Philbrook Museum of Art

About

Philbrook Museum of Art is one of the most beautiful museum settings in the United States. Housed in a 1927 Italian Renaissance villa that was once the home of oil pioneer Waite Phillips, the museum sits on 25 acres of formal and informal gardens in Tulsa's historic Midtown neighborhood.

The permanent collection spans thousands of years, from ancient Egyptian artifacts to contemporary works. You'll find European Old Masters, American paintings, Native American art, and African sculpture among the highlights. The villa itself is a work of art, with ornate ceilings, carved woodwork, and grand rooms that feel more like exploring a palazzo than walking through a traditional gallery.

Outside, the gardens are a destination in their own right. Terraced grounds feature manicured hedges, reflecting pools, sculpture installations, and winding paths through wooded areas. Seasonal plantings keep the landscape changing throughout the year, and many visitors spend as much time outdoors as they do inside.

Philbrook is remarkably affordable. Through the Museums for All program, individuals enrolled in SNAP, TANF, WIC, or SoonerCare can get $1 general admission tickets for up to four adults and unlimited youth ages 3 to 17. Children 2 and under always get in free.

Whether you're drawn by the art, the architecture, or the gardens, Philbrook offers a layered experience that rewards both quick visits and long afternoons. The museum also operates a second location, Philbrook Downtown, giving visitors even more to explore in Tulsa's arts district.

Accessibility

Philbrook's indoor galleries are fully accessible for wheelchair users and visitors with mobility devices. The museum provides manual wheelchairs and walkers free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis. Both Philbrook locations are wheelchair accessible and ADA compliant.

Much of the 25-acre garden and grounds are accessible for those using wheelchairs or mobility devices, though some areas with terraced terrain may present challenges. The lower level parking lot connects to the museum entrance by stairs, so visitors needing step-free access should check with staff about the best entry route when arriving.

The museum's discounted admission through Museums for All ($1 tickets for SNAP, TANF, WIC, and SoonerCare participants) helps reduce financial barriers to visiting. Free admission for children 2 and under is also available.

For specific questions about sensory accommodations, accessible restroom locations, service animal policies, or garden path conditions, contact Philbrook directly before your visit. Staff can advise on the most accessible routes through the gardens and help coordinate any needs for group tours. You can call ahead to reserve discounted tickets or arrange accessibility accommodations.

More accessible places in Oklahoma

• Woody Guthrie Center (Tulsa)
• Gathering Place (Tulsa)
• Tulsa Zoo (Tulsa)
• Tulsa Botanic Garden (Tulsa)
• Topgolf Tulsa (Tulsa)
• Gilcrease Museum (Tulsa)