Woody Guthrie Center, Tulsa (must see)
The Woody Guthrie Center, located in Tulsa鈥檚 vibrant Arts District, is a museum and archive dedicated to the life, work, and enduring legacy of American folk legend Woody Guthrie. More than a traditional museum, the Center serves as a creative hub and educational resource, highlighting Guthrie鈥檚 impact as a musician, artist, and advocate for social justice.
Opened in 2013 through the efforts of the George Kaiser Family Foundation, the Center houses the world鈥檚 largest collection of Guthrie-related material鈥攊ncluding manuscripts, lyrics, drawings, photographs, and personal belongings. Visitors can explore an interactive museum with handwritten lyrics, original instruments, rare artwork, and immersive displays that trace Guthrie鈥檚 journey through music and activism. A short biographical film, listening stations, and exhibits on artists influenced by Guthrie add further depth to the experience.
The Center also preserves the archives of fellow protest singer and activist Phil Ochs, donated by his daughter Meegan Lee Ochs in 2014. This marked the first major collection from another artist housed alongside Guthrie鈥檚, reflecting the Center鈥檚 broader commitment to the folk tradition and its role in American cultural history.
Researchers can access the extensive Guthrie archives by appointment, housed in a climate-controlled facility partially visible from the public gallery. Educational programs support students, teachers, and scholars in exploring themes of creativity, equity, and expression.
A standout feature is the Dust Bowl virtual reality experience, which lets visitors relive the harsh conditions that shaped Guthrie鈥檚 worldview and music. Seated on a recreated front porch with a VR headset, guests are immersed in the storms that uprooted lives and inspired some of Guthrie鈥檚 most poignant songs.
As a companion institution to the nearby Bob Dylan Center, the Woody Guthrie Center is a vital space for remembering the past, understanding its messages, and igniting future voices.
Opened in 2013 through the efforts of the George Kaiser Family Foundation, the Center houses the world鈥檚 largest collection of Guthrie-related material鈥攊ncluding manuscripts, lyrics, drawings, photographs, and personal belongings. Visitors can explore an interactive museum with handwritten lyrics, original instruments, rare artwork, and immersive displays that trace Guthrie鈥檚 journey through music and activism. A short biographical film, listening stations, and exhibits on artists influenced by Guthrie add further depth to the experience.
The Center also preserves the archives of fellow protest singer and activist Phil Ochs, donated by his daughter Meegan Lee Ochs in 2014. This marked the first major collection from another artist housed alongside Guthrie鈥檚, reflecting the Center鈥檚 broader commitment to the folk tradition and its role in American cultural history.
Researchers can access the extensive Guthrie archives by appointment, housed in a climate-controlled facility partially visible from the public gallery. Educational programs support students, teachers, and scholars in exploring themes of creativity, equity, and expression.
A standout feature is the Dust Bowl virtual reality experience, which lets visitors relive the harsh conditions that shaped Guthrie鈥檚 worldview and music. Seated on a recreated front porch with a VR headset, guests are immersed in the storms that uprooted lives and inspired some of Guthrie鈥檚 most poignant songs.
As a companion institution to the nearby Bob Dylan Center, the Woody Guthrie Center is a vital space for remembering the past, understanding its messages, and igniting future voices.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Tulsa. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "黑料吃瓜网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Woody Guthrie Center on Map
Sight Name: Woody Guthrie Center
Sight Location: Tulsa, USA (See walking tours in Tulsa)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Tulsa, USA (See walking tours in Tulsa)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Tulsa, Oklahoma
Create Your Own Walk in Tulsa
Creating your own self-guided walk in Tulsa is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Tulsa's Historical Churches
Tulsa, Oklahoma is home to an array of remarkable churches, cathedrals, chapels, and other religious sites collectively reflecting the city's diverse religious heritage. A good number of these sanctuaries are located downtown. By far more than just places of worship, they are also architectural marvels and cultural landmarks.
Boston Avenue United Methodist Church, with its striking Art... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
Boston Avenue United Methodist Church, with its striking Art... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
Tulsa Introduction Walking Tour
Straddling the Arkansas River in the U.S. state of Oklahoma, the city of Tulsa is deeply rooted in the Native American history and, more recently, in the oil industry too.
The area of modern Tulsa is considered an Indian Territory, and has been formally settled by Native Americans since 1836. The tribesmen named their settlement Tallasi, which means "old town" in the Creek language,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
The area of modern Tulsa is considered an Indian Territory, and has been formally settled by Native Americans since 1836. The tribesmen named their settlement Tallasi, which means "old town" in the Creek language,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
University of Tulsa Walking Tour
Located on the historic U.S. Route 66, America's "Mother Road", the University of Tulsa campus centers on a wide, grassy, quad-like space, known as Dietler Commons. Formerly called "The U", it is found not far from the downtown area and is dominated by English Gothic architecture.
At the top of Deitler Commons sits one of the campus' most notable landmarks, the... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles
At the top of Deitler Commons sits one of the campus' most notable landmarks, the... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles