Oklahoma City boasts a rich architectural heritage reflecting its diverse history and cultural influences.
From historic landmarks to modern marvels, the city’s buildings offer a visual feast for architecture enthusiasts.
Why should you explore the architectural gems of Oklahoma City? This article highlights ten of the city’s most impressive buildings, showcasing the variety and beauty of architectural styles found in this vibrant urban landscape.
1. Devon Tower
The Devon Tower, also known as the Devon Energy Center, stands at 844 feet tall in downtown Oklahoma City.
Completed in 2012, it is the tallest building in the city and state, designed by Pickard Chilton.
With 50 stories, the tower offers over one million square feet of office space, providing a modern workspace for Devon Energy Corporation. It has become a striking landmark in the city’s skyline.
Learn more about the history and design of Devon Tower.
2. First National Center
First National Center is one of Oklahoma City’s architectural treasures, reflecting the city’s rapid growth in the early 20th century.
Completed in 1931, the building was designed by Solomon Andrew Layton, a prominent architect known for other iconic buildings like the Oklahoma State Capitol and the Skirvin Hotel.
The structure features Art Deco design and bears a resemblance to the Empire State Building. This link provides more information on its architecture: First National Center.
3. Oklahoma State Capitol
The Oklahoma State Capitol is a key landmark in Oklahoma City. It serves as the hub for the state’s government activities.
Situated at 2300 N. Lincoln Blvd, the building houses the Oklahoma Legislature and executive branch offices.
The structure has 452,508 square feet of floor area and features a dome that was added in 2002.
The building’s exterior is primarily Indiana limestone. Construction began in 1914, with the groundbreaking ceremony led by Governor Lee Cruce. The architectural plans were designed by Soloman Andrew Layton and S. Wemyss-Smith.
4. Skirvin Hilton Hotel
Skirvin Hilton Hotel is a landmark in downtown Oklahoma City.
Built in 1911, it exudes Art Deco charm with its three 13-floor towers.
The hotel has undergone more than $50 million in renovations, preserving its historic allure. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Guests appreciate its luxurious amenities and proximity to Bricktown and the Oklahoma City National Memorial. The hotel also features an indoor pool, a fitness center, and event spaces.
5. Civic Center Music Hall
The Civic Center Music Hall, built in 1937, is a landmark in Oklahoma City.
Located in the heart of the city, this Art Deco building originally served as the Municipal Auditorium. Renamed in 1966, it’s now a major hub for performing arts.
Significant renovations are planned, with $9.4 million allocated for updates. This includes improvements to the Freede Little Theatre and the main lobby.
For more information, visit the Civic Center Music Hall website.
6. Gold Dome
The Gold Dome is an iconic structure in Oklahoma City, located at the intersection of NW 23rd Street and North Classen Boulevard.
Designed by Robert Roloff of Bailey, Bozalis, Dickinson & Roloff, it opened on May 27, 1948.
This geodesic dome has become a landmark on Route 66. It was built in 1958 and is noted for its unique architecture. The Gold Dome was one of the first geodesic domes built for commercial use, making it a significant piece of architectural history. For more details, visit the Gold Dome page.
7. 21c Museum Hotel
21c Museum Hotel in Oklahoma City is a unique blend of art and history.
Located in a former Ford Model T assembly plant, this hotel combines contemporary design with historic elements.
The building, designed by architect Albert Kahn, opened in 2016 as a hotel and art museum. It features 14,000 square feet of gallery space showcasing modern art.
21c Museum Hotel offers 135 luxurious guestrooms, event spaces, and a restaurant. It is a remarkable example of adaptive reuse, transforming an industrial site into a cultural destination. Learn more about its history here.
8. Mid-America Christian University
Mid-America Christian University is located in Oklahoma City.
This private, faith-based institution blends traditional and modern architecture on its campus.
Founded in 1953, the university started in Houston before moving to Oklahoma. It now offers over 60 courses of study.
MACU is known for balancing academic programs with vibrant campus life. The campus architecture reflects its commitment to both education and community.
More details about the university can be found on the Mid-America Christian University website.
9. Price Tower
Price Tower, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, stands in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, not far from Oklahoma City.
Completed in 1956, it’s Wright’s only realized skyscraper design.
The 19-story, 221-foot tall building was originally planned as a New York City apartment complex but then adapted for Bartlesville. Price Tower Arts Center inside features modern art and design exhibits.
This iconic structure showcases Wright’s innovative vertical design that mimics a tree, supported by a central trunk of elevator shafts. It’s a significant example of mid-20th-century modern architecture in Oklahoma. Learn more about its unique features here.
10. American Indian Cultural Center
The American Indian Cultural Center, known as the First Americans Museum, is located in Oklahoma City.
It spans 175,000 square feet and features two arched structures around a central courtyard.
This museum honors the 39 tribes of Oklahoma and serves as a cultural and educational hub. Designed by Johnson Fain, it showcases indigenous art and history. The project emphasizes resilience and cultural preservation through its unique architectural design.
Historical Significance
Oklahoma City’s architectural landscape has evolved significantly over the years, shaped by renowned architects and shifting cultural influences. Key historical buildings highlight the city’s architectural journey and showcase the work of influential designers.
Evolution of Architecture in Oklahoma City
Early architecture in Oklahoma City reflected practical needs, with simple structures predominating.
As the city grew, architectural styles became more diverse and complex.
The Skirvin Hilton Hotel, dating back to 1911, is a prime example of early 20th-century elegance. Its grandeur and detailed craftsmanship symbolized the city’s prosperity.
Post-World War II, modernist influences emerged, leading to sleek designs and innovative materials.
Iconic buildings like the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum reflect this shift. The museum’s architecture commemorates the 1995 bombing while incorporating contemporary design elements, representing resilience and modernity.
Influential Architects
Several architects have left a lasting mark on Oklahoma City’s skyline.
Solomon Layton, a notable figure, designed many prominent structures like the Oklahoma State Capitol. His work is characterized by classical features and grand scale.
Another influential architect, Bruce Goff, brought a unique vision with his organic designs.
Goff’s unconventional approach can be seen in residential and public buildings, blending natural forms with innovative techniques.
More recently, Rand Elliott has contributed to the city’s modern architectural narrative.
Elliott’s designs are known for their minimalist yet impactful style, utilizing light and space creatively.
Architectural Styles
Oklahoma City has a range of architectural styles that reflect its history and cultural diversity. These styles include Art Deco, Modernism, and various contemporary trends.
Art Deco
Art Deco is a notable style in Oklahoma City, characterized by geometric shapes, bold lines, and lavish ornamentation.
Many of the city’s buildings from the early 20th century showcase this style, making them easily recognizable.
One key example is the First National Center, completed in 1931.
This building features zigzag patterns, stylized floral designs, and a striking vertical emphasis. The use of materials like terracotta and aluminum adds to its distinct appearance.
Another important Art Deco landmark is the Oklahoma County Courthouse, with its sleek facade and intricate detailing. Visitors can observe the lavish interiors, which include murals and decorative lighting fixtures typical of the Art Deco era.
Modernism
Modernism in Oklahoma City is marked by simplicity, function, and a break from traditional forms.
This style emphasizes clean lines, open spaces, and the use of new materials.
The Civic Center Music Hall is a prime example.
Built in 1937 and later renovated, this building displays the principles of modernism with its minimalist design and practical layout. Its unadorned surfaces and large glass windows promote a sense of openness and light.
Another significant modernist structure is the Myriad Botanical Gardens Crystal Bridge.
Completed in 1988, this conservatory’s sleek, cylindrical design contrasts with the lush plant life inside. The choice of transparent materials and functional design elements reflects the core values of modernism.
Contemporary Trends
Contemporary architectural trends in Oklahoma City incorporate a mix of styles, focusing on sustainability and innovation.
Architects today strive to create buildings that are not just aesthetically pleasing but also environmentally responsible.
The Devon Tower, the tallest building in the city, is a good example of this.
Opened in 2012, it features a sleek design, energy-efficient systems, and extensive use of glass to maximize natural light and reduce energy consumption.
Another notable contemporary project is the Skydance Bridge, a pedestrian bridge inspired by the state bird, the scissor-tailed flycatcher.
Its modern, sculptural design demonstrates how contemporary architecture can blend form and function while creating visually striking landmarks.