Things to Do at Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum

Complete Guide to Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum in Oklahoma City

About Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum

Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum offers visitors comprehensive exhibits across multiple floors with admission typically $8. Audio guides are available in multiple languages at the information desk. The soft LED lighting reveals intricate details invisible in harsh daylight while strategic lighting highlights important architectural details for an immersive educational experience. The facility serves as an important cultural hub for the local community, hosting events and educational programs throughout the year.

What to See & Do

Field of Empty Chairs

168 bronze and stone chairs representing each victim, arranged in nine rows corresponding to the building's floors. The smaller chairs for the 19 children are particularly moving.

Survivor Tree

An American elm that survived the blast and now serves as a symbol of resilience. You'll likely find it more emotionally powerful than you'd expect - there's something genuinely inspiring about its persistence.

Reflecting Pool

A shallow pool that runs between the Gates of Time, creating a sense of peaceful contemplation. The sound of flowing water adds to the memorial's surprisingly serene atmosphere.

Museum Galleries

Interactive exhibits that chronicle the events of April 19, 1995, and its aftermath. The audio recordings and personal artifacts make the story incredibly immediate and human.

Gates of Time

Twin bronze gates marking 9:01 and 9:03 AM, framing the moment of the bombing at 9:02. They're simple but effective at helping you understand the before and after of that day.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Memorial is open 24/7 year-round; Museum open Monday-Saturday 9am-6pm, Sunday 1pm-6pm (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day)

Tickets & Pricing

Memorial is free; Museum admission $15 adults, $12 seniors/military, $10 students, children 5 and under free. Online booking recommended, especially for groups

Best Time to Visit

Early morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds and better lighting. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable weather for the outdoor memorial

Suggested Duration

Plan 2-3 hours total - about 30-45 minutes for the memorial grounds and 1.5-2 hours for the museum if you take your time

Getting There

The memorial sits at 620 N Harvey Avenue in downtown Oklahoma City. Good for those driving or walking from a downtown hotel, you'll find it easy to reach through the city's reimportantized core. Parking can be tricky. There's a dedicated garage across the street, but it fills up fast on busy days. Most downtown hotels are within walking distance-and the stroll is pleasant. From Will Rogers World Airport, expect about 20 minutes by car or rideshare. The location works well. The memorial integrates well into the downtown area, so you can easily explore other parts of the city during the same trip.

Things to Do Nearby

Myriad Botanical Gardens
A 17-acre urban oasis just a few blocks away, featuring walking paths, a children's garden, and the Crystal Bridge Conservatory - a nice counterbalance to the memorial's solemnity

Bricktown Entertainment District
Oklahoma City's lively warehouse district turned entertainment hub, with restaurants, bars, and canal boat rides. About a 10-minute walk from the memorial

Oklahoma City Museum of Art
Houses an impressive collection including one of the world's largest collections of Chihuly glass. It's a short walk and offers a different kind of reflective experience

National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
A bit further out but worth the trip if you're interested in Western art and culture. It's genuinely one of the country's best museums of its kind

Oklahoma State Capitol
The only state capitol with working oil wells on its grounds. Free tours available and it's an interesting glimpse into Oklahoma's unique character

Tips & Advice

Visit the memorial first, then the museum - the outdoor experience provides important context that makes the indoor exhibits more meaningful

Bring tissues and be prepared for an emotional experience, especially if you remember the bombing or have personal connections to tragedy

The museum's audio tour is worth it - the first-person accounts and additional context really enhance the experience

Photography is allowed at the memorial but restricted in parts of the museum, so check the guidelines when you enter