The Brinton Museum

Situated against the Bighorn Mountains, The Brinton Museum preserves the history of the Quarter Circle A Ranch, a site that has evolved from a 19th-century working cattle ranch into a world-class cultural institution.

A Legacy of Ownership

• The Moncreiffe Era (1892): Founded by Scottish immigrant William Moncreiffe, the property began as a successful cattle ranch and a pillar of the early Wyoming ranching community.

• The Brinton Era (1923): Chicago industrialist Bradford Brinton purchased the ranch as a summer retreat. An avid collector, he filled the home with iconic Western art by masters such as Frederic Remington and Charles M. Russell, as well as significant American Indian beadwork and textiles.

• Transition to Museum (1961): After Bradford’s death in 1936, his sister Helen Brinton dedicated herself to preserving his legacy. She established the Bradford Brinton Memorial, which officially opened to the public in 1961.

Modern Expansion

In 2012, the institution transitioned to a non-profit model, leading to the 2015 opening of the Forrest E. Mars, Jr. Building. This 24,000-square-foot, eco-friendly facility allows the museum to display its extensive collection year-round while harmonizing with the surrounding natural landscape.

The Visitor Experience

Today, the museum offers a unique dual experience:

1. The Historic Ranch House: A "gentleman’s ranch" filled with Brinton's original furnishings and personal effects.

2. State-of-the-Art Galleries: Housing one of the region's most significant collections of Western and Indigenous art.