With a rich cultural history and creatively gifted residents, central Oklahoma has an impressive assortment of treasures on display and wonders to experience. 2024 Museum & Gallery Guide
1515 Lincoln Gallery, 1515 N. Lincoln Blvd., OKC
1515 Lincoln Gallery is a vibrant collection of contemporary and estate art in a beautifully restored 1920s-era house along Lincoln Boulevard. Guided by founder Susan McCalmont’s passion for fostering art education and meaningful connections, the gallery contains an eclectic array of modern and secondary market art from across the globe.
Oklahoma National Guard Museum, 2145 NE 36th St., OKC
Formerly known as the 45th Infantry Division Museum, this space boasts an extensive collection of military artifacts that offer a captivating journey through the state’s rich military history, including Oklahoma’s esteemed division proudly recognized as the Thunderbirds. Through meticulously curated exhibits, the museum recounts the tales and pivotal moments of the Oklahoma Air and Army National Guard.
50 Penn Place Gallery, 1900 NW Expressway, OKC
Located in the mall of the same name, the 50 Penn Place Gallery is owned by 12 professional artists whose works are also on display in the gallery, including pieces by Bert Seabourn, Connie Seabourn, Tim Sullivan and others. In addition to the work of the owner-artists, the gallery features pieces from guest artists, and at regularly scheduled art openings, the creators are present to introduce and talk about their work.
American Banjo Museum, 9 E. Sheridan Ave., OKC
The American Banjo Museum spans 21,000 square feet and is dedicated to celebrating the heritage, essence and potential of the banjo. Within its halls, visitors will encounter a treasure trove of over 400 instruments, recordings, film, video, printed music, instructional materials, ephemera and memorabilia, all curated to enlighten guests on details of the American banjo’s ongoing legacy. 2024 Museum & Gallery Guide
ARTSPACE at Untitled, 1 NE 3rd St., OKC
Laura Warriner took a chance on the old warehouse district downtown before many people were aware of the area’s potential. Located in Deep Deuce, the focus at ARTSPACE is contemporary art, but the purpose is to create a communal space with quality exhibitions, educational programs, performances, publications and dialogues with the community.
DNA Galleries, 1709 NW 16th St., OKC
It’s celebrating 16 years in the Plaza District this year, and in that time the artists operating the space have featured new, established and emerging artists, welcomed the community to openings, exhibits and conversations and provided a space for local artists to display and sell their work. Some of OKC’s most popular local creators have started their careers at DNA.
Exhibit C Gallery, 1 E. Sheridan Ave., OKC
This Chickasaw-owned space in Bricktown is both gallery and retail space for First American artwork and artisan works such as jewelry, pottery and clothing, all made by Native American artists. It also offers a brokerage service to assist in locating traditional Native American art among its wide range of creators.
Factory Obscura Mix-Tape, 25 NW 9th St., OKC
The immersive art experience in the popular NW 9th Street area just off Automobile Alley was installed and is operated by local artists, for an experience modeled on New Mexico’s interactive Meow Wolf.
Firehouse Art Center, 444 S. Flood Ave., Norman 2024 Museum & Gallery Guide
Housed in a repurposed fire station, this non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation has evolved into a dynamic space featuring professional visual arts studios, adult and youth education programs, a permanent gift shop and a dedicated exhibition gallery. Serving as a vital hub for art education, the Firehouse is a leading provider of programming in Norman’s public elementary schools and actively partners with community events, engaging thousands of individuals annually with its diverse range of offerings.
First Americans Museum, 659 American Indian Blvd., Oklahoma City
This decades-in-the-making project collects myths, artifacts, personal reflections, art and tributes to the 39 Native American Nations who are part of the museum’s grand narrative. Exhibit halls for all ages are on the grounds, as well as outdoor features, an excellent restaurant and guided tours.
Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, 555 Elm Ave., Norman
Located on the campus of the University of Oklahoma, this is one of the finest university art museums in the country. The permanent collection of more than 20,000 objects features Native American art (4,500 objects), French Impressionism and art of the American Southwest.
Harn Homestead, 1721 N. Lincoln Blvd., OKC
The Harn Homestead stands as a cherished Oklahoma gem, offering a window into the territorial history of Oklahoma City. Within its grounds, visitors are transported back in time to experience the elegance of a Victorian home paired with the resourceful values of territorial farm families.
Howell Gallery of Fine Art, 6432 N. Western Ave., OKC
Near Nichols Hills on N. Western Avenue, it has been featuring local, regional and nationally recognized artists since 1991. The gallery houses a broad cross-section of media, including painting, sculpture, glass, ceramics and more.
JRB Art at the Elms, 2810 N. Walker Ave., OKC
The artistic hub of the Paseo Arts District is the creation of Joy Reed Belt, whose lifelong dedication to the Paseo has kept it one of the city’s most beloved hyper-local districts. The roster of artists includes established and emerging professionals, and the gallery always participates in the monthly First Friday Art Walk.
Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art, 1900 W. MacArthur St., Shawnee 2024 Museum & Gallery Guide
After St. Gregory’s University in Shawnee shuttered in 2017, Oklahoma Baptist University acquired the property and chose to keep the Mabee-Gerrer Museum open. Founded just over 100 years ago, the museum’s collections include artifacts from Egypt, ancient Greece, Rome, East Asia, Oceania and Africa, as well as visual arts from the Renaissance through the early 20th century.
MAINSITE Contemporary Art, 122 E. Main St., Norman
Since its relocation to MAINSITE Contemporary Art in 2012, the Norman Arts Council has been a vibrant hub for artistic expression. Showcasing the talents of both local and international artists, it’s curated numerous exhibitions and welcomed renowned performers like Nick Murphy (Chet Faker), No Age and Mutual Benefit. Within MAINSITE, the Library Gallery offers a platform for emerging artists to present experimental and cutting-edge work, fostering creativity and innovation in the arts scene.
Moore-Lindsay Historical House Museum, 508 N. Peters Ave., Norman
Step into the past at the Moore-Lindsay Historical House Museum, a cherished gem operated by the Cleveland County Historical Society (CCHS). This meticulously preserved Victorian home offers a captivating glimpse into the history of Norman and Cleveland County, focusing on the period from 1890 to 1910. With a dedicated mission to provide a welcoming, engaging and educational experience, the Moore-Lindsay House invites visitors to delve into the fascinating narrative of Norman, Cleveland County and the Oklahoma Territory.
National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63rd St., OKC
The museum is often referred to as “The Cowboy Hall of Fame” among locals, and while it is a hall of fame for professional cowboys, it’s also home to stunning artwork by Frederic Remington and Charles Russell, as well as important collections of Native American art and artifacts.
National Weather Museum & Science Center, 1200 W. Rock Creek Road, Norman
Experience the awe-inspiring world of weather at the National Weather Museum and Science Center, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving meteorological artifacts, advancing education in science, mathematics, and safety and celebrating groundbreaking innovations in the field.
Oklahoma City Museum of Art, 415 Couch Drive, OKC
Located in the heart of downtown, the OKCMOA is known primarily for its Dale Chihuly collection, including a stunning 55-foot sculpture that welcomes museum guests. In addition to Chihuly, the permanent collection includes works from the Colonial period to contemporary artists.
Oklahoma Hall of Fame/Gaylord-Pickens Museum, 1400 Classen Drive, OKC
The Gaylord-Pickens Museum is one program within the lovely, stately facility near NW 13th Street and Shartel Avenue. In keeping with the vision of the Hall of Fame, the museum introduces visitors to famous Oklahomans from politics to pop culture via interactive exhibits. The museum is designed to be educational and entertaining for all ages.
Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, 620 N. Harvey Ave., OKC
Documenting the events and commemorating the victims, first responders, families and all those affected by the horrific Murrah Building Bombing of April 19, 1995, is the mission of this stunning museum and memorial. The interactive museum is a walkthrough of the details surrounding the heinous act, the heroic efforts to rescue survivors and the story of the city’s successful drive to rebuild in the wake of disaster.
Oklahoma Contemporary, 11 NW 11th St., OKC
Oklahoma Contemporary’s new $30 million home on the north end of Automobile Alley is itself a work of art, catching the morning and evening sun on its metal exterior. Contemporary art is displayed inside and out, and the space is designed to be an interactive, educational community. Café Contemporary inside the center is a popular downtown eatery, with vegan, vegetarian and omnivore options.
Oklahoma State Firefighters Museum, 2716 NE 50th St., OKC
Established in 1967, the Oklahoma State Firefighters Museum stands to honor the rich heritage of the Oklahoma Fire Service. The museum proudly showcases a diverse array of exhibits and features artifacts spanning centuries, including collections from the esteemed London Fire Brigade.
Oklahoma History Center Museum, 800 Nazih Zuhdi Dr., OKC
The official caretakers of Oklahoma’s past, including artifacts, interactive components, testimonies, narratives, arts, etc., the museum tells the story of Oklahoma and Oklahomans in a collection of galleries and exhibits. Areas covered include topics as diverse as Oklahomans in space, the African American experience, free enterprise in the state and the stories of our Indigenous peoples.
Open Sky Editions, 1303 N. Robinson Ave. Suite 25, OKC
Open Sky Editions is a premier art gallery specializing in contemporary and modern art, offering a curated selection of posters, prints, ephemera and publications.
Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History, 2401 Chautauqua Ave., Norman
Located on the campus of the University of Oklahoma, the Sam Noble has been entertaining and informing visitors since before statehood. The museum is divided into categories — dinosaurs are in the Hall of Ancient Life, for example — to make planning easier. Permanent and traveling exhibits include collections related to arts, culture, Indigenous peoples, energy and natural wonders.
Science Museum Oklahoma, 2020 Remington Place, OKC
This 400,000-square-foot science museum is one of the largest of its kind, and it’s been a favorite field trip destination for generations of Oklahomans. The Science Floor is where most of the fun occurs, with its hundreds of interactive, educational displays, but there is more exploring to be done in additional galleries and the Kirkpatrick Planetarium.
Skeletons: Museum of Osteology, 10301 S. Sunnylane Road, OKC
This science museum proudly showcases an extensive collection of more than 450 authentic skeletons sourced from across the globe. At Skeletons: Museum of Osteology, the team offers engaging experiences for families and valuable educational resources for school groups, all centered around the exploration of the intricate form and functions of skeletal systems.
Tribes Gallery, 512 W. Main St., Norman
Tribes is where art comes alive with the spirit of Oklahoma’s rich heritage. As the premier destination for Native American, Oklahoman and Western art, Tribes Gallery is committed to delivering exceptional experiences since its establishment opened in 1990.
Wildfire Gallery, 2927 Paseo, OKC 2024 Museum & Gallery Guide
Located in the Paseo Arts District, Wildfire Gallery embodies the essence of contemporary Western art, showcasing a curated selection of local masterpieces and artisan treasures. Its distinctive “New West” collection captivates both admirers and collectors.