Red Earth Museum: Celebrating Native American culture
Located in downtown Oklahoma City, the Red Earth Museum is home to a collection of more than 1,600 pieces of traditional and contemporary fine art, pottery, jewelry, basketry, textiles, beadwork and more. Operated by Red Earth, Inc., the museum mission is to be a resource for art and cultural events for the community, also to provide a venue for Native American artists to market and sell their work to the public.
The museum hosts several major events each year, including the Red Earth Native American Cultural Festival and the Allie Reynolds Memorial Golf Tournament. Other events include a parade, 5K run and a youth art competition.
Originally opened in 1978, the museum was called the Center of the American Indian and was located at the Kirkpatrick Center Museum Complex, which is known today as Science Museum Oklahoma. The new downtown location has allowed the museum to have a more significant presence in the community with annual cultural events and exhibits that focus the Native American way of life. The museum receives around 300,000 visitors each year.
The museum exhibits are enjoyable for all ages and there are several hands-on exhibits designed especially for children. There are a variety of educational activities to enjoy including the art demonstrations, storytelling, basket weaving and other traditional Native American methods of art.
Red Earth, Inc. was awarded a grant to develop and administer an educational initiative called R-E-A-C-H (Resources for Educating in Arts, Culture & Heritage), which is dedicated to developing a range of educational offerings and activities. The major goals of R-E-A-C-H are to design curriculum, develop an interactive kiosks system and develop a training program for educators. Once completed, these resources will provide valuable tools and information to educators.
Admission to the museum is free and visitors can enjoy self-guided tours through the permanent and rotating exhibits and for school groups, call ahead to schedule a group tour. A great way to get involved with the museum efforts is to become a member. The museum offers several levels of membership with benefits, including discounts on merchandise, invitations to receptions and special events and other gifts. Visit the Red Earth Museum website for more information on events and membership opportunities.
HelloMetro Tip: While in the downtown area, you’ll find live entertainment, canal water taxi rides and other entertainment venues. Popular restaurants include Mickey Mantle’s Steakhouse and Toby Keith's I Love This Bar & Grill. The museum is also just a short walk from the Harkins Theatre and the RedPin Restaurant and Bowling Lounge.
Posted by Jennifer Pruett
