Western Folklife Center

The Western Folklife Center is a regional nonprofit organization that was founded in 1980. The center's mission is to promote the "experience, understanding, and appreciation" of the American West's diverse cultural heritage. Toward this end, it is probably best known for its annual National Cowboy Poetry Gathering, held each January since 1985.

Elko's historic Pioneer Hotel, which houses the center, was originally constructed between 1912 and 1913. It was the city's largest retail and office building at that time. Renovated in 1992, today it contains the many components that make up the center, including an exhibit gallery, the 300-seat G Three Bar Theater, the 20-seat Black Box Theater, a saloon with a fireplace nook, and a gift shop.

The Western Folklife Center's Wiegand Gallery presents ever-changing exhibits of an educational nature. Represented here are traditional artists and art forms from photography and painting to sculpture. Themes have varied from American Indian arts and crafts and the Latino traditions of Christmas and cowboying to the legacy of cowboy poetry and music, displays of contemporary handcrafted cowboy gear, and the life of the buckaroo of the Great Basin.

The Western Folklife Center is located at 501 Railroad Street, Elko, Nevada 89801-3752. It is open from 10am to 5:30pm Monday through Friday and 10am to 5pm on Saturdays; closed Sundays and holidays. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors, and $1 for children aged 6~12. Admission is free to everyone on the first Monday of each month.