection. You’ll be fascinated as you linger and learn about John Wayne the actor, the private citizen and an American legend.
Major Hollywood Treasure
The John Wayne Birthplace Museum is very excited to announce the acquisition of an incredibly rare artifact. This top of the line 70 millimeter Mitchell camera was one of 8 purchased by the Fox Film Corporation in 1929 for work on director Raoul Walsh’s “The Big Trail.” The motion picture epic starred 23 year-old John Wayne in his first leading role. Filmed in 70mm Grandeur, “The Big Trail” is today considered a movie classic but in 1930 the wide-screen format required expensive upgrades in projection equipment which, during the Great Depression, were simply too costly, resulting in limited distribution.
The museum wishes to thank Tracy Baker of Ottumwa, Iowa for this generous gift. Mr. Baker and his wife Joan are long-time museum supporters with contributions exceeding $100,000.
Hours & Admission
We are open seven days a week, except Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and Easter.
Regular Hours:
10:00 am to 5:00 pm
(March through November)
Winter Hours: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
(December through February)
Adults: $20
Seniors (60 & over): $19
Veterans: $17.00
Active Military: Free
Children (8 – 12): $10
Children (7 & under): Free
Motor coaches (20+): $15 per person
The life story of John Wayne began here in Winterset, Iowa. He was born Marion Robert Morrison on May 26, 1907, the son of Clyde and Mary Brown Morrison. Step back in time and picture the life of a young midwestern boy and his family near the turn of the 20th century. The modest four-room home has been restored to reflect its appearance in 1907. Adjacent to the home, the John Wayne Birthplace Museum is open daily and offers the largest diversified collection of John Wayne artifacts in existence, including movie posters, film wardrobe, original scripts, contracts, letters, artwork and sculpture — even one of his last custom-built cars. Our gift shop carries a wide assortment of John Wayne merchandise perfect for souvenirs or great items to add to your collection.
Bonus Feature Film on Blu-ray!
The John Wayne Birthplace & Museum has been included among the Bonus Features for the French Blu-ray release of John Wayne’s “The Alamo.” With appreciation to producers Roger Riley of WHO-13 in Iowa and Jean-Christophe Jeauffre of Jules Verne Adventures in France.
Copyright: ESC Productions / ESC Editions 2021 EDV 2588, all rights reserved.