Gilcrease Museum Holds ‘Thank You’ Celebration For Tulsans Before Construction Begins

The Gilcrease Museum hosted a special "Thank You" celebration for the community before it closes for construction. 

The museum's celebration gave visitors a chance to get one last glimpse of the art pieces before the building gets demolished.

There were circus performers, live music and plenty of other activities to make the visit worthwhile.

When Abrina Tarasenko heard the news that it was being demolished, she convinced herself to visit the museum for the first time.

"I feel like it ignited a fire underneath us for sure, to come out and see before it was totally closed down," Tarasenko said. "To say that we can have seen the original structure is really cool." 

The museum closes July 5 for demolition work. The new building is scheduled to be finished in Fall 2024.  

Event organizer Cheryl Kane said the event is about appreciating the past and getting excited for the future.

"We kind of titled this ‘Gilcrease Community Celebration,’” Kane said. “So much history. So many good things to come.”

Kane and Tarasenko admit they wished they had more time to see the museum, given that the pandemic affected attendance, but they also said they’ll be first in line come 2024.

"I think bittersweet means, yes, there is a little bit of sentimental to it, but there is also a lot of excitement looking forward," Kane said. 

"I feel like, when it opens, it won't take us as long to get here the next time," Tarasenko said. "So we'll be looking forward to that opening date for sure."