Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum

About

The Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum stands on the site of the former Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, where a domestic terrorist attack on April 19, 1995, claimed 168 lives and injured more than 680 others. Today, this sacred space serves as both a place of remembrance and a world-class museum that tells the story of what happened, why it matters, and how a community came together in the aftermath.

The outdoor memorial is free and open to visitors 24 hours a day. Its most iconic feature is the Field of Empty Chairs, 168 bronze and stone chairs arranged in nine rows representing each floor of the Murrah Building. The Reflecting Pool stretches between two monumental bronze gates inscribed with the times 9:01 and 9:03, framing the moment of the bombing at 9:02. The Survivor Tree, an American elm that withstood the blast, stands as a living symbol of resilience.

Inside the museum, a self-guided experience takes visitors through the events of that day using artifacts, oral histories, and interactive exhibits. The journey begins in a hearing room where you'll listen to an actual recording from a meeting taking place across the street at the moment of the explosion. From there, exhibits walk you through the rescue efforts, investigation, trial, and the community's path toward healing.

The museum is thoughtfully designed for visitors of all ages, though some content may be intense for younger children. Plan for about 90 minutes to move through the exhibits at a comfortable pace. Timed entry tickets are recommended, especially on weekends and during peak travel seasons.

The memorial and museum sit in downtown Oklahoma City, within easy reach of Bricktown, the Myriad Botanical Gardens, and other attractions. Street parking and a dedicated parking deck are available nearby, making it a convenient stop for anyone exploring the city.

Accessibility

The Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum is fully wheelchair accessible, both in the outdoor memorial grounds and throughout the indoor museum. Wheelchair accessible entrances are available on three sides of the grounds, and all outdoor paths are paved, allowing visitors to reach every component of the memorial comfortably.

Inside the museum, elevators provide access to each floor, and all exhibit spaces are designed for wheelchair users to move through independently. Free wheelchairs are available upon request at the front desk for anyone who needs one during their visit.

Wheelchair accessible parking is located on the upper level of the parking deck adjacent to the site. Restrooms are located on each floor of the museum and are wheelchair accessible. Two family restrooms on the first floor include seating for nursing and changing tables.

Service animals are welcome throughout the museum and memorial grounds. Pets are not permitted inside the museum. The site is located near public transportation, and transportation options in the area are wheelchair accessible.

For questions about specific accommodations or to arrange assistance for your visit, contact the museum directly before your trip. Staff can help coordinate any additional needs to ensure a comfortable experience.

More accessible places in Oklahoma

• First Americans Museum (Oklahoma City)
• Oklahoma City Museum of Art (Oklahoma City)
• Oklahoma History Center (Oklahoma City)
• Myriad Botanical Gardens (Oklahoma City)
• Bricktown (Oklahoma City)
• Science Museum Oklahoma (Oklahoma City)

Photo credits

• The bronze Gate of Time is reflected in the memorial's still pool with the Oklahoma City skyline behind it.: w_lemay, CC BY-SA 2.0 (source)
• A flat paved walkway runs beside the reflecting pool toward the museum building.: w_lemay, CC BY-SA 2.0 (source)
• Rows of bronze and glass chairs on the lawn honor each person lost in the 1995 bombing.: w_lemay, CC BY-SA 2.0 (source)