Susan Neal: Planned renovation will open up Gilcrease
February 14, 2019 | In the PressFrom Tulsa World (https://www.tulsaworld.com/opinion/columnists/susan-neal-planned-renovation-will-open-up-gilcrease/article_526f1ea1-5e76-5d64-85ad-8b339990526f.html)
Almost three years ago, Tulsans voted by wide margins to pass the Vision Tulsa package, which not only included funding for the renovation and expansion of Gilcrease Museum, but funding for the Tulsa Zoo, Expo Square and more infrastructural improvements across the city. Since then, Tulsa has only seen more opportunities to flourish. This past year, we welcomed the long-awaited Gathering Place, which was recently named the country’s Best New Attraction by USA Today.
Last week, along with the city of Tulsa and the University of Tulsa, Gilcrease shared its interpretive plan and released a request for qualifications for architects marking a major milestone in this historic project. Additionally, the museum announced a $10 million gift from the A.R. and Marylouise Tandy Foundation, elevating the total project to $75 million.
This project is truly a game-changer for Gilcrease and our community. Grounded in the museum’s history and mission, this plan will guide the visitor experience and eventual architectural design down a path that will re-evaluate our perspectives and challenge the status quo. We will reimagine the Gilcrease experience from the inside out, with the visitor experience always taking center stage. As museums across the country rethink the ways in which they share their collections and connect to 21st-century America, Gilcrease is leading the way.
While there are many exciting aspects to this project, I know our community will benefit most from the increased accessibility to our collection and programming. With a renovated space, we will be able to bring more of our collection to the surface for the community to enjoy. Additionally, ample education and event space will become a reality allowing our team to expand the suite of programs offered at the museum. The physical limitations of our current building will no longer impede our desired outcomes. Reaching every corner of our community is a priority, and this plan will prioritize making Gilcrease a place for all Tulsans to enjoy.
I want to send a sincere thank you to the University of Tulsa, city of Tulsa and larger community as this renovation and expansion will position the museum for future generations. We have been entrusted with an immeasurably vast collection of art and history, and we are excited to unleash its potential through a new interpretation of our assets and a visitor-centered building.
We are at the start line of a once-in-a-generation project, and nothing but new opportunities await. As our journey gets underway, we are honored to further the momentum Tulsa has generated in becoming a tourist destination. With several civic enhancement projects happening across the metro, Tulsa is truly on an exciting path. The future for Gilcrease is fraught with opportunity, and we can hardly wait to forge ahead.
