Visitor Guidelines

Oklahoma Contemporary is an inclusive center for the arts where people of all ages and backgrounds can experience art, encounter new ideas and ignite their creative potential. Admission to exhibitions and most programs is free. This is your arts center, and you are always welcome here. We provide the following guidelines to help you, and all visitors, make the most of your visit.

Visit: Walk in while galleries are open. Explore upcoming programs here.

Behavior: We want everyone to feel comfortable, safe and welcome, so we have policies to protect guests, staff and the art. Please follow them and all instructions from staff. We want you to be excited and enthusiastic, but please be mindful of other visitors and respect the arts center.

Children: Participants of all ages are welcome in our galleries. We kindly request caregivers accompany and actively engage with children under the age of 14 during their entire visit, ensuring everyone can fully enjoy the experience together. Please note, performances, artists talks and events with a bar are considered adult-only programs. Only small strollers are allowed in the galleries; double strollers can be stored in our locker room.

Belongings: Please leave backpacks and large bags in your car. To keep the art safe (and dry!), umbrellas can’t be carried into the gallery.

Protecting artwork: Visit our many galleries to view, experience and explore art of all kinds. But it’s like your parents taught you: See with your eyes, not with your hands. Unless a work is clearly labeled as interactive, please don’t touch the art, frames, bases or protective coverings. To keep works safe, please view from two feet away.

Photography policy: Please, take and share photos and videos! (Tag us at @okcontemporary.) However, we ask that you refrain from using a flash, tripod or selfie stick, which can damage the art. If you’d like to arrange professional photography, please contact our Communications team. Exhibitions or works that don’t allow photography will be clearly marked.

We take photos, too! Please note that, while here, you may be photographed, or recorded. By visiting, you grant Oklahoma Contemporary permission to use photographs and/ or recordings in which you appear for archival, documentary, promotional, advertising or all other purposes.

Wheelchairs: Need some extra assistance in the building? Visitors can check out a wheelchair at the front desk.

Sketching: We’re all about creative practice and encourage you to sketch in the gallery – with pencil and small sketchpads only. Be careful not to block other guests’ view of the works.

Cell phones: Respect each other’s experience – keep your phone on silent and refrain from talking on it while in the gallery. If you need to take a call, visit the main lobby.

Food and drink: Grab a meal or cup of coffee in our café, or refuel with a bottle of water in our lobby or a packed snack in any of our outdoor spaces. But please remember food and drink are never allowed in the galleries, and no outside alcohol is allowed anywhere in the building.

Smoking: Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is not allowed inside Oklahoma Contemporary. Please use the designated smoking area at the northeast corner of our campus.

Safety: Weapons of any kind, including those permitted for concealed carry, are not allowed in Oklahoma Contemporary under Title 21, Section 1277.

These guidelines are meant to keep everyone – and all art – safe. We reserve the right to refuse admission to or remove any person whose conduct is disrespectful, abusive or doesn’t comply with the above. Thank you for your cooperation, and have a great visit!