Starting February 7, 2025, Cowboy Boots: From Roundups to Runways, Presented by Lucchese Bootmaker will transport visitors on a journey through time, tracing the evolution of cowboy boots from their 19th-century origins to their modern-day status as a cultural icon. Running through May 4, 2025, this exciting temporary exhibition offers a rare glimpse into the craftsmanship, history and enduring appeal of these timeless boots.
The exhibition will delve into the fascinating transformation of riding boots from the 1860s — drawing inspiration from European styles and Civil War-era cavalry boots — to the revolutionary designs mass-produced by Hyer and Justin in the 1870s that shaped the cowboy boots we know and love today.
Visitors will uncover the pivotal role of cowboy boots in The American West during the cattle trail era and explore how advancements in entertainment and manufacturing catapulted them into mainstream culture by the early 20th century.
The exhibition will also feature boots from contemporary rodeo athletes, musicians, actors and other famous individuals, demonstrating how cowboy boots have transcended their origin to become a canvas for personal expression and a fashion status symbol in the 21st century.
Whether you’re a history buff, a fashion enthusiast, or simply curious, Cowboy Boots invites you to discover why, nearly 160 years after their debut, cowboy boots remain one of the most iconic and beloved pieces of footwear.
