Philbrook Plans Clean Start with Phased Reopening Strategy

June 6 Tentative Date for Phase 1 (Gardens)

APRIL 30, 2020 –TULSA, OK– Plans are underway for Philbrook Museum of Art to begin a phased reopening tentatively beginning with GARDENS ONLY on Saturday, June 6, 2020 to members with timed entry and limited capacity. A public open date will start Wednesday, June 17, 2020.

Since the initial closure due to COVID-19 precautions, the Philbrook team has been hard at work crafting a safe strategy that puts people first, both staff and guests.

The reopening strategy will line up directly with the lifting of the citywide restrictions and the directions of public health officials. In the interim, museum staff are using the time to implement appropriate safety and cleaning protocols.

Philbrook will follow the guidance of the CDC and local officials and face coverings will most likely be recommended (and perhaps required) alongside social distancing guidelines when the campus reopens.  

“We are well aware that the museum experience will be different for an indeterminate time,” says Philbrook President and CEO Scott Stulen. “But different doesn’t mean diminished. We are working daily to maximize that experience when the doors reopen. We will find a myriad of new opportunities during this clean start.”

Interior spaces will open incrementally and under suggested guidelines for social distancing and crowd size limitations. This will happen only after the Gardens have been open and further safety assessments made.

The Museum’s restaurant, Kitchen 27, will remain closed until further notice. The Philbrook Museum Shop is currently closed to the public but will reopen for curbside pickup Wednesday, May 6. Guests can shop a wide selection of items every day at shop.philbrook.org.

All dates, plans, and policies are subject to change based on new information and guidance from city health officials.

Please stay connected to Philbrook via social media and Philbrook.org for further updates and information on the phased reopening.

FAQs

When will Philbrook reopen?

Philbrook will reopen in a phased approach when the citywide restrictions are lifted, museum staff have the time to implement appropriate safety protocols/procedures to protect staff and visitors, and Philbrook Board and Leadership deem safe and appropriate. Tentatively we are planning for reopening the gardens to Philbrook members starting June 6th. On June 17, we expect to open to the public. All ticketing will be done online and with select timeframes.

What is Philbrook doing to ensure the safety of staff and guests?

On-site staff practice social distancing according to CDC guidelines. Restrooms, elevators, doors, knobs, rails, handles, and other high-touch surfaces are being disinfected multiple times daily. When Philbrook reopens, the Museum will do so incrementally and under the restrictions for social distancing and crowd size limitations.

Is Kitchen 27 serving food?

Kitchen 27 is currently closed to the public and will reopen in a later phase. Follow Philbrook and Kitchen 27 on social media for updates.

Is the Museum Shop open?

The Museum Shop is currently closed to the public but will reopen for curbside pickup Wednesday, May 6. Guests can also shop a selection of items at shop.philbrook.org.

Will Films on the Lawn take place this year?

Staff members are working hard to determine how to safely move forward with film programs this summer. Philbrook will follow the lead of local/state officials while adhering to CDC guidelines. Details for the season are forthcoming.

Do I need to wear a mask when I visit?

Philbrook will follow the guidance of the CDC and local officials and face coverings will most likely be recommended (and perhaps required) alongside social distancing guidelines when the campus reopens.

Will Art Camp return this summer?

All onsite Summer Art Camps scheduled to take place in June and July 2020 have been cancelled. However, Museum staff are hard at work on some exciting virtual alternatives. The Museum will release more information as soon as details are finalized.