Oklahoma's Diverse Under-The-Radar Art Museum Feels Like Stepping Into An Authentic Italian Villa

Home to one of the most underrated hidden gems along Route 66, there's something else not to be missed in Tulsa. Clear a couple of hours and head to the Philbrook Museum of Art before leaving for the next Route 66 city. The museum is straight out of a TV show, complete with a huge mansion and sprawling 25-acre grounds. Everything looks straight out of a postcard and will transport you directly to Tuscany, much like Oklahoma City's Little Italy. 

Villa Philbrook was originally the home of Waite Phillips, who then donated it to the city for the conservation of art. The museum has been expanded and revamped over the years, but it largely remains the same as when it first opened in 1939. But aside from its grandeur, the museum's selection of paintings, installations, and exhibits will keep you captivated. Their diverse collection ranges from American, Native American, European, African, and Asian art; photographs; decorative arts; and more. With a constantly rotating exhibition and over 16,000 artifacts, it's no surprise that it was included as one of the best art museums by USA Today for 2024 and 2025..

With three floors of the museum complex, it's easy to spend an hour or two exploring the halls. The main level has a mix of special exhibits, Renaissance art, and collection highlights, as well as a display of the history of Philbrook. What once was the great hall is now a dedicated space for the house's history and the Philipps family. You can even leave a Post-it with your thoughts and questions about the place, right next to the museum's timeline of events.

While there is a mix of modern and international art, the museum puts an emphasis on its collections of American, Native American, and European works. Some of their past exhibits showcased Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, and Wes Anderson. They also host a variety of social events, like the Art in Bloom event, where the museum was reinvented with floral displays made by local florists and designers.

Round out your visit by strolling through the Philbrook Gardens. Depending on the weather, the gardens may be closed when you visit, but if it's sunny, head out to explore the grounds. All the greenery only adds to the beauty of the villa with manicured lawns, ponds, and scenic views that will make you wonder if you're really in Italy. You can look out for their Westby Sculpture Walk or try to spot one of their charming garden cats, Cleome, lounging on a bench.

The museum is open every Wednesday to Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Fridays, they have a special discount where they extend hours until 9 p.m. and offer admission for only $5 for people entering after 5 p.m. On normal days, entry is $18 for adults, $8 for ages 3 to 17, and free for kids 2 and under. Most visitors mention that it can get crowded, especially during peak hours. 

If you're visiting on the first Sunday of the month, they offer a Sensory-Friendly Morning event, where there are fewer visitors and there are some activities in partnership with AutismOklahoma. Aside from that, you can also go for a self-guided or guided tour on select Fridays to Sundays. There's also a pop-up cafe if you need a pick-me-up, and though you can't bring food inside, a picnic in the gardens is allowed.

If you're driving to Philbrook, there are two free parking lots available. From Oklahoma City, the drive is only about two hours. Driving to the museum may be better, as the nearest bus stop is three blocks away. Looking for a cool souvenir to take home? Drop by the museum shop or wander down to Tulsa's go-to trendy shopping street for a holiday keepsake.