The 5 Best History Museums in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (OK)

The Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum stands as a symbol of strength in the wake of unspeakable violence. Visit the Memorial Museum to experience the brutality of the Oklahoma City bombing, and the tenderness of the response. Share our dream of a world without violence and terrorism. Free parking with Museum admission.

The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum is America’s premier institution of Western history, art and culture. Founded in 1955, the Museum, located in Oklahoma City, collects, preserves, and exhibits an internationally renowned collection of Western art and artifacts while sponsoring dynamic educational programs to stimulate interest in the enduring legacy of the American West. More than 10 million visitors from around the world have sought out this unique museum to gain better understanding of the West: a region and a history that permeates our national culture. The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum features a superb collection of classic and contemporary Western art, including works by Frederic Remington and Charles M. Russell, as well as sculptor James Earle Fraser’s magnificent work, The End of the Trail. The exhibition wing houses a turn-of-the-century town and interactive history galleries that focus on the American cowboy, rodeo and Native American culture.

Bring the past alive at the Oklahoma History Center, Oklahoma’s state museum of history. At the Oklahoma History Center discover the people and stories that truly make Oklahoma unique. From oil and gas to aviation; from the Dust Bowl to space exploration; from tornadoes to the Land Run; from Native American Indians to Route 66, there’s a story of triumph and tragedy, hope and heartache, famous and infamous around every corner.The Oklahoma History Center is a testament to the indomitable spirit that built Oklahoma. With four permanent galleries and a special exhibits hall, guests will explore the more than 200 hands-on interactives and 50 subjects that tell the stories of Oklahoma and its people. We truly have something for everyone, with special events that appeal to all ages. From Civil War Day to Rockabilly concerts, there is always something going on!After visiting our galleries, enjoy lunch at the Winnie Mae Café located on the third floor. Be sure to visit our gift shop, stocked with items from local artists, educational games, souvenirs and much more, it is the perfect place to shop for your Oklahoma fix.Conveniently located in the Capital Complex, the Oklahoma History Center is adjacent to the State Capital and the Governor’s Mansion, both within easy driving or walking distance. The History Center is conveniently located off of I-35 and I-40, with easy passenger pick, drop-off and free motor coach parking.

Historic home of William Fremont Harn who came to Oklahoma Territory as a Federal Agent to settle Land Run disputes in 1891. The Harn House was built in 1904 when he and Mrs. Alice Moores Harn decided to make Oklahoma Territory their permanent home. Since that time, other historic buildings from other locations have been added to the property. The mission of the Harn Homestead Museum is to preserve the historic homestead and educate the public about the territorial years of Oklahoma. The Harn Homestead Museum is proud to be a part of Adventure Road.

Oklahoma Hall of Fame, telling Oklahoma's story through its people. Founded in 1927, the Oklahoma Hall of Fame was created to honor Oklahomans who had given outstanding service to the state during their lifetime. Being inducted to the Oklahoma Hall of Fame is the highest honor an Oklahoman can receive from the state. The Oklahoma Hall of Fame preserves Oklahoma's unique history while promoting pride in our great state. The Oklahoma Hall of Fame inspires Oklahomans of all ages, instilling pride by telling the stories of extraordinary people. Each of its programs strive to accomplish that goal. The organization has hosted the Oklahoma Hall of Fame Banquet & Induction Ceremony for the past 90 years each November. We honor Oklahomans who have contributed to our state's rich heritage by making strides in their industry and bettering mankind. The Oklahoma Hall of Fame also supports education in a variety of ways, including offering more than $4,000,000 intuition grants and scholarships to Oklahoma high school students and hosting Heritage Week competitions for third through 12th graders. The Oklahoma Heritage Association Publishing, publications of the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, is the leader in publishing Oklahoma's history. In the Gaylord-Pickens Museum, home of the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, visitors can meet notable and lesser known accomplished Oklahomans through interactive exhibits. Located in Oklahoma City, the Hall of Fame is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization funded primarily by private donations and is governed by a Board of Directors representing the state of Oklahoma. In addition, the Association has a Teen Board that holds a fund raiser each year and a Second Century Board made up of young professionals responsible for spreading the mission.