What an absolutely wonderful experience! This is a must if you are in Oklahoma City!! from the outset, the building is a marvel of modern glass and traditional stone façade. Once you're inside, take the time to go through each exhibit and immerse yourself in the history of our native peoples. This museum is so well curated and a true testament to the resilience of native Americans. I spent a good 2 1/2 hours here, but I easily could've spent the whole day! Don't forget to check out the amazing gift shop! There is parking on site that is plentiful. You can also opt for a tour with the museum guides that run frequently. a great place for the whole family. read more

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I asked an acquaintance that had been here how long it took to fully experience this beautiful museum. He said, It depends on whether you're one of those people that read everything or a person that can just read selectively and move along. Of course, that's true of any museum. But hearing it made me think a minute about my motivation. What did I want to get out of my visit? Since I knew I was going to read everything, and it was going to take me hours, I decided to split the museum in half. Easy to do because there are two floors. This visit I'd explore the ground floor. Next visit, upstairs. And that turned out to be an excellent plan. It allowed me the luxury of a leisurely pace and gave me a chance to appreciate not only the exhibits, but the building itself. It's a beautiful building. I like how it looks from a distance, it's an unmistakable point on the horizon as you cruise by on the freeway. And up close it's even more appealing. It's worth taking some time outside before you go in to appreciate the setting and structure. The exhibits inside are outstanding. I particularly loved the Mis/Representation exhibit that highlighted the way images of First Americans have been used in American culture (advertising, movies, etc). Another feature I loved was the presentation of the work of Contemporary First American artists. I'm passionate about textiles and fiber art, and I'm not gonna lie, the beautiful pieces on display here made my tail wag. There was also a really interesting exhibit on Warrior Culture. A fantastic, in depth, examination of what it meant to be a warrior. I just took photos because the exhibit was particularly text rich and too much to digest on the spot. Also, along the way there was a cool exhibit that featured Peace Medals. I had only read of them, it was good to finally see one. My favorite aspect of the First American Museum was the Timeline. This was important to me because I don't know jack about First American History. And this is actually history every American should know. And one of the first important historical facts you are presented with is: This Has Always Been Indian Country. Before colonizers arrived, this was the land of the Apache, Caddo, Tonkawa, and Wichita. The museum honors those as well as all other indigenous peoples that have historical ties to the region, including the Comanche, Kiowa, Osage and Quapaw. Further, it acknowledges that the land the museum was built on was originally assigned to the Muscogee (Creek) and Seminoles. The welcoming exhibit makes an important point. It explains that there are 39 distinct tribal nations in Oklahoma, with individual cultures. Many forceably relocated from ancestral lands all across the United States. And you should know, they're not there by choice. That's heavy. That's something to think about. And that's what 5 Star Museums do. They make you think. Mikey C says: see you next time I'm in town, FAM read more

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There is such beautiful balance to the viewing perspectives of every area of this museum! Its doesn't just tell the history, it does it in such an artful perspective that blends Native ancestral with Native Nuevo fluidly! Its more than worth the trip! read more

First Americans Museum - Museums Near Me - Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

This is beautiful museum representing 39 tribal nations in Oklahoma. Our tour guide was of Cherokee ancestry. General admission is $15 but they have yearly memberships and other discounts for seniors, military and government. I believe the museum read more

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This place is amazing. Learned more about Native Americans the different tribes, history, and culture. The café is reasonably priced and has really good cappuccinos . There is also a gift shop. We had a tour guide that was very knowledgeable and welcoming. I highly recommend going to this museum. read more

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We got the opportunity to visit the First America's Museum while visiting OKC. This museum honors the 39 recognized tribes native to Oklahoma. We learned so much about natives local to this area. The museum was beautifully set up and we loved how they have sections that natives paint the walls on every few years. This included the moon terrace, sun terrace ans star terrace. We also took the Mound tour and learned about mound people. It was great to learn about how the sun will come through the tunnel during summer solstice and that it has to be aligned just right. If you are in the area I highly recommend checking out this museum. read more

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Give yourself a full day here. The first floor is filled with text, objects, videos and more capturing the lengthy history of Native Americans in Oklahoma. The intro video telling the origin stories of several tribes is beautifully done. Exhibits on the second floor draw from rich collections at the Smithsonian taken from Oklahoma peoples. Don't forget to look at the artwork outside of the building as well. Make or take time for a bite in the restaurant. The food and the view are worth it. Actually the entirely day at the museum is worth it. read more

First Americans Museum - Acee Blue Eagle at his best! - Museums Near Me - Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

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Visited Oklahoma City for the first time. Friends took us to the First Americans Museum. First, the building was beautiful. Great design, great light, and space. Second, the exhibits are fantastic. Very educational, with a chronology of history of Federal Indian Law, and the history of the 39 Oklahoma Tribes. Beautiful theater, and storyteller rooms. There were modern day exhibits telling of tribal members who were amazing in various sports, there were videos of tribal leaders talking about modern day issues. on the second floor, there were beautiful exhibits of historical clothing, beadwork, jewelry, and much more. A fantastic gift shop was also worth a visit. There was also a discount for entrance fees for tribal members. Overall, I recommend this museum. read more

What a wonderful museum! The mound is special--try to catch the tour to learn more about mounds. The museum artifacts are plentiful. There is so much to read and learn. There are interactive light/action activated games that are fun. I think the stickball game was my favorite. The gift shop is nice and has lots of beautiful art. Don't miss the restaurant. read more

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I'm a total nerd and love to visit museums. This place is great for everyone. I learned a lot. Both adults and kids would love it here. The staff had wonderful attitudes. They knew a lot of the establishment. Great visit. read more

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I was so excited to visit this museum. I've never been to a first Americans museum. I have limited knowledge of the history just what was exposed on television which is not always the best description of culture. Alittle disappointed because they don't appear to have a lot of original artifacts at best most things seem to be a replica. Maybe I was in the wrong area but I didn't notice anything that appeared original. Again I could have missed an area or overlooked something. There is so much we don't know and I still don't know or understand! read more

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For anyone visiting or living in Oklahoma, this museum is a must. The history of genocide against Native Americans (or First Americans) is something we should all know a lot about. The exhibits were high quality and labeled well. We wanted to eat at 39, the restaurant in the museum that offers Native American food (and named 39 because there are 39 Native nations in Oklahoma), but unfortunately, it was closed. read more

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For a truly remarkable, humbling, and unique journey through True American history of the 39 tribal nations of Oklahoma, you simply must visit the First Americans Museum. Written word is simply too incapable of properly illustrating the impact this museum makes in combining the use of story telling, art, imagery, cinema, and relics to demonstrate the impact of colonialism in decimating over 99% of the population of First Americans - and the incredible resilience of the 0.004% who survived and have continued to maintain the traditions of their tribes. I learned so much from the exhibits. I will definitely return. First Americans Museum has discounted ticket prices for first responders, students and military. There is a separate gallery for children with climbing tunnels and interactive exhibits. There is a restaurant and gift shop with native made products. All staff members were knowledgeable and friendly. It was truly a wonderful experience. read more

First Americans Museum - Museums Near Me - Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

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First, the parking!!!! Trying to get out is stupid. We forgot when we first got there to get our ticket validated, they could have said that when we bought $$ tickets. We didn't know where to go. The children's part was so dark. The price is too high for what you get IMO. The bottom floor was under whelming, the second floor was better but it seemed unorganized. A lot of the touch prompters didn't work. I just was disappointed. read more

I visited NMAI in D.C. a few years ago and I have to say that FAM is so much better...more to view and more to learn. I was totally impressed and will recommend this to anyone and everyone visiting OKC (and Oklahoma). It's worth the trip to OKC. The stories are truthful and heart wrenching but there are the stories of triumph and resiliency. I would definitely revisit! It's also in a great and upcoming area. read more

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A lot of Yelpers have shared a tremendous amount of helpful information regarding the history, contents of the museum, and future plans. What I can add, is to say that anyone living in Oklahoma and those visiting can be enriched by the experience of visiting this sacred museum. Come spend a few hours here and learn something new about our first American peoples and the place we all call home. One of my favorite parts of the museum is are the immersive video experiences which help to share the history, rich cultural practices, and generations of stories of the native peoples. I am hopeful that the exhibit spaces will be dynamic in the years to come. I will continue to come back to this museum to learn more about this lands' deep history prior to European settlement. I'll come here to deepen my understanding of the reverence of the sacred natural world which our First American brothers and sisters embody so fully. There is so much I want to learn about the stories of triumph and sadness and a people who have shown much resilience. The network of OKC museums is strengthened by this fantastic new museum. Their restaurant is worth coming to on its own. Brunch is a delight. May 2023 read more

First Americans Museum - February 2023 - Museums Near Me - Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

I give this place more than 5 stars. What an amazing representation of history that every American needs to see. The videos tell stories from first Americans and historians. The images are amazing. Everything is presented in a way that is easy to digest, while so compelling and powerful. This places centers the voices of first Americans, unlike other places that simply talk about them (and more about their belongings) from a third person, partial view. We happened to visit on a special day, where people of all ages were dressed beautifully and danced on the green in competitions. It was a privilege to experience. We need more museums like this across the nation. There are so many more stories to tell. First Americans lived at least 10,000 years on this land and took such amazing care of it and each other. read more

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Loved this place! Take your time to read and learn. There were some eye opening stories. Wished the restaurant was open so we could try the traditional meals. They did have the cafe open- we loved the hot chocolate- don't miss it, it has a great flavor. The cafe chief made a great Duck n dumpling soup that was perfect for the cool day. Definitely would go again! read more

What a beautiful museum. This place is massive. Parker was the friendly young man who sold us our tickets and he was very informative on everything. The temperature of the museum was nice and cool everywhere we went. Not a warm spot in the building. The gift shop is beautiful but very expensive. I didn't see a clearance section. read more

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We know the history of the genocide of the Native Americans. This museum's helps understand the extend of it and the role Oklahoma played in it. Must visit for every American. read more

The museum is impressive from the outside and dare I say profound on the inside. I felt really moved by the stories shared and sad for what they illustrated. I enjoyed the mix of history and current goings on. The videos were well done and the displays were top notch. In addition to the beautiful artifacts, I enjoyed the Smithsonian exhibition and the "van ride" the most. read more

First Americans Museum - Museums Near Me - Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

On our way back from Kansas several weeks ago, we wanted to make sure that we stopped to visit the First Americans Museum in Oklahoma City. It is difficult to find adequate words to convey just how impressed I was with the staff, premises and the exhibits. We will have to make a return trip to see everything we were unable to see or do this time. You could spend the greater part of a day there. I've only included a few interior photos here. There was so much to see. There is ample on-site parking and modest admission fees. You can buy your tickets online ahead of time. We used senior discounts and our tickets were $10. The outer perimeter of the grounds is still under active construction. The fantastic outdoor sculpture,'Touch to Above,' an open hand suspended from a stainless steel arch, by Cherokee artists Demos Glass and Bill Glass Jr., provides a gateway for visitors. "A closed hand would mean you're not welcome, but an open hand means you are welcome here." Signs clearly direct you away from the massive stone entrance to other doors to gain entry. Inside, we read that "The First Americans Museum honors the ancestors who lived here before it was Oklahoma." "Only a few tribal Nations were indigenous to what is now the State of Oklahoma. All others were removed from homelands across the contiguous U.S. to Indian Territory." "In one place, visitors experience the collective histories of 39 distinctive First American Nations in Oklahoma today. First Americans Museum shares the cultural diversity, history, and contributions of the First Americans." I prepared for this Museum experience with a fair amount of reading. I knew that we would only have perhaps two to three hours. I can tell you that if you take in everything that is here - lunch at the acclaimed modern indigenous cuisine restaurant, the gift shop, neither of which we were able to do, as well as the second floor exhibits on loan from the National Museum of the Native American in Washington, D.C.; which we rushed through - you need to allow most of the day. We also didn't even make it outside to the mound! You can go inside or climb to the top for a view of the city. I had no idea we would be able to walk up to the top. "Oklahoma has a rich legacy of mound building cultures dating back to around 500 CE. The mound cradles the outdoor Festival Grounds featuring activities including powwows, stick-ball games, concerts, and cultural festivals." The FAM has Seasonal programs during special times of year to celebrate the winter and summer solstice as well as the spring and autumnal equinox. Overall, the FAM has three main exhibit galleries, two theaters and two restaurants focusing on Native food; a casual eatery and the acclaimed Restaurant 39. We have to go back and you really should go! https://www.thirtyninerestaurant.com/ https://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/brand-new-museum-oklahoma-city-honors-indigenous-people-at-every-turn-180978742/ https://famok.org/about-us/ read more

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This is one of the most important and powerful museums in our county. It displays in detail, the history of Native Americans being dispelled from their homes, and forced to move to Oklahoma. The museum details the lives and culture of the 39 Native American tribes. This museum is incredible. read more

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This was one of best museums I've been to. Many interactive exhibits and well executed story telling features. The facility is accommodating to those with special needs. Tours are available if desired or go at your own pace. All staff are courteous, welcoming and helpful. I learned about and appreciated the history as it was told. read more

This truly is an excellent museum. New, light-filled, open and spacious. Employees are super helpful and kind. The best thing about this museum is that it was built and curated by first Americans people in conjunction with the Smithsonian. This is the most honest, well organized museum centering on first Americans that I've ever visited. One section focuses on colonization, forceful relocation, and genocide. Another focuses on First American traditions and civilizations. As you move through history, you transition into how First Americans have fought to persevere, and how they've contributed to modern day society. You learn about everything from massacres to the notorious "schools," to First American war heroes, professional athletes, creatives, and activists. I really appreciate how the museum not only teaches the proud, yet tragic past--but shows us how great First American people are today. Videos and other visuals are great. I'm not normally one to sit and watch the films in museums, but each one of these are well thought out and vital to understanding. My favorite was the first one--a visual color bomb of a production explaining each tribe's creation story. There is also a great cafe on-site (reviewed separately). Tickets are 15 dollars, but FAM is doing a joint venture with the National Cowboy museum where you can visit both for 25 dollars, rather than 30. FAM is still in progress, building more on every day. Things can only get better, and they are already pretty great. read more

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Loved the museum itself and the history it presented. However my experience is colored by the service I received when getting our tickets. We got there less than an hour before it closed. We were one behind this lady who kept asking questions about resources. She was NOT getting a ticket. The ticket man kept answering her questions instead of attending to us, we were losing time to see the museum. When we finally got our tickets he reminded us in an instructive voice that we had less than an hour to see the museum. No kidding! If he was time conscious, why not give our tickets first and then finish his convo with the lady. Oh and btw, there was another lady next to him behind the counter. I first went to her since the guy was talking to the lady. But she said to go to the man. She seemed absorbed with the lady's convo too. Not sure why she was there if not to attend to customers. Maybe you need to have two ticket booths open. Management, please train your staff to be more aware to serve customers who have less time to see your wonderful museum and use better and tone. read more

Be ready to be amazed! This is a gem of a place and a great place to get educated in First American culture. It is a must go when in OK city and a great place to launch your adventure in First Nation Land. read more

This museum is impressive from the outside. Hubby and I arrived early due to Google indicating that the museum opens at 10a on Saturday. Two small signs redirected us from the front entrance to another entrance, but the doors were locked. We turned around to leave, and a young lady opened the door to tell us that they open at 11a (it was 10:50a), but we were invited to come inside to wait. We felt the "newness" of the museum collection. The first floor was full of written information and was too much to read, but we felt like we were missing out on things if we did not read everything. The second floor included the artifacts. It appeared that the entire artifact collection was made from the Harrington's collection, so it would have been nice to have more on Harrington himself.... although we made have missed that info from all of the reading. Many of the artifacts also assumed that the viewer knew what it was intended for, so there was no description to tourists like ourselves. The most impressive part of the museum was the glass atrium, which can be seen from the road. Worth a visit to learn about the First Americans. read more

First Americans Museum - First American Museum glass atrium - Museums Near Me - Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

fantastic display of all sorts of First American culture and great short films in the theater

The restaurant here is amazing. A must try in OKC or the surrounding area. The museum is great and the staff are super helpful. read more

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To celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day, I'm writing a review of First Americans Museum, the 175,000 square foot cultural institution documenting the rich heritage of all 39 nations that are headquartered in Oklahoma. This museum is the largest single-building tribal cultural center in the country. The architecture pays so much respect to the 39, that the symbolism is everywhere. The Hall of the People is a 110 foot glass atrium that is a modern take on a Wichita grass Lodge. The large open hand suspended from a stainless steel arch in the outside sculpture is a symbol that all are welcome. The theatre features a design by artist Jeri Redcorn, and is meant to evoke her Caddo pottery. Thanks to a partnership with the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian, there are 135 items on loan to FAM, from toys and tools to clothing and textiles. Even the way the exhibits are set up is different from most museums, since most museums have a horrible heritage of taking away important cultural items from those they seek to "document". The directors of this museum worked tirelessly for a decade to connect the families back to their objects. And, in the cases where ceremonial items are meant to be destroyed after use, they've elected not to display those, out of a deep respect. They talk about the curatorial continuum and the fact that these cultural items that were collected are as important now as they have always been. The list of events they have planned, from Native fashion shows, to pop art exhibits, to fancy dances, to viewing parties for Native films and TV shows, like the one today for my beloved Rutherford Falls. I can't wait to just hang out here. The input of so many members of all the 39 nations was brought together to create this. It's an incredible gift and I feel so lucky to share in it. read more

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Review #102 (First Americans Museum) Location: 659 First Americans Blvd, OKC, OK 73129. S of Reno Ave & I-40 & W of MLK Ave. This is on native land originally belonging to the Seminole and Muskogee Creek Nations. Before construction, the land used to be a former oil field and a moto cross track with 7000 tires that had to be removed to start construction. Concept: The First Americans Museum (FAM) is a culmination of historical artifacts of the 39 indigenous tribes and nations of Oklahoma. The original name of the museum was the "American Indian Cultural Center and Museum." The FAM will showcase artwork, exhibits, written and digital historical information and stories, artifacts, clothing, etc, collected from the 39 Indigenous nations of OKlahoma. The aim is to tell the true stories of the indigenous cultures and their history. There are two main exhibits. One is "Okla Homma" detailing the 39 Tribes of OK, and the other "Winiko" telling stories from over 100 years ago. OKlahoma's state name came from the Choctaw words, Okla Homma, meaning Red People. Hours: Mon: 10am-5pm Tues: closed Wed-Fri: 10am-5pm Sat/Sun: 11am-5pm Bldg/Design/Architecture: The museum consists of 175,000 square feet of space. The entrance has a steel hand inside a large arch, designed by Cherokee artists father and son, Demos and Bill Glass, JR. There are remembrance walls. There is a 110-foot glass half-dome, a representation of a grass house made by the Wichita Tribes. During the summer and winter solstice, the east and west areas of the hall will see the rays of the sunset, and the "Touch To Above" sculpture in the "Hall of the People" will be illuminated. Behind the "Hall of the People" is the Mound and Festival Plaza. Upstairs there are artifacts on loan from the Smithsonian's Native American Indian Collection. There are two theaters, showing movies, concerts, and other venue options. One has 100 seats and the other has 75 seats. There is a Museum FAM Store gift shop offering Native American artwork, clothing, and other items. There is the FAM Restaurant, a sit down restaurant and bar featuring native cuisine; and the FAM café offering coffee, drinks, and other food. History: The original idea for the museum came from OK State Senator, Enoch Kelly Haney, from the Seminole Nation, also an artist, who co-authored a bill in 1994 to create an agency to develop the museum. The bill passed but funding didn't so the concept lay dormant. The funding for the museum began back in 2006 and was stopped in 2012 when funding ran out. In 2015/2016, OKC, the state of OK, and the Chickasaw Nation of OK took on the remaining funding so it could be completed. Construction began again in 2019 and was completed in 2021. Grand Opening: Sep 2021: The FAM is now opening this weekend, Sat, 18 Sep, 8am-10pm. Sun, 19 Sep, 8am-8pm. Mon, 20 Sep, 10am-5pm. The tickets will be $5 for opening weekend Sat-Mon; then go back to original prices starting Wed when they open for regular hours. There will be no parking allowed on the museum grounds for Sat and Sun, as there will be too many people, cars, food trucks to allow it with all the opening ceremonies planned. So there will be parking in the Crooked Oak School south of the museum and a free shuttle to take people to the museum grounds. Parking will be $10 per car. Handicapped parking will be allowed on the FAM property for those who truly need it. Tickets: Normal ticket prices start on Wed, 22 Sep. Adults: $15 Tribal, Senior (62+), Military, Students (13+): $10 Youth: 4-12yrs old: $5 Child: 3 yrs old & under: free {Posted on Sat, 18 Sep 2021} read more

My friend is from the Absentee Shawnee tribe and heard about this museum from a relative who highly recommended it. We both went to check it out and throughly enjoyed the tour. There was lots to see, important information to learn and it has some fun interactive areas. I'm really glad he invited me to go with him, as I got a chance to learn a lot at the first American museum, also got to see some truly beautiful artwork and apparel. I was also amazed by the stunning architecture and interior. read more

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The first thing you'll encounter when visiting the First Americans Museum is the presence of the architecture in the landscape. It's quite large, though it isn't overwhelming but rather draws you inward. It feels sacred as you walk toward the entrance doors. Once inside, you're immediately drawn into the hall of the peoples, which is a large glass structure with a long, sweeping iron wall moving from outside through the interior. Next, the main floor exhibit is a timeline of the first nations peoples from origin to modern day. The information is beautiful and engaging so as to connect and inspire. The second floor exhibits various items collected from the local cultures, again, displayed respectfully. Finally, the museum store and on-site restaurant are a must stop. We weren't able to dine, but the store had some great items for purchase. Definitely make sure you visit. Take your time. This is not for quick perusal, but paced, thoughtful engagement. read more

First Americans Museum - Touch to Above - Museums Near Me - Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

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It was a great experience to visit this museum. It's a sad part of American History and one that must not be forgotten. I learned a lot and cried a lot. Highly recommend to anyone who is interested in learning about Native American history. read more

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This is an awesome museum. Everything is very well done. I felt very educated and learned a lot of information, especially regarding the Native American genocide. I really enjoyed some cool heritage stories we were told. They had many moving images and small movie/documentaries which I really liked. read more

We were in town for a wedding on a reservation not far from Ok City and partook in a group tour of the Museum and was quite impressed by the design and artifacts that filled the museum. Absolutely gorgeous building and so much information. Great to hear all sides in our history and this definitely gave me lots of information about the First Americans. This is a must for anyone and gets you information that you just don't see in the older history books. Enjoyed it and recommend this place highly. read more

First Americans Museum - Regalia - Museums Near Me - Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

I agree with a previous review - if I could give this museum 10 starts I would. This museum has a comprehensive history of the 39 tribes that are now located in Oklahoma. The dark history of the first American's treatment is well presented and very educational. ALL aspects of the past, current and future of the 39 tribes is presented. We were disappointed that the on-site restaurant was indefinitely closed (was looking forward to some native american foods) but the tide-us-over snack from the cafe worked out well. The museum can be reached by the river bike trail. Definitely a go-to site. read more

I felt very unwelcome. I believe customer service is the key for a better experience. I was excited to learn about Native American culture but it just felt like a cash grab. The handmade merchandise was absolutely stunning but a lot of things in the gift shop did not have price tags. The employees were not interested in helping us either. I gave 3 stars for the new things I learned and the 2nd floor gallery. read more

Beautiful outside with ample parking. Inside is well layed out. I went for the restaurant which was completely booked. I bought a couple if items from the gift shoppe and felt the engaged conversation quickly escalated in a negative way which caused me to leave. Maybe another time. read more