Oklahoma Museum of Music and Popular Culture comes to center stage, brings widespread support

5.9.2011
The Chamber is seeking local and legislative support for the Oklahoma Museum of Music and Popular Culture, a 67,000 square-foot museum dedicated to the creative spirit of Oklahomans.

With a potential site identified in the downtown Brady Arts District, the OK POP Museum has quickly become less of an idea, and more of a hot issue. 

The two major motivational factors for establishing the museum are simple: honor the people and culture of Oklahoma, and give Tulsa another economic impact gem similar to ONEOK Field and the BOK Center.

According to the Chamber’s economist, Bob Ball, the economic impact could be as much as $56.5 million in the first year of construction, which would also create approximately 213 jobs supporting another 178 jobs. Ball estimates the museum, once up and running, will create 549 jobs, ranging from food service and restaurants to museum staff. These 549 jobs would support an additional 187 positions. Plus, total sales taxes are estimated at $1.8 million.

On top of job growth and local economic impact, the museum's ability to attract visitors and guests would bring an additional boost to the economy, something Lt. Gov. Todd Lamb mentioned at the Chamber’s Legislative Briefing Breakfast last Friday. Lamb said the museum's conference alone would bring an additional economic impact.

“Tourism is the third highest grossing industry in our state,” said Lamb. “We beat Texas in football; we need to beat them in economic development.”

Stories featured in the museum will include Wild West Shows, movies, radio, television, illustration, literature, and Route 66 - all connected to a sense of time and place through the language of music. The OK Pop will be built and managed by the Oklahoma Historical Society, a statewide organization that opened the Smithsonian-affiliated Oklahoma History Center five years ago.

The Oklahoma Historical Society is requesting the $40 million bond issue from the State of Oklahoma, which will be matched by an $8 million private fundraising campaign, which has already been launched with a $1 million challenge grant from the George Kaiser Family Foundation.

As the state delegation weighs bond issues that support the Oklahoma City region, museum advocates are pushing for equal consideration of Tulsa and the OK POP Museum.

“This project is not about Tulsa, but about Oklahomans being proud of Oklahomans,” said Mike Neal, president and CEO. “This is a state rich in creative talent and Oklahomans should proudly display its impact on the music and entertainment industries.”

Oklahomans like Kristen Chenoweth, Reba McIntyre, Vince Gill and so many others have already pledged their support of the museum, giving the local donations and support a much greater impact.

“Investing in Oklahoma’s future now by supporting the OK Pop project will help us leap-frog past states in which we compete for jobs, workforce, and citizens,” said Mike Neal, Tulsa Metro Chamber President and CEO. “The return on investment is measured in tax dollars, but this is a top-tier project intended to reinforce our image as a top-tier state in which to do business, visit, work, and raise a family.” 

Oklahoma stars’ Vice Gill and Kristin Chenoweth voice support of the project:

OKPOP Press Release

OKPOP White Paper

OKPOP Star Map

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