Discover Oklahoma's rich cultural heritage through its extensive collection of museums, from world-class Western art galleries and Native American cultural centers to Route 66 landmarks and oil heritage museums.
America's premier institution of Western history, art and culture, featuring more than 28,000 Western and Native American art works and artifacts. The museum encompasses over 200,000 square feet of display space including the American Cowboy Gallery, American Rodeo Gallery, Native American Gallery, and the Weitzenhoffer Gallery of Fine American Firearms. Home to the National Rodeo Hall of Fame and the replica turn-of-the-century town "Prosperity Junction."
A powerful tribute to victims, survivors, rescuers, and all those affected by the Oklahoma City bombing on April 19, 1995. The outdoor memorial features the Gates of Time framing 9:02, with 168 empty chairs representing each life lost, including 19 smaller chairs for children. The Memorial Museum uses interactive exhibits, augmented reality, and hundreds of hours of video to tell the story of that tragic day.
The largest single-building tribal cultural center in the country at 175,000 square feet, honoring Oklahoma's 39 tribal nations. Opened September 18, 2021, the museum houses the National Native American Hall of Fame. The OKLA HOMMA exhibition chronicles the histories of the 39 federally recognized tribes from creation stories through removal to present day, while WINIKO features 76 objects from 19th century collections alongside contemporary commissioned works.
Premier art museum featuring over 16,000 objects with a focus on American, Native American, and European art. The museum offers free admission for children 17 and under, and provides free access to all visitors on the second Sunday of each month through the Art Bridges Foundation's Access for All program.
Interactive science center featuring hands-on exhibits, Love's Planetarium, and Science Live demonstrations. Children under 3 receive free admission, and planetarium shows are included with general admission at no additional charge.
Contemporary art museum focusing on living artists and current artistic movements. All art exhibitions are always free to the public, making contemporary art accessible to everyone.
State's premier history museum operated by the Oklahoma Historical Society, showcasing Oklahoma's diverse heritage from prehistoric times through the modern era with extensive artifact collections and interactive exhibits.
Dedicated to preserving the history of softball and honoring the sport's greatest players and contributors. Admission is free to the public.
Preserves Oklahoma's railroad heritage with vintage locomotives, passenger cars, and railroad artifacts. Offers train rides and educational programs.
Located in Oklahoma's working state capitol building, featuring exhibits on state government, history, and the building's unique architecture. Free admission and tours available.
One of America's top art museums housed in an Italian Renaissance-style villa, featuring more than 16,000 objects with focus on American, Native American, and European art. The museum offers discounted admission opportunities and special programs throughout the year.
Established in 1949 by Thomas Gilcrease, a citizen of the Muscogee Creek Nation, holding an extensive collection of art, culture, and history of North America. Currently undergoing major renovation with a new building near completion, with exhibition installation beginning late 2025 and grand reopening scheduled for Fall 2026.
Dedicated to the 1983 coming-of-age movie and 1967 S.E. Hinton novel "The Outsiders." The actual house used in filming has been restored and opened as a museum celebrating this cultural landmark.
Showcases Tulsa's aerospace heritage with vintage aircraft, space artifacts, and interactive exhibits exploring aviation history and space exploration.
Preserves and presents Tulsa's history from its founding through modern development, including exhibits on the oil boom, Route 66, and local heritage.
Dedicated to the life and legacy of folk music icon Woody Guthrie, featuring his archives, guitar, artwork, and interactive exhibits exploring his music and social activism.
Commemorates the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre and celebrates the history of the prosperous Greenwood District, known as Black Wall Street, through immersive exhibits and educational programs.
Located on the University of Oklahoma campus, this comprehensive natural history museum features extensive paleontology collections, Native American artifacts, and natural science exhibits. Free parking available directly in front of the museum.
University of Oklahoma's art museum featuring impressive collections of American, European, Native American, and contemporary art. Adult admission fees resumed in 2024.
Historic Victorian house museum operated by the Cleveland County Historical Society, showcasing life in early Norman with period furnishings and local history exhibits.
Oklahoma's official showcase of Route 66 in Clinton, operated by the Oklahoma Historical Society. The largest museum dedicated to America's most famous highway, offering a personal journey through each decade of the Mother Road. Visitors experience vehicles, music, road construction history, transportation, lodging, restaurants, garages, curio shops, and attractions through extensive artifacts, graphics, and videos.
Part of the Elk City Museum Complex, this museum takes visitors on a journey through all eight states Route 66 passes through from Illinois to California. Features include driving a 1955 pink Cadillac down Route 66 and watching movies at a mock drive-in theater while sitting in a classic Chevy Impala. The complex also includes Old Town Museum, Farm and Ranch Museum, Blacksmith Museum, and outdoor displays.
Housed in a restored National Guard Armory in Chandler, this state-of-the-art center preserves Route 66 memorabilia including vintage photographs, postcards, road maps, matchbooks, and keys from long-gone motels along the Mother Road.
Iconic Route 66 roadside attraction constructed in the early 1970s as an anniversary gift. This beloved landmark became a popular local swimming hole and remains one of Oklahoma's most photographed attractions along the historic highway.
Immersive cultural center following the 14,000-year journey of the Choctaw people through interactive exhibits and storytelling, covering creation stories through modern tribal life.
Housed in the first Union Indian Agency building that served the Superintendence of the Five Civilized Tribes including Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Muscogee, and Seminole nations.
Displays arts and cultural artifacts of western Oklahoma tribal peoples including Kiowa, Comanche, Kiowa-Apache, Southern Cheyenne, Southern Arapaho, Wichita, Caddo, Delaware, and Fort Sill Apache tribes.
Preserves and presents Cherokee history and culture through museums, historic villages, and cultural programs showcasing the Cherokee Nation's heritage.
Comprehensive cultural center featuring exhibits on Chickasaw history, traditional village, genealogy center, and cultural programs celebrating Chickasaw heritage.
Frank Phillips' 3,700-acre ranch retreat featuring world-class collections of Western art and Native American artifacts. One of the most extensive collections of Native American artifacts and art in the region, showcasing intricately crafted beadwork, ceremonial objects, traditional clothing, tools, and artwork spanning multiple tribal cultures.
Frank Lloyd Wright's only fully-realized skyscraper and designated National Historic Landmark. Features galleries, architectural tours, and hosts cultural events in this unique vertical masterpiece.
Historic mansion of Frank Phillips who founded Phillips Petroleum Company, showcasing early 20th century oil baron lifestyle with period furnishings and architectural details.
Features galleries depicting the comprehensive history of the Bartlesville area from early settlement through the oil boom to modern development.
Located in Stillwater, dedicated to celebrating and preserving the history of amateur wrestling. Honors the greatest wrestlers, coaches, and contributors to the sport through exhibits and Hall of Fame inductions.
Preserves Stillwater's local history including its founding, development as a college town, and community heritage.
Preserves 1900s Oklahoma rural life giving visitors a full experience of pioneer-era town and farm life during early Oklahoma Territory days. Operated by Tillman County Historical Society with free admission.
Five state-of-the-art galleries exploring the history and development of the Cherokee Strip in northwest Oklahoma, from the 1893 Land Run through settlement and development.
Interactive museum exploring Western art and the great cattle drives along the historic Chisholm Trail. Multi-sensory displays bring the cowboy era to life.
Showcases the legacy of wheat and cattle farms, Route 66 landmarks, vintage automobiles and tractors, and the history of radio, television, and technology in rural America.
Honors Oklahoma's favorite son, humorist and actor Will Rogers, featuring personal artifacts, film clips, and memorabilia celebrating his life and career.
Houses one of the world's largest privately-assembled gun collections with over 20,000 firearms, plus additional historical artifacts and memorabilia.
Celebrates the history and artistry of America's native instrument with extensive banjo collections and interactive exhibits. Free admission on first Wednesday of each month for visitors who bring lunch, with a free show included.
Features extensive aerospace exhibits highlighting Oklahoma's contributions to aviation and space exploration.
Military museum showcasing the history of Oklahoma's 45th Infantry Division from WWI through modern conflicts, featuring military vehicles, weapons, and personal stories of servicemembers.
Active military post and historic site preserving the history of the U.S. Army Artillery, frontier cavalry, and Native American interactions on the Southern Plains.
Chronicles Oklahoma's oil boom history with exhibits on drilling technology, oil field life, and the petroleum industry's impact on state development.
Honors the strength and determination of pioneer women who settled Oklahoma, featuring personal stories, artifacts, and exhibits celebrating their contributions.
Opulent mansion of oil baron E.W. Marland showcasing the extravagant lifestyle during Oklahoma's oil boom era with original furnishings and art.
Explores the natural and cultural history of the Great Plains region through exhibits on Native American cultures, frontier settlement, and prairie ecosystems.
Unique collection featuring thousands of toys and action figures spanning multiple generations of popular culture and entertainment.
Fascinating collection of over 350 skeletons from around the world, offering educational insights into comparative anatomy and osteology.
Celebrates the achievements of women in aviation history, honoring Amelia Earhart and the 99s international organization of women pilots.
Honors firefighters and preserves firefighting history with vintage equipment, fire trucks, and exhibits on firefighting evolution.
Historic ranch home of Wild West showman Gordon "Pawnee Bill" Lillie, featuring original buildings, artifacts from his Wild West shows, and period furnishings.
Preserves the history of the 1893 Cherokee Strip Land Run and early settlement of northern Oklahoma with artifacts and exhibits.
Explores the history of the Oklahoma Panhandle and No Man's Land territory through exhibits on pioneering, ranching, and regional development.
Showcases the unique history of the Oklahoma Panhandle region, formerly known as No Man's Land, with exhibits on geology, paleontology, and frontier history.
The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum is Oklahoma City's premier cultural institution, featuring over 28,000 Western and Native American artifacts. The Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum provides a powerful tribute to the 1995 bombing with 168 memorial chairs and interactive exhibits. The First Americans Museum, the largest tribal cultural center in the country, honors Oklahoma's 39 tribal nations. The Oklahoma City Museum of Art offers free admission on the second Sunday of each month, and Science Museum Oklahoma provides interactive exhibits with free planetarium shows included.
Oklahoma Contemporary offers always-free admission to art exhibitions. The Oklahoma City National Memorial outdoor memorial is open 24/7 with free access. Oklahoma City Museum of Art provides free admission on the second Sunday of each month and always free for children under 18. The National Softball Hall of Fame and Museum, Oklahoma Railway Museum, and Oklahoma State Capitol Museum all offer free admission. The Pioneer Heritage Townsite Center in Frederick and American Banjo Museum (first Wednesday with lunch) also provide free access on specific days.
The Oklahoma Route 66 Museum in Clinton is the state's official showcase and the largest museum dedicated to the Mother Road, operated by the Oklahoma Historical Society. The National Route 66 & Transportation Museum in Elk City takes visitors through all eight Route 66 states with interactive exhibits including a 1955 pink Cadillac. The Route 66 Interpretive Center in Chandler preserves memorabilia in a restored National Guard Armory. The Blue Whale of Catoosa remains an iconic roadside attraction. Oklahoma's 432-mile stretch of Route 66 features numerous additional museums and landmarks.
The First Americans Museum in Oklahoma City is the largest tribal cultural center in the country, honoring all 39 Oklahoma tribal nations. The Choctaw Cultural Center in Durant follows the 14,000-year journey of the Choctaw people. The Five Civilized Tribes Museum in Muskogee represents Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Muscogee, and Seminole nations. The Southern Plains Indian Museum in Anadarko showcases Kiowa, Comanche, and other western Oklahoma tribes. The Cherokee Heritage Center in Tahlequah and Chickasaw Cultural Center in Sulphur offer comprehensive tribal experiences. Woolaroc Museum near Bartlesville houses one of the region's most extensive Native American artifact collections.
Philbrook Museum of Art, housed in an Italian Renaissance-style villa, features over 16,000 objects including American, Native American, and European art, with $5 admission Fridays after 5pm. Gilcrease Museum, established by Muscogee Creek citizen Thomas Gilcrease in 1949, is currently undergoing major renovation with a new building scheduled to open Fall 2026. The museum will continue offering community workshops throughout 2025. Both museums represent world-class art collections in stunning settings.
Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve near Bartlesville showcases the legacy of Frank Phillips, founder of Phillips Petroleum Company. The Frank Phillips Mansion in Bartlesville displays the oil baron's historic home with period furnishings. The Marland Estate Mansion in Ponca City showcases oil baron E.W. Marland's opulent lifestyle during the oil boom. The Oklahoma Oil Museum chronicles the state's petroleum industry development. Numerous regional museums including those in Drumright, Cushing, and Seminole preserve oil boom heritage and wildcatter history.
The Outsiders House Museum in Tulsa preserves the actual filming location from the iconic 1983 movie. Skeletons: Museum of Osteology in Oklahoma City features over 350 skeletons from around the world. The Toy and Action Figure Museum in Pauls Valley showcases thousands of toys spanning generations. The J.M. Davis Arms & Historical Museum in Claremore houses over 20,000 firearms in one of the world's largest privately-assembled gun collections. The USS Batfish in Muskogee offers tours of a WWII submarine. The National Wrestling Hall of Fame in Stillwater honors the sport's greatest athletes.
The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City is America's premier Western institution with the National Rodeo Hall of Fame and replica Old West town "Prosperity Junction." The Chisholm Trail Heritage Center in Duncan features interactive exhibits on the great cattle drives. The Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum preserves Wild West showman Gordon "Pawnee Bill" Lillie's historic ranch. Woolaroc Museum showcases Western art and cowboy culture. The Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore honors Oklahoma's favorite cowboy humorist. These museums preserve Oklahoma's authentic cowboy heritage from working ranches to rodeo culture.
Science Museum Oklahoma offers interactive hands-on exhibits with included planetarium shows and free admission for children under 3. The Jasmine Moran Children's Museum in Seminole provides engaging interactive exhibits designed specifically for young visitors. The Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History in Norman features dinosaurs and natural wonders that captivate children. The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum's Prosperity Junction replica town engages families. The Toy and Action Figure Museum in Pauls Valley delights children with familiar characters. Many museums including the First Americans Museum and Oklahoma City Museum of Art offer always-free or discounted admission for children.
Oklahoma has over 500 museums across the state according to the Oklahoma Museums Association. The Oklahoma Museums Association website offers a downloadable comprehensive list of all museums statewide. Major concentrations exist in Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Norman, and along Route 66 communities. Museums range from world-class institutions like the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum to small-town heritage centers preserving local history. The diversity includes art museums, Native American cultural centers, Route 66 landmarks, oil heritage sites, military museums, natural history collections, and specialty museums covering topics from wrestling to toys.
Last updated on November 24, 2025