Hello and welcome to a world of artistic exploration at the OKC Art Museum, one of the most prominent cultural centers in Oklahoma City. Surrounded by the city’s stunning landscapes and diverse community, the OKC Art Museum has become a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike. Exhibiting an extensive collection of over 15,000 works of art and featuring rotating exhibitions, this museum showcases both national and world-famous artists. Whether you are an avid collector, a curious art enthusiast, or simply someone seeking a unique experience in Oklahoma City, the OKC Art Museum promises to deliver.
Overview of the OKC Art Museum
The Oklahoma City Museum of Art is a must-visit destination for art lovers, located in the heart of downtown Oklahoma City. This fascinating museum features an impressive collection of paintings, sculptures, and other works of art, spanning from ancient times to contemporary masterpieces. Visitors can explore the museum’s many galleries, attend special events and exhibitions, and learn about different artists and art movements from around the world.
Location and Hours of Operation
The Oklahoma City Museum of Art is conveniently located in the downtown area, just a short walk from many popular attractions and hotels. The museum’s address is 415 Couch Drive, Oklahoma City, OK 73102. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, from 10 am to 5 pm. Special accommodations are available for certain groups, such as school tours and seniors.
Admission and Special Discounts
Admission to the Oklahoma City Museum of Art is very affordable and varies based on age and membership status. Adults can expect to pay around $12 per ticket, while students, seniors, and military personnel are eligible for special discounts. Children under age 5 can visit the museum for free. The museum also offers group rates and annual memberships, which provide unlimited access to the museum for a full year.
Permanent and Rotating Exhibits
The Oklahoma City Museum of Art has an outstanding collection of both permanent and rotating exhibits, featuring works from artists all over the globe. The museum’s permanent collection includes pieces from American and European artists, as well as artwork from African, Asian, and Native American cultures. The museum’s rotating exhibits change frequently, showcasing a variety of art styles and movements, from contemporary art to classical masterpieces.
One notable exhibit at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art is the world’s largest collection of glassworks by the famous artist Dale Chihuly. Visitors can experience the intricate, colorful glass sculptures firsthand, as well as explore the many other exhibits throughout the museum. The museum also offers guided tours, educational programs, and workshops designed to help visitors learn more about different artists and art styles.
Overall, the Oklahoma City Museum of Art is an excellent destination for art enthusiasts of all ages. With its extensive collection, rotating exhibits, and special events, there is always something new to discover at this fascinating museum.
History of the OKC Art Museum
Founding and Early Years
The Oklahoma City Museum of Art was founded in 1945 by a group of art enthusiasts who realized the need for a cultural institution in the city. The museum began as a small collection displayed in a local library, but it quickly gained popularity and outgrew its space.
In order to accommodate the growing collection, the museum moved into the Civic Center Music Hall in 1968. The new location provided more room for exhibitions, but it was not ideal for the museum’s needs. Visitors had to walk through the music hall to access the art galleries, and there was limited space for educational programming and events.
Museum Expansion and Renovation
To address these challenges, the museum underwent a major renovation and expansion in 2002. The project added an additional 28,000 square feet to the facility, allowing for more exhibition space, classrooms, and event venues. The renovation also included updates to the building’s HVAC, lighting, and security systems to better protect and preserve the artworks on display.
The expansion project was a huge success and helped to establish the OKC Art Museum as a premier cultural institution in the region. In the years since, the museum has continued to grow and thrive, expanding its collection, offering engaging programming, and attracting visitors from all over the world.
Current Status and Future Plans
Today, the OKC Art Museum is a hub of cultural activity in the city, offering a wide range of exhibitions and programs for visitors of all ages. The museum’s permanent collection includes a diverse range of artworks from all over the world, including pieces by artists such as Vincent van Gogh, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Dale Chihuly.
In addition to its permanent collection, the museum also hosts rotating exhibitions throughout the year, showcasing the works of both established and emerging artists. The museum’s programming extends beyond the galleries, with events such as film screenings, lectures, and workshops engaging visitors with a variety of cultural experiences.
Looking to the future, the OKC Art Museum has plans to continue expanding its collection, with a particular emphasis on works by women and artists of color. The museum also plans to further develop its educational programming, with the goal of introducing more young people to the world of art and encouraging a lifelong appreciation for the arts. With its rich history and ambitious plans for the future, the OKC Art Museum is a cultural institution worth exploring for anyone interested in art, history, and culture.
Must-See Exhibits at the OKC Art Museum
If you’re in Oklahoma City, make sure to stop by the OKC Art Museum to immerse yourself in the world of art. The museum is home to a wide range of exhibits that showcase different forms of art from all around the world. There are three must-see exhibits that you shouldn’t miss during your visit.
Egyptian Mummies: From Myth to Medicine
The OKC Art Museum’s Egyptian Mummies exhibit is one of the most fascinating and interesting exhibits you’ll ever see. The exhibit explores the history and significance of mummification in ancient Egypt and how it evolved over time as a form of medical treatment. You’ll get to see actual mummies and learn about the elaborate process of mummification that took place thousands of years ago. The exhibit also covers the myths and legends surrounding mummies and their role in popular culture.
One of the most fascinating parts of the exhibit is the analysis that has been done on the mummies. Through scientific techniques, researchers have been able to learn more about the lives of the people who were mummified. This exhibit is a must-visit for anyone interested in ancient history and the art of mummification.
Chihuly: The George R. Stroemple Collection
Featuring the vibrant glass sculptures of world-renowned artist Dale Chihuly, this exhibit showcases the beauty and versatility of the medium. Chihuly’s sculptures are known for their intricate designs and striking colors, and visitors to the museum will be amazed by the stunning pieces on display.
The exhibit is a collaboration between the OKC Art Museum and the George R. Stroemple Collection, which is home to one of the largest collections of Chihuly’s work. In addition to the sculptures, the exhibit includes videos and other multimedia presentations that give visitors a deeper understanding of Chihuly’s creative process.
If you’re a fan of glass art or just appreciate beautiful and intricate designs, you won’t want to miss this exhibit.
French Impressionism from the MMA
This exhibit features works from the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s extensive collection of French Impressionist art, including pieces by Monet, Renoir, and Degas. Visitors to the OKC Art Museum will get to see some of the most famous paintings from the Impressionist movement, including Monet’s “Water Lilies” and Renoir’s “Dance at Bougival.”
One of the unique aspects of this exhibit is the way it explores the impact of Impressionism on American art. Many of the works on display were acquired by American collectors in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and helped to popularize the Impressionist style in the United States.
This exhibit is a great opportunity to see some of the most famous works of French Impressionism in person and to learn more about the history of this influential artistic movement.
Overall, the OKC Art Museum is a must-visit destination for art lovers. With its diverse range of exhibits and collections, there’s truly something for everyone at this fantastic museum.
Events and Programs at the OKC Art Museum
The Oklahoma City Museum of Art is a perfect place for those who love art, culture and history. The museum is located in the heart of Oklahoma City and has been the city’s treasure for over a century. The museum has a rich collection of artworks, from ancient artifacts to contemporary art pieces from around the world. The OKC Art Museum is a great place for learning, inspiration and fun.
Art After 5
If you are looking for a night out that combines art, music and entertainment, then Art After 5 is the place to be. Every Thursday evening, the Oklahoma City Museum of Art stays open until 9 pm and offers live music, food and drink specials, and free admission to certain exhibits. Art After 5 is a perfect way to spend a night; you can listen to beautiful music, indulge in delicious food, and enjoy stunning art pieces at the same time.
Film Screenings and Discussions
The museum regularly hosts screenings of art-related films and offers discussions with curators and other experts in the field. These events allow visitors to explore different art forms, techniques and inspirations behind various artworks. The films and discussions explore a range of topics from contemporary art to the classics and are a great way to learn about the cultures and histories behind different art forms. The museum also has an outdoor rooftop film series called the “Movies on the Roof” series, which is another unique experience for its visitors.
Education and Outreach
Education is an integral part of the Oklahoma City Museum of Art’s mission. The museum offers a variety of educational programs for visitors of all ages, including art classes, workshops, and summer camps. The educational programs are designed to promote creativity, critical thinking, and appreciation for art. The museum also has a “School Tour Program” designed for Kindergarten through 12th grade students. The Visitors of all ages can learn more about artists, techniques, art styles, and even create their art.
Furthermore, the museum has an outreach program to collaborate with various community organizations, schools, and groups that cannot visit the museum. The community programs ensure that every individual irrespective of their background can have access to art education and experience.
Final Thoughts
If you have never visited the Oklahoma City Museum of Art, you are missing out on a great experience. The museum has various programs and events to offer every day of the week. Whether you are an art enthusiast, history buff or just looking for a fun night out, the museum has something for everyone. Adding to this, the stunning architecture of the museum building and its location in the downtown area adds to the appeal of this must-visit destination.
Supporting the OKC Art Museum
The Oklahoma City Museum of Art has been a prominent cultural institution in Oklahoma since its establishment in 1945. The museum’s collections contain more than 15,000 pieces, including European and American paintings, a comprehensive collection of glass works by Dale Chihuly, and an extensive collection of photography. The museum also houses the Noble Theater, which features screenings of classic, foreign, and independent films. If you’re a lover of art and culture, there are several ways you can support the museum.
Become a Member
Becoming a member of the OKC Art Museum is a great way to support the museum while receiving numerous benefits. Museum members receive free admission to all exhibitions, invitations to exclusive members-only events, discounts at the Museum Store, and more. Membership fees also go toward supporting the museum’s ongoing operations and exhibitions. Becoming a museum member is a unique opportunity to take part in the museum’s intriguing programs and exhibitions while receiving numerous perks.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteering at the OKC Art Museum is an excellent way to support the museum while experiencing the art scene firsthand. Volunteers assist in a variety of roles, including staffing special events, acting as greeters or docents, and contributing to educational programs. The museum also needs volunteers who can help with office tasks, such as data entry, research, and more. There are opportunities for individuals and groups to volunteer, so grab your friends and volunteer together! Volunteering is also a gateway to gaining skills and work experience in the arts and culture industry.
Donations and Sponsorships
If joining as a member or volunteering are not viable options, you can still support the museum by making financial contributions. Any amount you choose to donate will support the museum’s exhibitions, educational programs, and operations. You can also sponsor specific exhibitions, programs, or events, which provides an opportunity for individuals and organizations to have their names associated with the museum. Donations and sponsorships help shape the future of the museum, allowing them to share their collections and educational programming with a diverse and growing audience.
In conclusion, the Oklahoma City Museum of Art offers fantastic opportunities for anyone who wants to support the art scene in Oklahoma. Joining as a member, volunteering, or making financial contributions all provide unique ways to contribute to the museum’s ongoing success. Supporting the OKC Art Museum supports the cultural growth of Oklahoma and allows the museum to continue to provide unique and enriching art experiences.