Progress in Tulsa

Construction continues at the Gilcrease Museum in Oklahoma as the museum looks to the future.

Foundations have been poured and vertical construction has commenced at the Gilcrease Museum in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The famous art museum, founded in 1949, closed in July 2021 so the old museum could be torn down and a stunning new $139 million museum could be built in its place. The construction is expected to take two years to complete.

A rendering of the completed Gilcrease Museum.

As work continues, the museum is planning ahead in anticipation of reopening to the art world. One aspect that is at the forefront of the project is funding. MA rendering of the completed Gilcrease Museum.ore than $80 million of the project has come from the public sector and $39 million from private donors, which leaves a gap of more than $20 million to complete the museum, which is owned and managed by the City of Tulsa. Two causes of the financial gap include inflation within the economy and supply chain issues in the construction industry. The museum is currently seeking donations to help fund the rest of the construction.

Construction continues at the Gilcrease Museum in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

“We’re grateful to all donors who’ve helped thus far and are excited to be able to see the finish line after a very challenging 18 months,” says Susan Neal, Gilcrease executive director. “Because we know Gilcrease is loved by many across the country, it makes sense to let those supporters know there is an opportunity for them to be a part of this story to complete a new home for this national treasure.”

Pop Chalee (1908-1993), Forest Scene, ca. 1950, tempera on paper, 19 x 25”. Gilcrease Museum, Tulsa, OK, 02.527.

Those interested in supporting the Gilcrease Museum can call the development office at (918) 596-2756.

The museum has also launched a public art campaign to keep the facility and its collection in the minds of patrons. The project, titled Gilcrease in Your Neighborhood, features three artworks in 31 locations in the greater Tulsa area—each artwork will be on display for three months. The three artworks are by Brummett Echohawk (Pawnee), Pop Chalee (Taos Pueblo) and Norma Howard (Choctaw and Chickasaw). For more information about the museum, visit www.gilcrease.org. —