Have you heard about the Gilcrease???
The New Gilcrease Museum: Tulsa’s 2026 Cultural Landmark
After years of meticulous planning and construction, the Gilcrease Museum is preparing to open its doors in Fall 2026. This isn't just a renovation; it's a 91,000-square-foot architectural marvel designed by SmithGroup to better showcase a collection valued at over $2 billion.
Architectural Highlights & The Visitor Experience
The new building is a love letter to the Oklahoma landscape and Osage cultural traditions.
- Connection to Nature: The design uses earth tones on lower levels and sky tones on the upper levels to "blur the line between architecture and the sky."
- The Earth Stair & Atrium: A massive three-story atrium orients visitors, leading to the "Earth Stair," which frames breathtaking, panoramic views of the Osage Hills.
- Outdoor Integration: The 460-acre campus will feature a new outdoor amphitheater and an integrated network of trails connecting the museum to its 23 acres of themed gardens.
What’s Happening in 2026: Exhibits & Programs
While the art is being carefully reinstalled, the museum is staying active with community-focused programming:
- Indigenous Collections Care Series: Throughout 2026, Gilcrease is hosting a speaker series (with sessions in March and May 2026) focused on culturally appropriate stewardship of Native American artifacts.
- Innovative Galleries: For the first time, the museum will utilize open storage displays and pull-out protected drawers, allowing the public to see much more than the 2% of the collection previously visible.
- Traveling Masterpieces: The new facility will be the only one in Oklahoma capable of hosting the world's largest traveling exhibitions, significantly boosting Tulsa’s status as an arts destination.
A Legacy Reimagined
Founded by Thomas Gilcrease (a citizen of the Muscogee Nation). This Tulsa oilman, (1890-1962), amassed the nation’s most comprehensive collection of art of the American West. From the works of Frederic Remington and Thomas Moran to 12,000 years of Indigenous history, the reopening in 2026 ensures these stories are told through a 21st-century lens. Pro-Tip for Visitors: While the main galleries are being prepped, the Gilcrease Gardens often remain free and open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. It's the perfect spot for a preview of the new skyline view.
If you love museums and culture, add this stop to your bucket list. It is a show stopper!
Below is a video (pre-remodel) showcasing some of the art you will see:
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Cheers!
Lisa
