Tulsa

The city of Tulsa is located in the northeast quadrant of Oklahoma. Rising green hills and wooded urban area provide a pleasant climate in the 400 000-strong American city. Locals enjoy 227 sunny days a year. The town is located near the Arkansas River at the foot of the mountains Ozark.

Tulsa is often referred to as the "Mecca of the arts in Oklahoma". In the town, there are two world-famous museums. Churches, museums and cultural centres of the city keep no less art masterpieces. Original works of art are exhibited around the paths of the beautiful river parks. The Performing Arts Center is a place that provides a platform for a large part of local and foreign talents, as well as many art organizations. Ballet, opera, Broadway plays and musicals are just some of the events happening on stage at the cultural center.

Among the most popular museums not only in Tulsa, and throughout the world, is the Philbrook Museum of Art. The complex charms its visitors with breath-taking exquisite gardens an fascinating architecture; relax among the eternal beauty of the art works. Furthermore, within the museum there are interesting places to shop, Gift shops, and many good places to eat.

The building was completed in 1927. Its architect was B. Delco from Kansas City who had to fulfil the wishes of its contracting Waite Phillips. The majestic building was Villa Philbrook, today being home to a museum. It was built in the Italian Renaissance architecture style. Several years later - in 1938, local entrepreneurs made the surprise announcement to their fellow citizens, that they donate the mansion to the art centre of Tulsa. Today, the Philbrook Museum of Art is one of the most prestigious art centers in the United States.

Another very popular place in Oklahoma is the Gilcrease Museum, considered one of the best in the country, which has built the perfect conditions for the preservation and study of American history and the arts. It is located northwest of downtown. Charm, beauty and original art exhibitions attract thousands of visitors from around the world. The museum is a kind of time machine that transports you to times gone by. There is preserved the largest collection of artefacts from the so-called American West. In addition, at the museum, you will be able to see more permanent exhibition accessories from Native Americans, as well as historical manuscripts, documents and maps. Open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 to 5:00.

One of the most striking modern buildings in the center of Tulsa is Philtower, built in the Gothic Revival style. The tallest building in Oklahoma and in surrounding Missouri, New Mexico, Arkansas and Kansas, is the Tulsa BOK Tower. It is one of the emblems of the city. Its architect is César Pelli, who is a contractor for Malaysia’s Petronas Towers.

Another remarkable building, standing high in the city center is the Cityplex Tower. From an architectural point of view, interesting are the buildings of the local University - Oral Roberts University, built in the post-modernist futuristic style. In the university campus is the highest bronze sculpture in the world. The monument, depicting a "praying hands" is nearly 20 meters high.

Interesting to tourists are also the Tulsa Air and Space Museum, the Jazz Music Hall and the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame.

A great place to relax after a long tour of the amazing sights of Tulsa is Woodward Park, located on the banks of the Arkansas River. There, you may also see some Modernist monuments.

Tulsa, besides being a historical and cultural center of Oklahoma, turns out is one of the most strategically important cities of the U.S. economy. The city has developed a strong energy industry and is recognized as "the world's oil capital." Contributing to the development of the city is one of the largest river ports in the world - The Tulsa Port of Catoosa.

Tulsa was founded in 1898. Art Deco is the key word that characterizes it through the years and today influences the architecture of the city. Among the notable buildings in Art Deco style is the Mid-Continent Tower and the Boston Avenue Methodist Church.

Even today, it is considered that Tulsa is one of the best examples of this architectural style and interior design, born in Paris in the 20s of last century. Elegance, charm, modernity and functionality are just some of the characteristics of the eclectic style. Other shining examples of Art Deco are the Chrysler Building in New York, the City of Buffalo City Hall and Bullocks Wilshire, in Los Angeles. Tulsa is 159 miles from Oklahoma City.