Attractions, Experience, and Highlights
Q: Are there activities for teens at First Americans Museum?
A: Yes, the First Americans Museum offers programs for youth, including teen programs and youth field trips, which provide engaging activities tailored for younger visitors.
Q: Are there art or cultural exhibits at First Americans Museum?
A: Yes, the First Americans Museum features state-of-the-art exhibitions showcasing First American history, culture, and art. It includes galleries such as the Tribal Nations Gallery and the Smithsonian Gallery, with exhibits like OKLA HOMMA that share the stories of 39 tribes in Oklahoma. The museum also presents exquisite cultural materials and art created by Native American artists, highlighting the creative diversity and rich heritage of the First American Nations.
Q: Are there cultural or historical exhibits at First Americans Museum?
A: Yes, the First Americans Museum features cultural and historical exhibits that showcase the histories, art, and contributions of Oklahoma's 39 tribal nations. Exhibits include the Tribal Nations Gallery, which presents tribal origin stories and historical accounts from a Native first-person perspective, and the OKLA HOMMA exhibit that shares stories of all 39 tribes in Oklahoma. Additionally, the museum offers exhibitions like WINIKO, displaying cultural materials from the tribes, and the Origins Theater, which presents creation stories from four tribes through immersive animation. These exhibits highlight both cultural lifeways and historical narratives central to the museum's mission.
Q: Are there holiday-themed events at First Americans Museum?
A: Yes, the First Americans Museum hosts holiday-themed events, including celebrations for the Winter Solstice and Indigenous Peoples Day. These events feature cultural performances, food, educational activities, and family-friendly festivities that honor Native American traditions and heritage.
Q: Are there interactive exhibits or installations at First Americans Museum?
A: Yes, the First Americans Museum features interactive exhibits and installations. For example, the upcoming FAMily Discovery Center, opening in Summer 2025, offers an immersive and engaging experience for all ages with interactive games and hands-on activities designed to challenge stereotypes and inspire respect. Additionally, visitors can participate in demonstrations and special events throughout the museum, enhancing the interactive experience. The museum also includes immersive exhibitions such as the Origins Theater with a 320-degree screen animation and the Tribal Nations Gallery, which provides a dynamic exploration of tribal histories and cultures.
Q: Are there performances or demonstrations at First Americans Museum?
A: Yes, the First Americans Museum features performances and demonstrations. The FAM Xchange Theater serves as a community gathering space where visitors can watch live demonstrations, performances, and video presentations. Additionally, the museum hosts special events and cultural demonstrations that highlight the traditions and arts of Oklahoma's 39 tribal nations. The museum's programming is further supported by an amphitheater and outdoor lawn nearby, which accommodate local artist performances, festivals, lectures, and similar events.
Q: Are there shows or live events at First Americans Museum?
A: Yes, the First Americans Museum hosts a variety of live events and shows. The FAM Theater is a 200-retractable seat venue that accommodates theatrical productions, film and video presentations, dance and live music concerts, as well as lectures and seminars. Additionally, the FAM Xchange Theater, a 75-seat space, serves as a hub for live demonstrations, performances, and video presentations during museum hours. The museum also features a vibrant calendar of events throughout the year, including cultural celebrations, festivals, and educational programs honoring the histories of Oklahoma's Native American tribes.
Q: Is First Americans Museum good for photography?
A: Yes, the First Americans Museum is good for photography. While drones are not allowed, photography is encouraged during events and visits. Visitors can capture the museum's exhibits, architecture, and special events, making it a great place for photography enthusiasts.
Q: Is First Americans Museum open year-round?
A: Yes, the First Americans Museum is open year-round.
Q: Is First Americans Museum suitable for all ages?
A: Yes, the First Americans Museum is suitable for all ages. It features a family discovery center with immersive, family-friendly activities designed for everyone from age three to 103, offering a fun and educational experience for visitors of all ages.
Q: Is photography allowed inside First Americans Museum?
A: Yes, photography is allowed inside the First Americans Museum for personal use. However, flash, selfie sticks, and tripods are not permitted. Professional or media photography requires prior approval. Drones are not allowed.
Q: Is there a gift or souvenir shop at First Americans Museum?
A: Yes, the First Americans Museum has a gift shop called the FAMstore. It features handmade art, jewelry, and products created by top First American artists and businesses. The store offers an exclusive collection of items available only at the museum, including paintings, pottery, textiles, accessories, books, ornaments, and more.
Q: Is there a play area or space for toddlers at First Americans Museum?
A: Yes, the First Americans Museum features the FAMily Discovery Center, an immersive, interactive exhibit designed for curious minds ages 3 to 103. It offers a pop-up-book-inspired forest world with hands-on experiences that blend play, sensory learning, and cultural authenticity. This space is suitable for toddlers and encourages exploration and imagination within a culturally rich environment.
Q: What are the top things to see at First Americans Museum?
A: At the First Americans Museum, top things to see include the Origins Theater, which features a 320-degree screen looping animation about creation stories from four Oklahoma tribes. The Tribal Nations Gallery offers tribal origin stories and historical accounts from a Native first-person perspective, providing deep insights into Native culture curated by members of Oklahoma's tribes. Visitors can also explore a wide array of artifacts, arts, and crafts representing each of the 39 distinct tribal nations featured in the museum. Additionally, the museum hosts demonstrations, special events, and offers the opportunity to experience Native cuisine at its signature restaurant, Thirty Nine.
Q: What days is First Americans Museum closed?
A: The First Americans Museum is closed on August 15, September 5, November 28, and December 26 in 2023.
Q: What is the history of First Americans Museum?
A: The First Americans Museum was established to celebrate and educate the public about the histories, cultures, and contributions of 39 distinct First American tribal nations, many of which are headquartered in Oklahoma. While only a few of these tribes were originally indigenous to the area now known as Oklahoma, most were relocated there from homelands across the contiguous United States to what was once called Indian Territory. The museum opened its doors on September 18, 2021, as the first institution of its kind, aiming to share authentic stories and cultural lifeways from a first-person perspective. It serves as a dynamic center promoting awareness of the diversity, resilience, and rich heritage of these nations, featuring state-of-the-art exhibitions, live programming, art, food, music, and dance. The museum is located at 659 First Americans Boulevard in Oklahoma City and includes galleries, theaters, a family discovery center, and a restaurant offering Native-inspired cuisine. Its mission is to honor and carry forward the stories and culture of the First American nations for the benefit of all Americans today and in the future.
Q: What time does First Americans Museum close?
A: The First Americans Museum closes at 4 pm daily.
Budget and Affordability
Q: Are there discounts at First Americans Museum for students, seniors, or kids?
A: Yes, the First Americans Museum offers discounts for students and seniors, with admission priced at $10 for each group. Children aged 4 to 12 have an admission fee of $5, and children 3 and under are admitted free. Additionally, museum members receive free admission.
Q: Are there extra charges for special exhibits or activities at First Americans Museum?
A: There is a discounted $10 admission fee for special exhibitions, which is optional and available onsite. Regular admission prices apply for general entry, but some special exhibits may have additional charges. Members of the museum enjoy free admission every day.
Q: Are there free days or hours at First Americans Museum?
A: Yes, members of the First Americans Museum enjoy free admission every day. Additionally, certain events at the museum, such as the annual Winter Solstice Celebration, offer free admission with no tickets required. However, regular general admission typically requires a ticket purchase.
Q: How much does it cost to enter First Americans Museum?
A: The admission cost to enter the First Americans Museum is $15 for adults, $5 for children ages 4 to 12, and free for children 3 and under. Seniors and students are admitted for $10. Members can enter for free. There is also a $2 off admission offer valid from November 10, 2025, to July 1, 2026.
Q: Is entry to First Americans Museum free or discounted for locals?
A: Entry to the First Americans Museum is discounted for locals during special events, such as Indigenous Peoples Day, when visitors can enjoy a reduced admission fee of $5 for the galleries. Additionally, museum members have free admission every day. There are also discounts available, such as $2 off general admission valid from November 10, 2025, to July 1, 2026. On certain occasions, wearing an official Indigenous Peoples Day T-shirt grants free gallery admission and discounts at the museum store. Regular adult admission is $15, with reduced prices for children, seniors, and students.
Food, Dining, and Cuisine
Q: Are there restaurants or cafes at First Americans Museum?
A: Yes, the First Americans Museum has dining options including the FAM 39 Restaurant and the Arbor Cafe, both offering Indigenous-inspired cuisine. Additionally, during special events like the Grand Opening Weekend, food trucks are available in the Festival Plaza.
Q: Are vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free food options available at First Americans Museum?
A: Yes, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free food options are available at the First Americans Museum. The 39 Restaurant inside the museum offers Indigenous-inspired cuisine, and nearby food options such as Holey Rollers are known for their delicious gluten-free and vegan choices. Additionally, the museum hosts food trucks and other dining options that provide a variety of selections to accommodate different dietary preferences.
Health and Safety
Q: Are complementary public restrooms available at First Americans Museum?
A: Yes, the First Americans Museum offers accessible restrooms on each floor for visitors.
Q: Are dogs or pets allowed at First Americans Museum?
A: Pets are not allowed at the First Americans Museum.
Q: Are restrooms accessible at First Americans Museum?
A: Yes, restrooms at the First Americans Museum are accessible.
Q: Are service animals allowed at First Americans Museum?
A: Yes, service animals are allowed anywhere in the First Americans Museum. Pets or emotional support animals are not permitted, but service animals required due to disability are always welcome.
Q: Are there age restrictions at First Americans Museum?
A: There are no age restrictions at the First Americans Museum. The museum offers experiences suitable for all ages, including the FAMily Discovery Center, which provides immersive, family-friendly activities for everyone from ages three to 103. Children aged 3 and under receive free admission.
Q: Are there elevators or ramps at First Americans Museum?
A: Yes, the First Americans Museum has elevators on each floor to ensure accessibility. Additionally, accessible parking and restrooms are available, and free wheelchairs and motorized scooters are provided on a first-come, first-served basis.
Q: Are there restrooms at First Americans Museum?
A: Yes, the First Americans Museum has accessible restrooms available on each floor.
Q: Can I bring a stroller to First Americans Museum?
A: Yes, you can bring a stroller to the First Americans Museum. The museum is designed to be accessible and accommodating to all visitors, including those with young children.
Q: Is a designated smoking area available at First Americans Museum?
A: No, smoking or vaping is not allowed on the First Americans Museum campus, and there is no designated smoking area available.
Q: Is First Americans Museum kid-friendly?
A: Yes, the First Americans Museum is kid-friendly, offering engaging experiences suitable for families and children.
Q: Is First Americans Museum wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, the First Americans Museum is wheelchair accessible. It offers accessible parking, restrooms, and elevators on each floor. Free wheelchairs and motorized scooters are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and service animals are welcome. Most, if not all, exhibits are accessible to visitors using wheelchairs.
Q: Is visiting First Americans Museum considered physically strenuous?
A: Visiting the First Americans Museum is not described as physically strenuous. The museum provides a space for cultural expression and education, and there is no indication that the visit requires significant physical exertion.
Popularity and Crowds
Q: Is First Americans Museum usually crowded?
A: The First Americans Museum is expected to attract large crowds, especially during special events like its Grand Opening Weekend. Tickets must be purchased in advance due to anticipated high attendance, indicating that the museum is often busy with visitors.
Transportation
Q: Are rideshare apps available to go to First Americans Museum?
A: Yes, the use of rideshare services is strongly encouraged for visiting the First Americans Museum.
Q: Are there car rental options close to First Americans Museum?
A: Yes, there are car rental options near the First Americans Museum. Tesla Rental OKC, located at 10336 South Pennsylvania Avenue, Oklahoma City, offers an all-Tesla fleet with personalized service and convenient pickup and delivery options. Additionally, Enterprise Rent-A-Car has a location near the Memorial area in Oklahoma City, providing more traditional car rental services. Both options can serve visitors looking for rental cars close to the museum.
Q: Do I need a car to visit First Americans Museum or can I get there by public transportation?
A: You do not need a car to visit the First Americans Museum. Public transportation options are available, including the Oklahoma City Embark system, which features wheelchair-accessible buses, ferries, and streetcars with multiple stops throughout the city. This makes it convenient to reach the museum without driving. Additionally, free parking shuttle services are provided during special events, and rideshare services are encouraged for ease of access.
Q: How do I get to First Americans Museum from downtown?
A: The First Americans Museum is located at 659 First Americans Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK 73129, positioned along the Oklahoma River across from downtown. It is approximately 2 miles from downtown/Bricktown. You can reach the museum by traveling from downtown Oklahoma City across the river to the museum's address at First Americans Blvd.
Q: How do I get to First Americans Museum from the airport?
A: The First Americans Museum is located at 659 First Americans Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK 73129. It is approximately 5 miles from the airport. To get there, you can take a direct route from the airport heading toward downtown Oklahoma City and then proceed to the museum, which is positioned along the Oklahoma River across from downtown. Parking is available at the museum with 300 free parking spaces.
Q: How far is First Americans Museum from downtown?
A: The First Americans Museum is approximately 2 miles from downtown.
Q: How far is First Americans Museum from the airport?
A: The First Americans Museum is 5 miles from the airport.
Q: How much does it cost to park at First Americans Museum?
A: Parking at First Americans Museum is free of charge.
Q: Is the entrance to First Americans Museum easy to find?
A: Yes, the entrance to the First Americans Museum is easy to find. It is located at 659 First Americans Blvd. in Oklahoma City, positioned along the Oklahoma River across from downtown. The museum is situated at the crossroads of major interstates (35, 40, 235, and 44), making it accessible and well-marked for visitors.
Q: Is there a shuttle or tour bus that goes to First Americans Museum?
A: Yes, free parking shuttle services are available to transport visitors to and from designated parking sites during the Grand Opening Weekend of the First Americans Museum. Additionally, Crooked Oak Public Schools provides parking and shuttle services to and from the museum for $10 per vehicle, with proceeds supporting their athletic and JROTC programs.
Q: Is there free parking at First Americans Museum?
A: There is limited free parking available onsite at the First Americans Museum, primarily intended for elders, people with disabilities, pregnant visitors, or those with young children. For general visitors, overflow parking is available at Crooked Oak Public Schools with shuttle service to the museum for a $10 fee per vehicle.
Q: Is there parking available near First Americans Museum?
A: Yes, parking is available near the First Americans Museum. The museum has a parking lot with about 300 spaces, but onsite parking is limited and prioritized for elders, people with disabilities, pregnant visitors, and those with young children. During special events like the Grand Opening Weekend, no onsite parking is available except for visitors with disability placards. In such cases, overflow parking is provided at Crooked Oak Public Schools, with shuttle services running to and from the museum for a $10 fee. Free parking shuttle services are also available during event weekends, and the use of rideshare services is encouraged. Accessible parking is available as well.
Q: Is there public transportation to First Americans Museum?
A: Yes, public transportation to the First Americans Museum is available through EMBARK, the business unit of the Central Oklahoma Transportation & Parking Authority. Additionally, during the museum's Grand Opening Weekend, free parking shuttle services were provided to transport visitors between designated parking sites and the museum. The use of rideshare services is also strongly encouraged.
Q: Where is the entrance(s) to First Americans Museum?
A: The entrance to the First Americans Museum is located at 659 First Americans Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK 73129, positioned along the Oklahoma River across from downtown Oklahoma City. The museum features accessible entrances designed to accommodate all visitors, including those using wheelchairs or motorized scooters.
Travel Planning & Itineraries
Q: Are school field trips allowed at First Americans Museum?
A: Yes, school field trips are allowed at the First Americans Museum, but they tend to be scheduled on weekday mornings. However, school field trips are not permitted on Indigenous Peoples Day due to the size of the event.
Q: Can I book tickets to First Americans Museum online?
A: Yes, tickets to the First Americans Museum can be purchased online through the museum’s website. Admission for the grand opening weekend requires advance online purchase, and guests can also buy admission online or at the museum's info desk for regular visits.
Q: Can I buy tickets to First Americans Museum on-site?
A: Tickets to the First Americans Museum can be purchased on-site, but joint tickets for both the First Americans Museum and the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum are available only through in-person purchase at either museum. For the Grand Opening Weekend, tickets must be bought in advance online due to expected large crowds.
Q: Can I host a birthday or group event at First Americans Museum?
A: Yes, you can host a birthday or group event at the First Americans Museum. The museum offers several unique spaces for events, including the Hall of The People, which can accommodate up to 405 guests with various table layouts. Additionally, the FAM Xchange Theater can host up to 60 guests with high-top tables, and the FAM Theater has flexible seating arrangements for up to 200 guests or smaller setups for about 99 guests. These spaces are suitable for gatherings, celebrations, and special events.
Q: Can I rent First Americans Museum for a private event?
A: Yes, you can rent the First Americans Museum for a private event. The museum offers various event spaces including the Hall of The People, FAM Studios, meeting rooms like the FAM Alliance Lounge and FAM Sovereignty Suite, as well as the FAM Theater and FAM Xchange Theater. These spaces accommodate different group sizes and event types, from small meetings to larger gatherings. To start the rental process, you need to fill out an application and allow 48 hours for a response.
Q: Do I need tickets for First Americans Museum?
A: Yes, tickets are required for admission to the First Americans Museum. Tickets cost $5 per person, per day, and must be purchased in advance through the museum’s website. Admission is free for museum members and children under 3. Additionally, tickets are available for purchase in person at the museum, and there is also a joint ticket option available for both the First Americans Museum and the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum.
Q: Do I need to buy tickets to First Americans Museum in advance?
A: Yes, tickets to the First Americans Museum must be purchased in advance, especially for the Grand Opening Weekend, due to expected large crowds. Tickets are available exclusively through the museum’s website.
Q: Does First Americans Museum have special events?
A: Yes, the First Americans Museum hosts a vibrant calendar of special events and programs throughout the year. These include the Indigenous Pop Culture Expo (IndigiPopX) in April, celebrations for the Summer and Winter Solstices, and the Indigenous Peoples Day festival in October, featuring cultural demonstrations, educational talks, and opportunities to experience the heritage of Oklahoma's tribes firsthand. The museum also offers live demonstrations, performances, and video presentations in its theater spaces during museum hours.
Q: How long should I plan to spend at First Americans Museum?
A: You should plan to spend about 2 hours at the First Americans Museum.
Q: Is First Americans Museum suitable for large groups?
A: Yes, the First Americans Museum is suitable for large groups. It features multiple spaces that can accommodate various group sizes, including the Hall of The People which can hold up to 405 guests with different table layouts. The FAM Studios combined can accommodate up to 90 individuals, and the FAM Theater has a retractable seating capacity of 200 seats or can be arranged for up to 99 guests with tables. Additionally, there are several meeting rooms and suites with capacities ranging from 10 to 45 guests, making it versatile for both large and smaller group events.
Q: Is there a combined ticket that includes First Americans Museum and other sites?
A: Yes, there is a joint ticket available that includes admission to both the First Americans Museum and the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. These tickets can be purchased in person at either museum.
Q: What should I know before visiting First Americans Museum?
A: Before visiting the First Americans Museum, you should know that it is dedicated to honoring the cultures, traditions, and history of the 39 American Indian Nations headquartered in Oklahoma. The museum offers a unique educational experience featuring artifacts, arts, and crafts from each of these tribal nations. Visitors can explore exhibits such as the Origins Theater, which presents creation stories from four Oklahoma tribes on a 320-degree screen, and the Tribal Nations Gallery, which shares tribal origin stories and historical accounts from Native perspectives. The museum also hosts demonstrations, special events, and offers an opportunity to taste Native cuisine at its signature restaurant, Thirty Nine, which serves an Indigenous menu blending traditional foods with contemporary flavors. This museum provides a comprehensive and immersive insight into Native cultures and histories, curated by members of the tribes themselves.
Q: When is the best time of day to visit First Americans Museum?
A: The best time of day to visit the First Americans Museum is during the scheduled timed entry periods, starting from 8 a.m. on event days, as the museum operates with timed tickets to ensure ample space for social distancing. Visiting earlier in the day may help avoid limited access to exhibition galleries during busy times, especially on special event weekends. Additionally, for special events like the Winter Solstice Celebration, visiting in the late afternoon to early evening allows experiencing unique activities such as watching the sunset through the Mound tunnel.
Q: When is the best time of year to visit First Americans Museum?
A: The best time to visit the First Americans Museum is during their special events and celebrations, which occur throughout the year. Notable times include the annual Winter Solstice Celebration in December, Indigenous Peoples Day in October, and the Indigenous Pop Culture Expo (IndigiPopX) in April. These events offer unique cultural demonstrations, activities, and opportunities to engage deeply with the heritage of Oklahoma's Native American tribes. Additionally, the museum's grand opening weekend in September is a significant occasion, but regular visits can be rewarding year-round due to the museum's diverse exhibits and programs.