FREE Museums in OKC - MetroFamily Magazine
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FREE Museums in OKC

Oklahoma Contemporary

Reading Time: 4 minutes 

Whether you are looking to explore something new or simply excite your mind in a new way, museums are a fun way for families to spend time together while learning about our world. From art and science to history and more, Oklahoma City offers a wealth of high-quality museums, many of which are completely free.

Sometimes it is savvy to spend money to save money. Whether you are looking for a great deal or a great gift idea, memberships to attractions are a good way to get the most for your money!

[Editor’s Note: This list was last updated on Jan. 6, 2023. Know of any attractions that we missed? If so, please email tips@metrofamilymagazine.com and we’ll research them!]

Here is a list of museums that always offer FREE admission:

45th Infantry Thunderbird Museum

2145 NE 36th St; 405-424-5313

Open  Tuesday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4:15 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-4:15 p.m. & Sunday, 1-4 p.m.

See rare military artifacts narrating the history of Oklahoma’s 45th Infantry Division of the National Guard and other aspects of American military history.

Braum’s Processing Plant on the Braum’s Family Farm (temporarily closed)

491 C S 2880, Tuttle; 405-225-4604

Tours available Monday – Friday, 9 or 11 a.m. by reservation only.

Watch ice cream, cookies, milk and other products be manufactured in a factory and bakery tour. Reservations are required and space is limited.

Edmond Historical Society & Museum

431 S Boulevard, Edmond; 405-340-0078

Open Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday, 1-4 p.m.

Explore the story of Edmond, from Land Run to present day, through artifacts and photographs that highlight over a century of Edmond history.

Exhibit C First American Gallery & Gifts

1 E Sheridan Ave, Ste 100; 405-767-8900

Open daily 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Exhibit C is an art gallery and retail space located in the Bricktown district of downtown Oklahoma City. See authentic pieces of art handcrafted by Chickasaw and other First American artists.

Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art

555 Elm Ave, Norman; 405-325-3272

Open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 1-5 p.m.

See the Weitzenhoffer Collection of French Impressionism, 20th-century American painting and sculpture, traditional and contemporary Native American art and more.

Federal Judicial Learning Center & Museum

215 Dean A. McGee Ave; 405-420-6176

Open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Examine documents and other significant memorabilia, see a moot courtroom, and more as you learn about the history of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma.

Jim Thorpe Museum, Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame

20 S Mickey Mantle Dr: 405-427-1400

Open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

See artifacts and memorabilia from the culture, accomplishments and achievements of legendary athlete and Oklahoma Native, Jim Thorpe.

Moore-Lindsay Historic House

508 N Peters, Norman 405-321-0156

Open Wednesday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

The Moore–Lindsay House is a Queen Anne-style Victorian historic house listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Oklahoma Contemporary

11 NW 11th St; 405-951-0000

Open Monday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Thursday, until 9 p.m. Closed Tuesday.

Oklahoma Contemporary focuses on living artists, the art of now and the art of what’s next. The museum’s art exhibitions are always free and they also offer free family-friendly programming throughout the year.

Oklahoma Railway Museum

3400 NE Grand Blvd; 405-424-8222

Open every Thursday, Friday, & Saturday, 9-5 p.m. Trains operate on the first and third Saturdays, April – August. Tickets are required to ride train.

Explore train engines, passenger cars, a caboose and more at the Oklahoma Railway Museum.

Oklahoma State Capitol & Museum

2300 N Lincoln Blvd; 405-521-3356

Open Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-7 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

See more than 125 artifacts relating to the history of the Oklahoma State Capitol and the work of Oklahoma’s state government.

Outdoor Symbolic Memorial, Oklahoma City National Memorial

620 N Harvey Ave, 405-235-3313

Open daily

Once the footprint of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, Fifth Street, the Athenian Building and Oklahoma Water Resources Board, the Outdoor Symbolic Memorial is now the Field of Empty Chairs, Reflecting Pool and Rescuers’ Orchard, honoring the now-sacred ground where the events of April 19, 1995, unfolded.

National Softball Hall of Fame and Museum 

2801 NE 50th St; 405-424-5266

Open Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Learn about past players who had exceptional careers in the sport.

Red Earth Museum (BancFirst Tower lobby)

100 N Broadway; 405-768-3395

Open Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

See original Native artwork, both contemporary and traditional, from throughout the United States.

Worth the drive: 

Canadian County Historical Museum

300 S. Grand, El Reno; 405-262-5121

Open Wednesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sunday, 1-4 p.m.

The museum is a complex of buildings from the Old West that have been renovated and are open to visitors. Explore a barn, Indian jail, church, school and other historically significant sites.

 

Here are a few museums that offer FREE or discounted admission on select days throughout the year:

Oklahoma City Museum of Art

415 Couch Dr; 405-236-3100

Kids always get in free and on select Sundays throughout the year, the museum hosts FREE Family Days, sponsored by SONIC America’s Drive-in.

Oklahoma Hall of Fame

1400 Classen Dr; 405-235-4458

Visit the museum each month on the second Saturday for uniquely themed programming geared for the whole family. Each Saturday will include themed experiences and learning opportunities for families to enjoy together including crafts and guided tours.

 

Want even more ideas for FREE things to do with your family? Check out our guide to FREE fun and our searchable calendar.

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