Skywatch Friday – Touring the New Gilcrease Museum

As described previously I got a chance to tour the new Gilcrease Museum last month. The building’s exterior is finished and most of the interior.

One thing I love about the building is that it has views of the outside. This is from the terrace looking north to the Osage Hills.

This is looking through another window east. You can see downtown Tulsa just to the right.

From the terrace looking southwest into the sun.

Tulsa's Gilcrease Museum

This area is going to be a cafe with outside seating on the terrace. I didn’t take any photos of the new galleries. No windows and plain gray walls. Not much to see there, yet.

On the terrace looking at the exterior walls. I was struck by the wavy design and asked the guide what that was about. She said she was told but did not understand it. She said it was “architectspeak.” Maybe so. I think it does add interest to the building.

They are still building this grand staircase which is going to be in the center of the building and go to all the floors.

I can’t wait to see it when it is done.

How much does all this cost? About $140 Million. Check out the private money donated. Tulsa has a lot of very generous families who are not afraid of donating money to the right cause. There is a lot of work to be done. They are designing the interior fixtures. The contractor will turn the building over in May 2025. The concrete and other materials used in construction needs to “off gas.” The vapors could be harmful to the collection, so the museum is not scheduled to open until November 2026. I can’t wait. Check out Gilcrease.org for more details. Check out their online collection. It’s fabulous.

I am linking with Skywatch Friday and My Corner of the World.

19 thoughts on “Skywatch Friday – Touring the New Gilcrease Museum

  1. Lisa

    That is a nice view. I noticed that wavy siding in the first photo. I think the guide better get used to the question and learn some simple explanation!

    Reply
  2. Eileen

    It is a cool looking museum, I like wall of windows and the staircase looks like it will look awesome.
    Pretty views and photos. Take care, have a great day!

    Reply
  3. Alana

    I love that architecture and that staircase. This is going to be a stunning building when it opens. I also enjoyed your outside pictures. You got some good views of the brown time of the year.

    Reply
  4. Linda

    Outgassing… well, we can’t have the collection getting sick. Isn’t it interesting that other places don’t wait for outgassing to protect human health? I remember years ago when the EPA installed new carpet and a lot of employees got sick. I met someone who was permanently disabled in that incident.

    Reply
  5. Ellen

    Lucky you getting to see it still in progress. That staircase is amazing! We’ll come for a visit when it’s finished.

    Reply

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