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First Americans Museum Oklahoma City Decades in the making, the First Americans Museum opened in September 2021 to celebrate and share the cultural diversity, authentic history and contributions of the 39 Tribal Nations in Oklahoma today. From first-hand accounts told by Native people in film and immersive experiences throughout the museum to an entirely Indigenous curatorial staff, the intentionality in Native people telling their own stories, from 500 A.D. to today, is apparent in every inch of the museum. The variety of hands-on and high- tech experiences engage kids throughout the galleries. DON’T MISS In the larger-than-life, 320 degree Origins Theater , animations, sound and stories encircle the visitor with four origin stories, scripted, narrated and animated by Native community members. Throughout the OKLA HOMMA gallery, three circular Moving Fire audio pods with glowing centers beckon visitors in to listen to stories that honor oral histories, including an origin story of a bison, hard truths about the quest to honor family members lost along the Trail of Tears and how song and dance are used to portray emotions.
TOUCHSCREENS THROUGHOUT THE FIRST AMERICANS MUSEUM ENGAGE YOUNG VISITORS.
VISIT THE RED EARTH TREEFEST TO SEE THE DIVERSE TRIBAL CULTURES OF OKLAHOMA ON DISPLAY. TOP LEFT: KIOWA TRIBE TREE. TOP RIGHT: OSAGE NATION TREE.
Climb inside the Powwow Van to experience powwows across the state. The sights and sounds of powwows on this virtual road trip convey the varied customs, traditions and pride from a variety of Tribal Nations. Then, learn to play Chunkey , a traditional game requiring great strength and agility, through an immersive video game.
Red Earth Art Center Oklahoma City
Located in the lobby of BancFirst Tower in downtown OKC, the Red Earth Art Center is home to an exhibit gallery that features rotating exhibits throughout the year, including special selections from the Red Earth permanent collection of traditional and modern fine art, pottery, basketry, textiles and beadwork, as well as contemporary Native artist shows and traveling exhibits. The Art Center also includes a sales gallery showcasing artwork and gifts by Native artists and businesses. DON’T MISS Visit redearth.org for instructions on how to make your own pony bead corn ornaments! MARK YOUR CALENDAR Visit the Red Earth TreeFest Nov. 20 through Dec. 29, during which 16 Christmas trees are adorned with handmade ornaments showcasing the diverse tribal cultures of Oklahoma.
EXPERIENCE FOUR ORIGIN STORIES IN THE ORIGINS THEATER AT THE FIRST AMERICANS MUSEUM.
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