Art Best Budget Friendly Art Deco Architecture Tours in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Has it ever seemed to you as though you had stumbled into a city that had transformed itself into a real-life museum, yet without the price tag to get in? Tulsa, Oklahoma, just has this feel about it. When I first drove around the downtown area for the first time in this city, I had no choice but to pull over to catch my breath due to the awe inspiring appearance of this skyline.
The skyline was like an almost silent buzz emanating from this metropolis, one that echoed with the spirits of the Roaring Twenties.
You, thankfully, do not need to be loaded with cash to savor it. Actually, seeking out cheap art deco tours in Tulsa, Oklahoma, isn’t a challenging task, as it happens, at all.
Best Budget Friendly Art Deco Architecture Tours in Tulsa, Oklahoma
Why Tulsa is a Secret Art Deco Wonderland
You know, New York City and Miami might be what comes to mind for many people when they hear Art Deco. But believe it or not, Tulsa has got it beat. Seriously! All it takes is a little oil wealth and being in the right place at the right time.
In the 1920s and 30s, oil was literally gushing into Tulsa’s coffers, and the city’s prominent figures, as one would expect, wanted their architectural style to reflect their enormous success. The perfect answer was the new Art Deco – a style defined by optimistic symmetry and bold, geometric forms. It turns out, in a city the size of Tulsa, you may be able to find more Art Deco buildings than anywhere in America! Take a walk through its highly concentrated and incredibly walk-able downtown district and you’ll spot everything from imposing skyscrapers to more understated buildings with unique decorative details.
Tulsa Art Deco and Architecture with Expert Guide Walking Tour
If you only have time for one tour in Tulsa, do this one. More than a mere tour, it’s a tour through time that decodes how Tulsa’s famous skyline was born. A 2-hour walking tour and a tour that ranks among the city’s most popular for all the right reasons, it’s offered by Tulsa Tours – local guides and citizens whose love for their city’s history and unique access to its hidden sites and building interiors is infectious.
They have the keys, and it turns out, they’ll let you use them to go places others only see from outside.
Tour highlights include: Interior Access You’re not just seeing building facades; you’ll be walking inside several opulent and breathtaking art deco building lobbies some of them restricted access and off-limits to the public!
Great Storytellers: Jeff and Becky and the guides with Tulsa Tours receive glowing reviews for their animated and insightful storytelling, digging deep into the lore of the oil tycoons, their architects, cultural shifts and even hidden meanings in some building motifs. It is truly a rags-to-riches narrative.
All the Must-Sees: You’ll get a chance to see, from inside and out, such architectural gems as the Philcade, Philtower, atlas life buildings and the Pythian buildings and their amazing lobbies which many view as the true treasures of Tulsa architecture.
The Best Part: The Price!
The affordable part: the rich history, all that knowledge and unique places to access can be experienced for about $49 to $54/adult. The tour guides mention that children under 13 will join their families for free on specific tours. Meeting Point: The tour starts at 511 S Boston Ave where The Philcade Building resides. Grab some caffeine from Topeca Coffee located right next door.
Top Budget Friendly Alternatives
Maybe you want a different vibe, or perhaps the guided tour is booked up. Don’t worry, Tulsa has plenty of other budget-friendly ways to get your Art Deco fix.
The “Art Walk Tulsa’s Mural Tornado” (App-Based Tour)
Let’s go modern and casual with this one. This app will take you on a 1.5-hour tour of street art in Tulsa for just $14.99. This tour is more about how to explore all of the colorful artwork, rather than the history of it all.
This would be awesome for kids or an activity you want to play by your own rules.
Price: $14.99/person. Vibe: Relaxed and interactive! Best For: Families, chill travellers, artists.
The Ultimate Freebie A Self Guided Walking Tour
Best Free Way: Tulsa’s Deco District If you’re aiming for “budget friendly,” you can’t beat free! The Tulsa Deco District is extremely walkable, and lots of the greatest decorative parts could be seen from the street – you can easily create your personal do-it-yourself tour with some on-line research on the structures you need to see. “Free Walk” Professional Ideas: What You Can’t Miss Don’t skip the Boston Avenue United Methodist Church.
This is a beautiful “Gothic Deco” gem, and so they offer free docent-led excursions on Sundays at midday.
The Philcade Building Lobby: You can probably duck into the lobby of the Philcade Building to admire the marbled partitions and gilded ceilings, even if you’re not on the full tour.
DECOPOLIS Art Deco Museum & Shop
Found in the Philcade Building, DECOPOLIS is an absolutely delightful and eccentric museum with a mission of preserving the look of the city. Not only is it an excellent way to see some cool Art Deco relics, it is a museum you can explore all on your own with self-guided tour.
The highlight: DECOPOLIS costs absolutely nothing to visit. Plus: you can stop at their gift shop for some very interesting Tulsa souvenirs.
Essential Tips for Your Tulsa Art Deco Adventure
Tips to Have a Terrific Time : Book The Guided Tour Ahead : The knowledgeable guides’ walking tour is always an easy favorite among visitors; book as far in advance as possible to avoid disappointed faces especially on weekend tours : Wear comfortable footwear : This journey involves walking. Your tour guides are typically moving approximately 1 mile in the open air at a pace suitable for ambling , though this can be up to two hours. Plan accordingly : Pay attention to the climate : Tulsa is home to varied weather conditions so an umbrella or light coat is not an outmoded thought!
The walking tours are outdoors (though some include shelter) .
The talented guides can often work in shady areas for some comfort, though better a cautious move : It’s easy to get around. If traveling by car: Weekend parking in the city is completely free on most streets. Several economical garages in the downtown area are also options, especially during the weekday :
Conclusion
Tulsa is an art deco lover’s paradise, and you don’t need to be flush with cash to enjoy its splendor. You can choose to have an upmarket tour by joining one of the top-rated guided walks or just create your own cheapie self-guided art deco tour. Tulsa has amazing architecture for all budgets.
Ready for a visit of the “Terrific Tulsa” skyine? Have you taken an art deco tour in Tulsa before? Do let us know your fave buildings in the comments, or any cool hints to have, as well as passing the post on to all your travel pals! Happy travelling!
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best time of year to take a walking tour in Tulsa?
The best times for a walking tour are spring and fall when temperatures are mild and comfortable for exploring . Weekday mornings are also a great choice to avoid larger crowds and get better photos .
Are the Art Deco walking tours suitable for people with mobility issues?
Most tours are not wheelchair accessible as they involve walking and often include navigating stairs . It’s best to check with the tour operator in advance to confirm accessibility and plan accordingly .
Can I bring my children on the Art Deco tour?
Yes! The public guided tour from Tulsa Tours is geared for adults, but kids under 13 can often attend for free . The self-guided options, like exploring murals, are also great for families.
How long does a typical Art Deco walking tour last?
The most popular guided walking tours are about 2 hours long . This provides a perfect balance of seeing key sites and storytelling without being too exhaustive.
Is it possible to see Art Deco architecture in Tulsa for free?
Absolutely. You can take a free self-guided walking tour of the Deco District . The Boston Avenue United Methodist Church offers free guided tours on Sundays , and the DECOPOLIS museum is free to enter .
What is the main Art Deco district in Tulsa called?
The main area is simply called the Deco District. It’s located in downtown Tulsa and is where the majority of the city’s most impressive Art Deco buildings are concentrated .
What is the “insider access” mentioned on the Tulsa Tours?
This refers to their ability to take tour groups into the lobbies of select buildings that are normally closed to the public . This is a highlight of the paid tour, allowing you to see incredible interior details you’d otherwise miss.