Oklahoma City Museum of Art | Oklahoma City

The Oklahoma City Museum of Art (OKCMOA) is one of the city’s premier cultural institutions, known for its wide-ranging permanent collection, visiting exhibitions, and a focus on both traditional and contemporary art. It has earned particular recognition for housing one of the most comprehensive collections of glass art by Dale Chihuly, making it a highlight not only in Oklahoma but nationally.

Origins and Development

The museum traces its roots to the early 20th century with the formation of the Oklahoma Art League and subsequent organizations that fostered a local art presence. In 2002, the current museum opened in downtown Oklahoma City, consolidating these earlier efforts into a modern institution. Its mission is to enrich lives through the visual arts by collecting, preserving, and presenting art from across the globe.

Architecture and Layout

The museum occupies a sleek, modern facility in the Arts District of downtown. Its design emphasizes open galleries, natural light, and striking displays. A three-story atrium greets visitors with one of its most iconic works: the 55-foot-tall Chihuly Tower, a dramatic installation of swirling, colorful glass pieces that anchors the museum visually and thematically.

Permanent Collection

The museum’s holdings are diverse, spanning several centuries and styles:

Dale Chihuly Glass Collection: The most celebrated part of the museum, featuring large-scale glass installations, chandeliers, and vibrant blown-glass works. The collection is considered one of the most significant assemblages of Chihuly’s art in the world.

European and American Art: Paintings and sculptures from the 19th and 20th centuries, including works by artists such as Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Thomas Moran.

Contemporary Art: Rotating displays of modern painting, sculpture, photography, and mixed media works from around the world.

Film and Photography: The museum also maintains collections of modern photography and highlights film as an art form, a distinction not always emphasized in other museums.

Special Exhibitions

OKCMOA frequently hosts touring exhibitions that range from Old Masters and Impressionists to cutting-edge contemporary artists. These changing exhibits ensure the museum remains dynamic and engaging for repeat visitors.

Additional Highlights

Noble Theater: A unique feature, the theater screens independent, foreign, and classic films, making the museum a cultural center not only for visual art but for cinema.

Roof Terrace: Offers views of downtown and hosts seasonal events, including evening gatherings and art programs.

Museum Store and Café: The shop features art-inspired gifts, books, and jewelry, while the café provides a refined dining option.

Programs and Community Role

The museum supports education through art classes, lectures, workshops, and family programming. It partners with schools and local organizations to extend art access beyond its walls. Events such as gallery talks, artist discussions, and film festivals engage the public and strengthen Oklahoma City’s cultural life.

Visitor Experience

The Chihuly collection is a must-see and is often the most memorable aspect for first-time visitors.

The museum is well-suited for both casual exploration and in-depth study, with a balance of permanent displays and temporary exhibitions.

The combination of art galleries and the Noble Theater makes it distinctive compared to traditional art museums.

The Oklahoma City Museum of Art blends world-class collections, particularly in glass art, with a broader mission of celebrating visual and cinematic culture, securing its role as one of the city’s cultural anchors.