Oklahoma boasts a rich architectural heritage that reflects a variety of styles and periods.
From historic landmarks to modern marvels, the state offers a visual feast for architecture enthusiasts and casual observers alike.
The diverse buildings scattered across Oklahoma provide both educational insights and aesthetic pleasures.
What are the standout architectural gems in Oklahoma?
This article will guide you through some of the most remarkable structures that showcase the state’s eclectic architectural landscape.
Whether you are a resident or a visitor, these buildings are sure to impress with their design, history, and cultural significance.
1. Price Tower
Price Tower, located in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, is the only realized high-rise by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright.
Completed in 1956, this 19-story tower stands at 67.36 meters tall and is known for its innovative design.
The building features cast concrete walls, pigmented concrete floors, and aluminum-trimmed windows and doors.
Today, Price Tower houses a museum, hotel, and bar, offering diverse cultural experiences.
Discover more about the Price Tower and its unique architectural significance.
2. BOK Center
The BOK Center, located in Tulsa, Oklahoma, is a premier multi-purpose arena.
Designed by César Pelli, the arena accommodates up to 19,199 people.
Opened in 2008, the BOK Center cost $196 million to build.
It hosts a variety of events, including concerts, basketball games, and ice shows.
This venue reflects Oklahoma’s cultural heritage with its contemporary design elements, including Native American deco-style details.
The BOK Center’s architecture and capacity make it a central hub for entertainment in Tulsa.
3. Oklahoma State Capitol
The Oklahoma State Capitol is located in Oklahoma City along Lincoln Boulevard.
The building houses the Oklahoma Legislature and executive branch offices.
Construction began on July 20, 1914, with architects Solomon Layton and S. Wemyss-Smith designing it.
Made primarily of Indiana limestone, the exterior showcases classic Greco-Roman style architecture.
The structure includes a dome, completed in 2002, a feature initially planned but not built during the original construction.
The capitol spans 452,508 square feet and is situated prominently at the intersection of Northeast 23rd Street and North Lincoln Boulevard.
4. Skirvin Hilton Hotel
The Skirvin Hilton Hotel is an iconic landmark in downtown Oklahoma City.
Built in 1911, this historic building features 225 rooms spread across three towers.
Its architecture follows an Art Deco style, making it visually striking.
The hotel underwent significant renovations and reopened in 2007, preserving its charm while adding modern amenities.
The Skirvin Hilton Hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
It’s also a member of Historic Hotels of America, which highlights its historical and cultural importance.
5. Boston Avenue Methodist Church
Boston Avenue Methodist Church in Tulsa is a prime example of Art Deco architecture.
Completed in 1929, it is considered one of the finest ecclesiastical structures in this style in the United States.
The church is also a National Historic Landmark and is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
Located at 1301 South Boston Avenue in Tulsa, its unique design includes a stunning tower that can be seen from afar.
The building was constructed between 1924 and 1929, making it a historically significant piece of architecture.
For more information, visit Atlas Obscura.
6. Crystal Bridge Conservatory
The Crystal Bridge Conservatory, located at the Myriad Botanical Gardens, is a notable piece of architecture in Oklahoma City.
It spans 224 feet in length and 70 feet in diameter, featuring 3,028 sections of translucent, double-layered acrylic panels.
This conservatory houses a plant display area of 13,000 square feet, divided into two distinct climates.
Its design has earned significant attention and praise within the architectural community.
After an extensive renovation, it reopened to the public in November 2022, offering improved paths, educational exhibits, and enhanced visitor experiences.
7. Oklahoma City National Memorial
The Oklahoma City National Memorial honors the victims, rescuers, and survivors of the April 19, 1995 bombing.
Designed by Hans and Torrey Butzer, the Outdoor Symbolic Memorial stands on the site of the former Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, now featuring the Field of Empty Chairs, Reflecting Pool, and Rescuers’ Orchard.
Dedicated on April 19, 2000, it serves as a place of reflection and learning for visitors from around the world.
Learn more at the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum website.
8. St. Joseph Old Cathedral
St. Joseph Old Cathedral, located in downtown Oklahoma City, is a notable architectural gem.
The construction of this cathedral began on October 19, 1901, and it was dedicated by Bishop Theophile Meerschaert on December 18, 1904.
The cathedral features materials such as lumber and pews from the original St. Joseph. It was the seat of the Diocese of Oklahoma City-Tulsa from 1905 to 1931.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978, it suffered damage in the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing but was restored later.
More details can be found here.
9. Cox Convention Center
The Cox Convention Center, originally opened as the Myriad, is a notable architectural structure in Oklahoma City.
It features a mix of meeting rooms and exhibit halls around a 13,500-seat arena.
In 1998, the Cox Convention Center added modern meeting spaces and ballrooms, enhancing its ability to host conventions and compete with other cities for large events.
The new meeting spaces significantly improved the facility’s utility and attractiveness.
The updated areas created fresh opportunities for Oklahoma City to attract more significant events and conventions.
10. Holy Family Cathedral
Holy Family Cathedral, located at 810 South Boulder Avenue in Tulsa, Oklahoma, stands as a remarkable example of Gothic Revival architecture.
The cathedral features a tall central spire, which is unusual for traditional Gothic designs that typically have two spires.
Designed by J.P. Curtin, the cathedral’s construction began in 1912 and was completed in 1927.
The structure is notable for its stately columns, soaring vaults, and detailed stencils.
The building is 251 feet tall and measures 200 feet along the nave and apse.
The cathedral serves as the mother church of the Diocese of Tulsa.
Learn more about it here.
11. Oklahoma History Center
The Oklahoma History Center is a must-visit for anyone interested in the state’s rich history.
Located in Oklahoma City, this 215,000-square-foot museum explores Native culture, pioneers, aviation, and commerce.
As a Smithsonian Affiliate and accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, it offers a reputable and educational experience.
The facility spans 18 acres, providing plenty of exhibits to explore.
Visitors can learn about diverse aspects of Oklahoma’s history in a well-organized and engaging manner.
For more information, visit the Oklahoma Historical Society.
12. Frank Lloyd Wright’s Westhope
Westhope, located in Tulsa, Oklahoma, is one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s largest residential projects.
Built in 1929, this architectural gem was designed for Wright’s cousin, Richard Lloyd Jones, who was a publisher for the Tulsa Tribune.
The house features 5,200 glass panes, allowing plenty of natural light.
It’s also one of only three Wright-designed buildings in Oklahoma.
Westhope was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972, highlighting its significance.
Visit Westhope to learn more about this masterpiece.
13. Devon Energy Center
The Devon Energy Center is a notable building in Oklahoma City.
Standing at 50 stories, it is the tallest building in Oklahoma City and the entire state.
This glass-and-steel skyscraper, designed by Pickard Chilton, is a centerpiece in the city’s skyline.
It was completed in 2012 and serves as the headquarters for Devon Energy Corporation.
The tower integrates civic-scaled spaces, creating a focal point both architecturally and socially for the city.
It symbolizes Oklahoma City’s development and modernization.
Learn more about it at the Architectural Record and Wikipedia.
14. Chase Tower
Chase Tower is a prominent office skyscraper in Oklahoma City.
It was originally named Liberty Tower when it was completed. Over time, it underwent several name changes.
Previously called Bank One Tower, it was then renamed Cotter Ranch Tower.
This building stands as one of the tallest structures in the city.
For more details, visit the List of tallest buildings in Oklahoma City.
15. Civic Center Music Hall
The Civic Center Music Hall is a performing arts center located in Oklahoma City.
It opened in 1937 and was originally called the Municipal Auditorium.
This historic venue features multiple theaters, including the Thelma Gaylord Performing Arts Theatre, Freede Little Theatre, and CitySpace.
The building was designed by the architectural firm Hawk & Parr and showcases a mix of Art Deco and modern styles.
Visitors can explore its rich history and enjoy a variety of performances throughout the year.
Learn more about the Civic Center Music Hall here.
16. Overholser Mansion
The Overholser Mansion, built in 1903, is seen as Oklahoma City’s first mansion.
This historic house was constructed by Henry Overholser, often called the “father” of Oklahoma City.
The mansion combines Queen Anne and Chateauesque architectural styles.
It stands out from other local buildings, as these styles were already considered outdated at the time.
Visitors to the Overholser Mansion can explore its three stories and 20 rooms, which are filled with original furnishings and artwork.
17. Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art
The Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art, located in Shawnee, Oklahoma, is a notable site founded in 1919.
Named after Father Gregory Gerrer, a Benedictine monk, the museum showcases a collection amassed during his travels.
Visitors can admire art and artifacts from around the world, including Egyptian, Greek, and Roman objects.
The museum stands out for its diverse collection spanning 8,000 years of history.
If you’re in Shawnee, the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art at 1900 W MacArthur St is well worth visiting.
18. Philbrook Museum of Art
Located in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the Philbrook Museum of Art is housed in a former 1920s villa known as “Villa Philbrook.”
This museum, which opened in 1939, showcases nine collections of art from around the world.
The museum also features expansive formal gardens, adding to its beauty and appeal.
Visitors can enjoy discounted admission on Fridays after 5pm.
For more information, you can explore the Philbrook Museum of Art.
19. Tulsa Performing Arts Center
The Tulsa Performing Arts Center is a prominent venue located in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Designed by Minoru Yamasaki, who also designed the former World Trade Center towers, it occupies half a city block in downtown Tulsa.
The building features four main theaters, a studio space, and a large reception hall.
It hosts Broadway tours, local talent, and other events. The art gallery within the center showcases various exhibits, adding to its cultural significance.
20. Pioneer Woman Museum
The Pioneer Woman Museum in Ponca City, Oklahoma, honors the women who contributed to the state’s development.
This museum offers a glimpse into the lives of women during the pioneer days with artifacts from Ponca City’s history.
Visitors can explore the education center, which features craft demonstrations, special exhibits, and an interactive timeline.
A prominent attraction at the museum is the Pioneer Woman Walk of Fame.
Historical Significance of Oklahoma’s Architectural Masterpieces
Oklahoma’s architectural history is deeply influenced by its Native American heritage and the prosperous oil boom era. These influences have left a lasting imprint on the state’s most iconic structures.
Influence of Native American Culture
Indigenous tribes in Oklahoma, such as the Cherokee, Choctaw, and Creek, have profoundly shaped the region’s architecture.
They built homes using available materials like wood and clay. Traditional homes known as tipis, earth lodges, and wattle-and-daub structures were common.
Their designs reflect a deep understanding of the local environment and resources.
Art and motifs embedded in the architecture convey cultural stories and values. Thus, buildings such as council houses and ceremonial structures are not only functional but also bear cultural significance.
The legacy of these designs can be seen in modern interpretations and adaptations in public buildings and cultural centers across the state.
Impact of the Oil Boom on Architecture
The oil boom in the early 20th century brought unprecedented wealth to Oklahoma, dramatically altering its architectural landscape.
Towns and cities saw rapid construction of grandiose buildings, driven by newfound economic prosperity.
In Oklahoma, art deco and neoclassical styles are emblematic of this era.
Skyscrapers, opulent theaters, and lavish homes sprang up, marked by decorative elements and luxurious materials.
Examples include the A.J. Seay Mansion, showcasing neoclassical architecture with ionic columns and grand porticoes.
Likewise, the Oklahoma Capital Building stands as a Beaux-Arts masterpiece from this period.
These structures symbolize the economic and cultural transformation spurred by the oil industry.
Architectural Styles and Trends in Oklahoma
Oklahoma features a rich tapestry of architectural styles. Notable styles include Art Deco buildings that capture historical elegance and modern designs that showcase contemporary innovation.
Art Deco Highlights
Art Deco architecture in Oklahoma is epitomized by landmarks such as the Boston Avenue Methodist Church in Tulsa.
This church, completed in 1929, is famous for its bold geometric forms and terracotta detailing.
The First National Center in Oklahoma City, built in the 1930s, is another standout example.
Its exterior is adorned with zigzags, chevrons, and stylized floral patterns, characteristic of the Art Deco movement.
Many Art Deco buildings in Oklahoma serve as offices, churches, and public spaces, highlighting the state’s commitment to preserving architectural heritage.
These structures not only beautify the urban landscape but also provide a glimpse into the design aesthetics of the early 20th century.
Modern and Contemporary Designs
Modern architecture in Oklahoma is characterized by sleek, minimalistic designs made from materials such as glass and steel.
Buildings like the Devon Tower in Oklahoma City exemplify this trend with their clean lines and innovative design. The 50-story skyscraper is the tallest building in the state and a beacon of modernity.
Oklahoma also embraces contemporary residential styles.
Homes often feature open floor plans, large windows, and sustainable materials. The residential landscape mixes Prairie influences with modern touches, creating homes that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
These modern structures reflect forward-thinking design philosophies, emphasizing functionality, sustainability, and beauty.
They mark Oklahoma’s progression into 21st-century architecture, showcasing a blend of innovation and tradition.