Museum & Gardens

Monday Closed
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday 9am-5pm
Thursday 9am-5pm
Friday 9am-9pm
Saturday 9am-5pm
Sunday 9am-5pm

Philbrook Gardens

Recently named “the most beautiful place in Oklahoma” by House Beautiful Magazine, the 25-acre Philbrook Gardens provide a setting like no other. A little piece of Tuscany in Tulsa.

About the Gardens

No tour of Philbrook is complete without a walk through the gardens and grounds. The essence of the garden design complements Villa Philbrook, with outdoor spaces for viewing nature. The south garden offers a sensory garden complete with sitting spaces framed in wrought-iron arches that mimic those found in Villa Philbrook.

Much of the garden and grounds are accessible for those using a wheelchair or mobility device. Some paths have uneven surfaces. Download a map of the campus that marks accessible routes.

The formal gardens that descend to the tempietto were part of the original design and construction, while the gardens extending to the summerhouse at the south of the property were conceived later and completed in 2004.

Garden FAQ

Q:

Is it free to visit the gardens?

A:

The Philbrook gardens are included in the cost of general admission. Philbrook Members and youth 17 and under always receive free general admission.

For admission costs and a full list of available discounts, view the Admission section of the Plan Your Visit page.

Q:

Are your galleries and gardens wheelchair accessible?

A:

Both Philbrook locations, as well as much of our gardens, are wheelchair accessible and ADA compliant. The parking garage at our main location offers ADA compliant parking on the upper level. Our front-desk staff can answer any questions you have regarding accessibility.

We also have a limited number of wheelchairs available for our guests, free of charge.

Q:

Can I walk on the grass?

A:

Guests are encouraged to explore the vast, wooded lawn. Please remain on the paths in the formal
gardens.

Q:

Can I bring my dog?

A:

Pets and therapy animals are not permitted in our galleries, gardens, or grounds. Service animals are permitted.

Q:

Can I picnic in the gardens?

A:

Yes. Please dispose of all waste in receptacles. Food and drink are not permitted in the galleries.

Q:

I’m an artist. Am I allowed to draw and paint during my visit?

A:

Drawing is permitted in the galleries, but you may paint in the gardens and grounds. Please review our Artist Guidelines before your visit and call us at (918) 748-5300 if you have any questions.

Q:

Is photography allowed?

A:

Personal photography is encouraged at both Philbrook locations. Flash and photography equipment (tripods, monopods, selfie sticks, etc.) are not permitted. Please contact us at (918) 748-5300 for information about posed photography sessions (portrait, bridal, prom, group, etc.) or professional and commercial photography.

Victory Garden

This garden yields hundreds of pounds of herbs and produce, some of which goes into the dishes of Kitchen 27, the Philbrook restaurant, while the rest is donated to The Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma, and Food on the Move. The garden is anchored by a geodesic dome designed by Los Angeles artist Chris Kallmyer.

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Garden Cats

For many guests, the most popular attraction in the Philbrook Gardens is our cat, Cleome. While she does provide some level of pest control, her main job is to bring smiles to the faces of visitors and provide an endless amount of social media gold. Look for her on your next visit.

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Cabin

Philbrook is proud to partner with award-winning artist Karl Unnasch to present SLUMGULLION (The Venerate Outpost), a full-scale log cabin built from the skeleton of a late-1800s pioneer home.

This permanent installation will inspire and facilitate programming, creating a gathering space both natural and enchanting. SLUMGULLION provides a highly aesthetic and intriguing space for a new genre of provocative and rewarding experiences.

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Open-Hour Photography Permits (Gardens only)

  • Visitors wishing to conduct posed photography sessions (portrait, prom, group, proposal, etc.) in the Gardens during regular museum hours may do so with the purchase of an Open-Hours Photography Permit.
  • Permits are available to groups of up to 10 people (includes photographers) for $50/hour. If the 1-hour timeframe is exceeded, guests may incur additional fees at check-out.
  • A single tripod or monopod and a single reflecting screen are permitted in addition to a camera and camera bag. Additional equipment and changes of clothing are not permitted.
  • Permits are non-exclusive and contingent on availability. Philbrook reserves the right to limit the number of photographers and limit access to certain areas of the Gardens and grounds at any time during a session.

All photography permits must be booked and paid in advance. Groups of 10+ may be asked to schedule an After-Hours Photography Session. For more information about photography and for pricing, please contact us at (918) 748-5303.

Gardens Activity Guide

There are endless ways to experience the 25 beautiful acres of the Philbrook Gardens. Here are some of our favorites. Make your own.

  1. Bust out the brushes. Paint in the Garden.
  2. Roll down the hill.
  3. Be an insect explorer. Catalog your findings.
  4. Read a book in the shade.
  5. Explore the areas around Crow Creek. See what’s new.
  6. Play card games by the rock fireplace.
  7. Find all four bridges. Play Have a leaf race. Drop a leaf into the creek on one side of the bridge and go to the other side. See whose leaf comes out first.
  8. Stand in an open space. Run around Sound of Music-style. Singing optional.
  9. Lay down. Find shapes in the clouds
  10. Search for wildlife.
  11. Be a statue. Take a pic. Share with #philbrook.
  12. Bring a mat. Do yoga.
  13. Be quiet. Listen to the soothing sounds of running water
  14. Find a four-leafed clover. We’ve done it. They’re out there.
  15. Pet a Garden Cat.
  16. See what’s growing in the Secret Garden.
  17. Find the flower inlaid into the stonework path. Look closely.
  18. “Reflect” at the Tempietto. Tulsa’s best spot for “me time” or “we time.”
  19. Picnic in the garden. Bring your own or pick up something at Kitchen 27.

Weddings

Philbrook Museum of Art is a unique and romantic setting for weddings and celebrations of all sizes. With indoor and outdoor facilities available, the “most beautiful place in Oklahoma” provides numerous opportunities and customizations throughout the journey to your big day. Take advantage of one or more of these opportunities. Create memories that last a lifetime.

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Photography

Photographers who wish to use Philbrook’s Gardens and grounds are required to become Photography Members or pay a one-time user fee and schedule in advance.

Unless otherwise indicated, general admission visitors may take personal-use snapshots during their visit. Flash photography is not permitted.

 

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Picnic

You may picnic in the Philbrook Gardens any time during normal Museum hours. Pick up something in the restaurant. Bring something from home. Make it special.

Garden Lights

During Philbrook Festival, the Museum’s annual holiday celebration, the Philbrook Gardens glow with tens of thousands of lights. Philbrook.org/festival

Sculpture

Stroll and see. The Westby Sculpture Walk features a variety of three-dimensional work installed on the museum grounds by artists from around the globe. Make sure to strike a pose and become a sculpture on the selfie platform.

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