History:
Gilcrease Museum is the product of a lifetime of collecting by Thomas Gilcrease, whose fortune was made in the dusty oilfields of Oklahoma nearly 100 years ago. As Gilcrease's fortunes grew, so did his desire to learn more about the art, history and cultures of North, Central and South America. His collections make up the vast majority of works on display within the galleries of Gilcrease Museum.
Gilcrease Museum has something for everyone - ancient Mayan pottery, Frederic Remington's stunning tributes to the American west, and letters penned by historic luminaries such as Diego Columbus and Thomas Jefferson. These are just a few examples of the great exhibits at the museum.
Thomas Gilcrease loved collecting art. He purchased his first oil painting in 1922, but most of his collecting was done after 1939. The first Gilcrease Museum opened at his oil company headquarters in San Antonio in 1943. Within a few years, Gilcrease returned to Tulsa with his oil company and his growing collection. He opened a gallery for public viewing on his Tulsa estate in 1949. Thomas Gilcrease deeded his collection to the city of Tulsa in 1955.
Mission:
Gilcrease Museum, through its collections, is dedicated to bringing art and people together to discover, enjoy, and understand the diverse heritage of the Americas.
