Woody Guthrie Center, Tulsa

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Woody Guthrie Center, Tulsa

Woody Guthrie Center, Tulsa (must see)

The Woody Guthrie Center, located in Tulsa’s 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’s 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’s largest collection of Guthrie-related material—including 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’s 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’s, reflecting the Center’s 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’s 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’s 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 "ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø: 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:

Walking Tours in Tulsa, Oklahoma

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