Estimated re-opening date will be in 2027 after 6 years of renovation. When it was open during pre-COVID times, the anthropology collections inside this museum featured the world's largest gathering of American West and indigenous Native American art and cultural artifacts that were truly a wonderful sight to behold. read more

Can't wait for the reopening of the Gilcrease Museum. The Gilcrease is a fantastic cultural treasure that promotes diversity and community and represents various forms of the arts in an engaging manner. read more

The collection focus here is western art, especially 19th century. Considering 95% of the works are in storage, this museum could put on good temporary exhibitions from its own closet if only it had the room. For example, they have enough Thomas Moran paintings and drawings to fill its own gallery. Fortunately, the museum announced a multi-million dollar expansion plan last year and the new design is impressive. In the meantime, visitors must make do with some galleries that are incredibly dark and an antiquated personal photography policy that, while allowing camera use, still puts much off limits. (Hey, Gilcrease, if you want more visitors, liberalize your policies.) Luckily, the museum has a good online collection that, once you create a user account, permits you to easily download images for personal use. The depth of this robust collection includes surprises but it would all benefit from a curatorial refresh. Wandering the jumble of individual galleries and reading some labels that are missing relevant information can be frustrating. I look forward to the expansion of this museum that proudly says it 'houses the world's largest and most comprehensive collection of art and artifacts of the American West'. I don't doubt it. The visitor experience cannot but change dramatically. read more

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I like the Gilcrease. To be honest, I'm not that much of a museum fan, but Gilcrease is compelling enough that I've visited several times. They're creative with their programming so that it's not "just historical exhibits" (no offense, history buffs) but sort of a historical *experience* that makes the visit much more enjoyable. The attached pictures, for instance, show a "Gilcrease After Hours" event which featured a local jazz group and tours of exhibits that detailed the plight of troubled groups in America's past, such as immigrants, ethnic and racial minorities, and Native Americans. It's an experience, and a good one. Plus, they have a pretty nice little restaurant (which is separate) with some evening events that sometimes feature local musical ensembles. I've been to one of those, as well, and enjoyed that, too. Gilcrease is worth a visit (or three), even though I'm no longer living in Tulsa. read more

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Gilcrease is always a great museum but the last time I went there was for a fun outdoor event. They had a bluegrass band and for $10 you can get three beers. They had three local breweries that donated. I'm not much of a Beer Drinker but they had American Solaris sour beer which I love.I wish that I had known how popular it would be because I would have gotten all three at once. They ran out after 30 minutes. So that was kind of a bummer. But it was nice outside and the band was great! Super fun event! read more

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In my first visit in several years, it was a lovely surprise. I found the gardens to have been much more pleasing than I'd remembered. We went for a walk pre-museum visit and enjoyed the cardinals singing, the gazebo by the pond with lily pads, bees buzzing, and turtles abound. It was a special place to unwind. The overwhelming focus of the main galleries is that of moving images that tell the tale of both pioneer and original tribal peoples which adorn the spacious museum. Visiting exhibits that occasionally include other tribal people from different corners also are intriguing. These visiting exhibits generally, however, stick to the theme of the exhibit on whole. Visitors to downtown Tulsa can do lunch here in a good restaurant, go for a walk, see a special exhibit. I'm guesstimating a five to ten minute drive from anywhere in downtown. Aside from the restaurant, the fun and diverse gift shop (which carries native american art, jewelry, and western inspired pieces) the natural gardens/pond, and the outdoor sculpture, you'll mostly want to spend time seeing the art which is collected in this pretty architecture, now maintained by the University of Tulsa. The art is a special mix of Native American tribal (some quite historic) and western United States. It is one of the best, if not the best collection of it's kind. Do not forget the well organized and plentiful artifact museum downstairs. It's science-y, and professional, with a computer lab and well designed cases and drawers (many) with historical Native American tribal art, tools, dolls, clothing, etc. This is a museum to make not only a region, but a country, proud. read more

The premiere museum for Western and Native American art, Gilcrease is a celebration of all things Western, including native peoples, cowboys, and what life was like for people living on the prairie, etc. They have a dedicated space for a traveling exhibit that is always super cool--some of my favorite collections that have come through Tulsa have come through here. Especially for people who just disregard Oklahoma as flyover country, this is an important cultural institution and a place to showcase all the complexities of the West then and now. Possibly one of the coolest parts of this museum is downstairs in their archives, where anyone can look up what they want to see and go find it in their many cases and drawers. So few museums grant this much access, whether you're just a curious visitor or you're bringing kiddos who want to learn about everything from the prehistoric animals that once roamed this land to the modern west, this is an amazing resource! read more

The actual museum is definitely 5 stars. They have an amazing collection of Native American art and artifacts, Thomas Moran paintings, and Remington statues among a host of other beautiful things. They have two cool kids areas where kids and touch and play. There are also several places in the museum where you can touch items on display, which the kids love. However, they had this rule about you can't carry a bag in the museum. It was our diaper bag. This is super annoying and inconvenient. I even offered to let him look through the bag. Nope, still have to leave it behind the desk. This was just not a good way to start the day. Trying to figure out how to carry bottles and such with kids when I had a nicely packed backpack... when we go back I will take a tiny bag. So go- enjoy the art and beautiful views with your tiny bag! read more

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Just minutes from downtown Tulsa, and nestled in the scenic Osage Hills, is the renowned Gilcrease Museum with it's outstanding collection of fine art and artifacts of the American West, as well as a fabulous collection of Native American art, manuscripts, beadwork, leather goods, maps and documents. Thomas Gilcrease was born in the late 1890s, and his mother's Creek Indian ancestry afforded him an allotment of tribal land just to the south of Tulsa. That land later became part of one of Oklahoma's major oil fields. He founded the Gilcrease Oil Company in the early 1920s, and began travelling extensively and collecting artwork from around the world. Glcrease's pride in his American Indian heritage, and interest in the history of the American West provided the focus for his unparalleled collection. The museum's western art collection includes works by Thomas Moran, Frederic Remington, Joseph Sharp, James Whistler, John Singer Sargent, Winslow Homer, and John James Audubon. One of my favorite sections of this museum was the "Enduring Sprit" collection which featured art and artifacts from the Native Americans. There were some truly beautiful feathered headdresses, beaded shawls and ceremonial robes, and leather buckskins in this area. Another area of the museum features the history of the ancient Americans, with treasures from the early Hispanic residents of Central America, and the blending of their cultures with the native American tribes. The museum might seem small, but the collection is enormous with a large number of Remington's famed bronze sculptures on display. A guided trip to the museum archives in the basement reveals thousands of archeological artifacts including arrowheads, tools, and Native American pottery, toys, and dolls. If you're a fan of Native American and Western art, then the Gilcrease museum definitely belongs on your bucket list. read more

Gilcrease Museum - Entrance to the Gilcrease Museum in NW Tulsa - one of the finest collections of native American art. Paintings, sculpture, beadwork, etc - Museums Near Me - Tulsa, Oklahoma

Every third Sunday is a free Funday!  Usually these are geared towards families with children.  They have plenty of fun age appropriate activities to go along with the exhibits.  There is a large area downstairs where you use hand held devices to look up information on an item displayed.  I like to visit every month or so to see some of the traveling exhibitions.  This was one of those visits.  The museum is clean with plenty of restrooms.  If you are a nature lover, they have a great walking path around a small pond with a gazebo outback.  In front they have a small hedge maze and some other trails leading to beautiful garden that's sometimes used for weddings.  During the warmer months they have outdoor events in this area.  These are mostly geared towards adults.  This is a smaller museum that really has a little bit of everything.  It is very enjoyable! read more

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Yelp has this listed as one of the top places to visit in Tulsa. I guess they missed the news. The Gilcrease Museum was TORN DOWN months ago. They are rebuilding a new facility but it will be a while. read more

If you love western and Native American art, this is the place for you. Honestly, it's not my thing, but I still like walking around the beautiful exhibit spaces. Free admission on Sunday Fundays! read more

I planned a visit to this museum to see the regarded Native American collection, which I enjoyed, but surprisingly some vivid Western canvases stole the show for me. The Native exhibition has a nicely comprehensive collection of artifacts, including a few faithful reproductions you can actually touch to appreciate the craft. The Plains is the best represented, understandably so, but you get the entire continent here, from the Aztecs to the totem poles of the Inuit. One thing though that keeps this at four stars - there's not much description of items, so you may see objects but you may have to grasp at what they mean. It'd be nice for some text by a few of these extraordinary pieces. As mentioned, the Western art blew me away. My favorite art utilizes strong colors (think Matisse) and while I consider myself to be decently educated on art I tend not to notice much American movements prior to modernism - my mistake. And I never really thought much of landscape painting, but again the vivid colors of the southwest bring these pictures to life. I'm thinking particularly of a depiction of the Grand Canyon, immense and immersive. Unfortunately for me, that painting (and frankly most of my colorful favorites) didn't permit photographs, nor did they show up in postcards, so I'll have to rely on my memories and scrawled notes. I could take a photo of one fave though, so I'll post it to give you an idea. We spent 3 very enjoyable hours here. I came to see stuff I knew I liked, but I came out infatuated with a new discovery - sounds like the duty of a great museum, no? read more

Gilcrease Museum - "Long Horns Watering On A Cattle Drive" by Ila McAfee - the colors here draw me in. - Museums Near Me - Tulsa, Oklahoma

I love a "hidden" gem with a place to cool off in the summer. Plus gardens to explore to thaw yourself after enduring full-blast AC for a couple hours! Check the website for promotions & ticket specials (currently kids & adults get in free together). Kudos to the "Discovering George Washington" special exhibit. Also -- don't miss the panoramic photography work of Gus Foster. Finally, the 11' oil painting of the tremendous waterfall. Have a number of standing exhibits of western and native lore. First time there after 6 yrs in Tulsa. Waited too long. Will return! read more

I have been to the best museums in the World ... Musée du Louvre, Musée d'Orsay, l'Orangerie, British, Tate, Del Prado, Smithsonian, Vatican, Uffizi ... and I was not expecting much after looking at the Gilcrease website, but this museum turned out to be freaking awesome! If you like American art ... Remington, Whistler, Audubon, Moran, Leigh, and Homer to name just a few... you will love the Gilcrease. This is the best collection of 100% American art I have seen in recent years. The museum does not look very big, but they have an impressive collection of paintings, sculptures (18 of Remington's 22 bronzes reside here), archeological artifacts, even a large collection of bolo ties. From Native American art to Americana, there is something for everyone at the Gilcrease. In the basement you can find 5,000+ additional items (Native American dolls, arrowheads, stone tools, etc) displayed in drawers and catalogued on their computer system for easy reference. You could easily spend four or five hours here and not see everything. Well worth a visit and their admission prices are very fair (Adults - $8; 62+ and Military $6; College Students with ID $5). They even offer free tour at 2pm, please visit their webpage for complete details. CombatCritic Gives Gilcrease Museum 9 Bombs Out Of 10 ... HOOAH! read more

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I love old Americana from the Old West, and this place was chock full of it. Museum admission is optional, but the recommended donation is 3$. One could easily spend several hours in here looking at everything. Photography is allowed, but no flash! I was glad that I'd looked it up and stopped by before heading to the airport. It was well worth it, as I can't think of any other museum so full of gorgeous paintings of Cowboys and Indians killing each other. read more

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We visited the Gilcrease in 4/07. The museum has a *terrific* collection of art & sculptures of the American West, and the grounds have nice gardens & sculptures with some paved walking trails. Admission is free, but donations are gratefully accepted. The land for the museum & gardens - and some of the artwork - was donated by Thomas Gilcrease, and one of the galleries has a very interesting (also somewhat sad) history & a series of family photos. read more

One of Tulsa's two fine art museums overlooking the beautiful Osage Hills. The rather interesting Mr. Gilcrease 's House is on the grounds and I think if you had the time you could use this as a base for some good hikes.It appears to have some fairly extensive trails.The collection itself skews in the direction of Western art and is actually quite large. There is a big George Caitlin exhibit that isn't even listed right now in the basement.There was also a good historical artistic exhibit on the Cherokee that had some interesting Civil War material. read more

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I am so happy that we visited the Gilcrease recently when we were in Tulsa to attend the opera! What a gem of a museum, and I kept telling my husband, "This is the friendliest museum EVER!" Everyone was smiling, welcoming, willing to help, polite and gracious. From the moment we walked in, the staff gave us their personal welcome. The ticket-seller told us to "make sure to visit the information desk," where the woman there took time to explain the map to us and what we'd find in each section. As we walked toward the galleries, the security guard invited us to use a locker for our camera, as photos are not allowed. (Boo, Gilcrease! Let us take pictures!) Yes, he INVITED us. Most guards would severely remind patrons that there are NO PHOTOS ALLOWED, but he said in a very friendly manner, "Would you like a locker for your camera?" Yes, we would! The lockers are free and fit your coat if you don't, as I did not, want to just leave your coat hanging in an unattended cloakroom. Problem solved! I really like smaller museums like this where you can spend real time and get a good sense of their collections. There are A LOT of Remingtons, of which I'm not a huge fan, but the collection is still diverse and the galleries are arranged with real care and without cultural hierarchies. Native art isn't relegated to special collections or divided from the "main" collection. This is ALL American art, and is displayed as such. The placards tell a lot about each painting, so you can learn as little or as much as you like I found there was a lot going on in the galleries, as well, because besides looking at the paintings individually was of course interesting, but looking at them in conversation with each other enriched them all. Domestic "Americana" scenes would be hung next to such scenes in Native culture, for example. One of my favorite juxtapositions was a painting of the Badlands at Night and the surface of the moon. As you move through the galleries, pay attention to how the paintings relate to and advance the conversation. I found this to be a wonderful experience the Gilcrease created in its display decisions. We also had a lovely lunch in the restaurant after we were finished with the museum. I had crab cakes and a glass of wine, and the hostess seated us at a two-top overlooking the beautiful Oklahoma landscape. The cornbread rolls were a highlight. We arrived here at 10 a.m., and after our lunch, made a 2 p.m. movie in Whittier Square in plenty of time. What a lovely morning! Don't miss the Gilcrease when you're in Tulsa! read more

I recently visited the Gilcrease Museum on a visit to Tulsa. I actually never made it inside the museum, but had a lovely time exploring the grounds. They have beautiful parks and gardens to walk around, and they are absolutely free! I only stayed about an hour, but I enjoyed every minute. We went down to the pretty pond with a gazebo and got some great pictures of bumble bees and turtles. It is a wonderful place to take portraits as well. Next time I am in Tulsa, I hope to bring a picnic and eat in the shaded woods. The grounds and lawn are meticulously manicured. This place is only about 1 mile from downtown Tulsa, but it feels so serene! I look forward to my next visit; eventually I am going to get inside the museum too! read more

What a great collection of American Art exhibited in a way that helps to explicate American History. I'm so glad I took the time to see this museum - please go and witness these under appreciated works of American history lost in today's world of epic exhibits and "modern" art. Unfortunately, the museum is super dark- I'm not sure why one needs to wear night vision goggles in this museum.... but maybe it's a trend. Also beware the staff.... unfriendly, rude, and gossipy. Yea gossipy. I mean why does the Philbrook have welcoming friendly staff and the Gilcrease has snippy bitter staff? Seems like if one works with the public in a public museum, one might enjoy it? Anyway, I digress: GO see the art, bring a flashlight, and be kind to the staff- they've had a hard day. read more

Nice museum that explores different aspects of Native American history as well as Mr. Gilcrease and his contributions and legacy to Tulsa. Lots of items donated from pottery, clothing to peace pipes. 2 levels with a few spots to watch a cinema as well as a restaurant located in the museum! read more

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The museum started out as the private collection of Thomas Gilcrease. He partnered with the City of Tulsa in 1954 and the collection, museum buildings, and thirteen acres went to the possession of Tulsa. In 2008, The City of Tulsa partnered with the University of Tulsa. They have a nice collection of American Western Art as well as 10,000 paintings, drawings, prints, sculpture, and artifacts. They are in the process of building a center for American research. The will have 100,000 rare books, documents, maps, and unpublished works. There is a restaurant, gardens, park and gift shop. There are volunteer and membership opportunities available. They sponsor events, workshops and camps for students. It is available for events. Some of the well known artists with paintings and sculpture I like are Albert Bierstadt, John James Audubon, Frederic Remington, Charles M. Russell, and Thomas Moran. It's not the MMA in NYC, but, we aren't NYC either. :-) read more

Even though my friend cautioned me against the surrounding area of the museum, the museum itself is really nice, well decorated and it's interesting how contemporary the building feels in juxtoposition to the historical American art. I went to Gilcrease for a wedding, and I would DEFINITELY recommend it to any gal who would like a nice, low key (and very pretty) setting for a reception/ceremony. The Vista room overlooks the sweeping landscape of Tulsa where you can just see green trees, and the staff raised the shades as the sun slowly set, cascading colors of pinks and oranges against the trees. I sound like an ad. Anyway, I can see how it would also be a good place to meander a bit. Take note that they are now going to charge admission instead of just being donations. And the recent art is Ranch 101, which is a trip. Makes me want to bust out a cowboy hat. read more

World-Class This is one of the great western art museums. They have some of the best Remington bronzes and Russell paintings. A MUST SEE in Tulsa. read more

Although I might not have come to the museum of my own accord, I'm glad that I went anyway. There was a lot of artwork that surprised me. The whole place pretty much surprised me. In the basement is this great catalogue of artwork (jewelery, clothes, you name it) all cataloged in giant silver drawers. For kids, they have this scavenger hunt they can go on, looking things up on the computer to find out where they are in the drawers. The museum has a lot to offer, and really excellent staff. I can imagine how different the museum would have been if I had not had a tour guide. They are all volunteers, and seem to know a great deal about different exhibits. Ask for Theresa, if you have to have a name. read more

Gilcrease Museum - Museums Near Me - Tulsa, Oklahoma

The Gilcrease is kind of a sad museum. The last few exhibits I have gone to have been poorly catalogued (with misspellings or misinformation), and they have a very narrow range of what the museum actually possesses on display. My main problem with the museum however, is its lack of truly Native American art. Most of it is "cowboys and Indians" stuff by white artists, and it's frankly a little dated and boring. A professor at TU told me they have a wide collection of Native American art in their holdings, but have not actually done anything to put in motion getting it put up on their walls. Also, if they are charging now, I would seriously consider taking your money somewhere else until they update. read more

What a great way to spend a day! We were greeted by wonderful and knowledgeable staff. The gentlemen gave us superb instructions on how to navigate within the museum. Such a beautiful legacy that has been provided to the public to enjoy as well. Make sure you plan on a couple hours to enjoy both inside and outside. read more

Gilcrease has a great collection of American art. Bring out-of-towners here and watch them try to hide their surprise at encountering a quality museum in Oklahoma. The drive there is rather scenic, too, and be sure to check out the view from the observation deck. read more

Not as good as Philbrook. I remember a lot of Indian clothing. Also, under a big rug is a light up dance floor that I got to see when I was on a field trip in Elementary school. They have it covered by a rug so it doesn't get scratched. read more

It's amazing to find this art museum in suburban Tulsa. Didn't expect to find such a good amount of masterpieces of arts there. It is currently run by TU and is well preserved. read more

Must go see the Frida Kahlo portraits before September 11. Shows an evocative view of this complicated artist's life. The Nickolas Muray photographs are amazing. read more

Beautiful collections of Western & Native American art. There is a special exhibit on the history & manufacturing of chocolate this month which was interesting. Be warned, this exhibit area even smells like chocolate. There is a children's area as well. The grounds & gardens outside the museum are also quite lovely. read more

Gilcrease Museum - Museums Near Me - Tulsa, Oklahoma

Great museum highlighting the local philanthropist who started it and helped build a lot of the beauty of downtown Tulsa, gorgeous native American artifact with a beautiful beaded section, T. J. Cannon exhibit, a hands on kids area, and an old document archive downstairs. The staff were friendly and helpful and the gift shop was lovely as well. There is a cafe on site that we didn't try but thought that was a nice touch. Wish I would've had more time to explore the grounds. Very reasonable entrance fee of $8. read more

Gilcrease Museum - Museums Near Me - Tulsa, Oklahoma

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Absolutely top notch Art very nice displays very well laid out very comfortable. The gift shop was awesome and Lizzie in the gift shop was a wealth of information and very friendly. She should work for the Chamber of Commerce. Made the visit very fun. read more

I could have stayed at the Gilcrease all day. After visiting, I tried to explain this museum to a family member but had trouble categorizing it. I would argue that it's not an art museum, but a museum of cultural development. The American Art section - which was sprawling - really was the best example of this. Sure, there are lots of rooms dedicated local color kind of art (paintings of buffalo, sculptures of Native Americans - mostly by white people, of course) but that wasn't as interesting to me. I was impressed to see portraits by Sully, Peale, and Copley - not to mention signed letters from Benjamin Franklin - in Oklahoma, a state which did not exist at the time these people were active. As a literary nerd, I was also happy to see a first edition of "Uncle Tom's Cabin" (1852) on display. The book itself isn't exactly art (not to start a debate) but it goes to show it's not a traditional art museum. While I'm on that topic, the section dedicated to the Civil War and conflicts surrounding it was very well done. Frankly, I would tell visitors to Tulsa that if they only have time to visit one touristy location, this is the one. read more

IF you ever find yourself in Tulsa- dont miss out on an opportunity to visit this little gem of a museum...The art here seems to chronicle how the west was won- its diverse American Indian art depicts life and brings stories behind each character in the portraits...Not to be missed are the Remington sculptures (the other best collection found at the Smithsonian of American History)- this is pure American art at its finest...the journeys of T. Moran's landscapes elucidates America in all its pristine glory...Truly a magnificent experience! read more

My recent visit to the Gilcrease was an excellent experience. Like a few other reviewers, I was slightly concerned it would be all Western and cowboy-themed but it wasn't like that at all! My absolute favorite part of the museum was the Kravis Discovery Center in the "basement"...would have been very easy to miss, but it was so awesome. They have a lot of amazing artifacts down there and DO NOT be shy about pulling out all of the drawers...there's some of the coolest stuff inside. You'll be amazed. The museum is very easily accessible and the admission fee was reasonable. read more

Another spectacular museum tucked away in Tulsa! As noted in another review, their Hudson River School collection is AMAZING. Totally worth the visit alone to see some of the most staggeringly beautiful paintings created in America during the 19th Century. They have a small theatre where they put on classes and talks, and the layout is fun to explore in. My husband and I spent a day here recently just wandering around and enjoying a lunch in the restaurant overlooking Gilcrease Hills. Like the Philbrook, the Gilcrease has some amazing grounds worth checking out - bring your walking shoes and some water and enjoy a day of exploration in a beautiful part of Tulsa. read more

While it's not as spectacular as the Philbrook (lets face it, not many places are...), this museum definitely is worth visiting! It's filled with nice Western art. Maybe not my favorite type of art, but regardless it's pretty neat. I've been here multiple times in the past with family & friends, but haven't been too recently. Maybe one day I'll make it back there! read more