Olaf Wieghorst Museum & Western Heritage Center image

Olaf Wieghorst Museum & Western Heritage Center

Tourist attraction Art museum

Small museum displaying cowboy- & Western-themed paintings of a local artist, with a cactus garden. People often mention museum, garden,


Address

131 Rea Ave, El Cajon, CA 92020

Website

www.wieghorstmuseum.org

Contact

(619) 590-3431

Rating on Google Maps

4.70 (41 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Sunday: Closed
  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: Closed
  • Wednesday: Closed
  • Thursday: Closed
  • Friday: 11 AM to 3 PM
  • Saturday: 12 to 4 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: museum (7) garden (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 4/5 V J. 4 years ago on Google • 130 reviews
    A hidden gem in downtown El Cajon. Olaf had an interesting life, immigrating here from Denmark at 19. Very talented artist in oil, watercolor, pen and ink and even bronze. But the pleasant surprise was the cactus garden. Serene, with birds, lizards and running water surrounding Olaf's relocated original rustic home from the late 40's. Both John Wayne and Ronald Reagan bought his original Western art. Glad I took the time to browse the museum and garden.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Britney P. 5 years ago on Google • 19 reviews
    Love this place! Went with my cousin who was visiting from Missouri. The man who was working there knew a lot about the artist and told us many great stories. He also opened up the garden area for us to keep looking around even though it was supposed to be closed that day. Would definately go again.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Saunie H. 6 months ago on Google • 301 reviews
    A lovely museum with art from Olaf Wieghorst. They have also preserved his last home and have artifacts from the old west. There is a spectacular cactus garden that had some amazing flowers. I highly recommend!

  • 5/5 Mike B. 6 years ago on Google • 36 reviews
    One of the best Western Art Museums in S. Calif. Olaf rated on a par with Remington and Russell. Was considered the Dean of Western Art during his prime in the mid 20th Century. He had his paintings in the oval office of multiple American Presidents as well as in 5 Presidents private collections.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Will M. 5 months ago on Google • 17 reviews
    Beautiful museum and garden. Great history of El Cajon and Olaf Wieghorst.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Dave S. 1 year ago on Google
    Closed when we got there Saturday about 11am well within stated times to be open. No reason stated to be closed. Looks well maintained.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 John M. 2 years ago on Google • 201 reviews
    This was absolutely fabulous place to visit. The staff was superb. Thanks Jim for the excellent one on one tour and information!!

  • 5/5 Stanislas F. 1 year ago on Google • 97 reviews
    Great art pieces and interesting to see the artist's former home. The docents are helpful.

  • 5/5 joyce t. 2 years ago on Google
    Plein air Artists invitation organized by Salmagundi Art Club, San Diego chapter.

  • 5/5 BRIAN 2 years ago on Google
    This is awesome I can't tell you how nice it is. Every time it is something New. Just last week a bunch of the items were different. They had a featured artist. I stop here whenever I'm in El Cajon.

  • 5/5 Dan C. 2 years ago on Google
    Incredible art, passionate staff. If you're into anything cowboy related, this is your place.

  • 2/5 Sherry M. 3 years ago on Google
    Nearby cafes serve good coffee and chocolates.

  • 5/5 Peter F. 10 years ago on Google
    A small museum, run by O.W. lovers. It's not fancy or huge, but some good exhibits and lore. Even a log cabin from his time, on the premises. If you like Western American Art, it's well worth a visit. Check the hours, and call to make sure.

  • 4/5 SUE and LADY D. 4 years ago on Google
    Very interesting and has alot of information on old El Cajon.

  • 5/5 John E. 1 year ago on Google
    Jim Daniels explained a lot of Olaf home features.

  • 5/5 Beckysue 1 year ago on Google • 6 reviews
    Nice museum and vintage garden home next door. The docent, Cesar was knowledgeable and a lovely person. The museum is also near an alley with several styles of "cat themed" murals and a very large western mural to go with the museum . Fun gem for art lovers!


Call (619) 590-3431 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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