Gathering Insight: A Candid Chat About The Future of Gilcrease
Transforming Gilcrease Museum
Voters approved the Vision Tulsa package in April 2016 that included a transformational $65 million capital expansion project for Gilcrease Museum. Since then, an additional $10 million gift was made by the A.R. and Marylouise Tandy Foundation elevating the total investment to $75 million. This historic project will result in a major renovation and expansion of the museum – without raising taxes. Gilcrease Museum’s managing partner, The University of Tulsa, is committed to raising an additional $50 million in private funds for an endowment to ensure the long-term sustainability of museum operations.
An expanded Gilcrease will make it a premier destination that will:
- Contribute to the local economy via sales tax, job creation and other investments
- Attract an additional 500,000 visitors to Tulsa each year
- Showcase more of the museum’s legendary collection
- Host exciting, larger traveling exhibits
- Feature a new, interactive children’s discovery center
Tulsans and Tulsa institutions have shown their support for Gilcrease Museum since it first opened in 1949, and the latest Vision Tulsa vote in April 2016 was no exception. Tulsans overwhelmingly voted to support all Vision Tulsa propositions.
Plans for Improvement
Planned improvements at Gilcrease Museum are:
- New building facade
- One 5,000-square-foot changing gallery for traveling exhibitions
- Three changing galleries designed primarily for Gilcrease Collection
- Three core thematic galleries
- Grand entry and great hall
- Open storage space to display more of the collection
- Dedicated education space
- New lobby and retail store
- Cafe
A transformed Gilcrease Museum will help us reach more of a local audience, but will attract visitors from outside our region, spurring economic development and creating a ripple effect for other cultural attractions, such as the Tulsa Zoo, Tulsa Botanic Gardens and Route 66.
Resources
View the Interpretive Plan
View the Request for Qualifications
View Interpretive Plan Overview and Project Timeline
Recent News Coverage of Gilcrease Museum and Vision Tulsa
- Susan Neal: Planned renovation will open up Gilcrease
Tulsa World - News and Notes Regarding the Forthcoming Expansion of Gilcrease Museum
Public Radio Tulsa - Gilcrease Museum Looking for Architects to Tackle $75M Renovation and Expansion
Public Radio Tulsa - Gilcrease Museum In Tulsa To Get $75M Transformation
News on 6 - Redesigned Gilcrease Museum will take different approach to telling stories
Tulsa World - University of Tulsa hires nationally-renowned firm to help redesign Gilcrease Museum
Tulsa World - Tulsa could see added rewards with improved Gilcrease Museum
News on 6 - Gilcrease Museum has big plans for Vision funds
Tulsa World - New Vision proposal would benefit a Tulsa asset
News on 6 - City officials betting $65 million Gilcrease Museum can match Crystal Bridges’ spectacular success
The Frontier - Editorial: Gilcrease expansion a vital part of Vision package
Tulsa World
Keep in Touch
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