OSU Museum of Art — Attraction in Stillwater

Update: I originally rated the museum as 2 stars based on the original review below. Today we again visited the art museum as a small homeschool group. We were greeted at the front desk and signed in to participate in the "drop in and draw" activity. We browsed art, sketched when inspired, and visited the children's area to create phantom images and work with Montessori and art inspired educational toys. We arrived at approximately 1:00, and left just before 3:00. There were 2 adults, and 4 children aged 10, 8, 4, and 2. Employees were stationed to observe, but we were greeted warmly, and no one shouted at us for looking at art. This was a much improved experience, and we were able to explore the exhibits and make observations, as well as create our own art. Original review: We arrived at approximately noon on Wednesday. I brought my 4 and 9 year old homeschooled children as a field trip to learn about art, and one of the focuses of math and geometry in art. They have been looking forward to this visit for a month. We used to come here quite often and it was great for young children. There used to be an art area near the front that would change regularly, as well as a play area with Waldorf and Montessori style learning toys, as well as Friday storytimes. When we arrived, and throughout our visit, we were seemingly the only non-employees there. I was told at the front desk to take pictures and was advised to keep my kids close. We started exploring, and in the first room, my kids were talking about how they could try the art styles at home. I leaned over to look at a cardboard chair, and was quickly admonished by an employee because my shoe was over the black line on the floor. I hadn't previously noticed the line. There was no signage or verbal direction anywhere about staying behind the line. I had been certain not to touch or bother the exhibit in any way. The employee then hovered around us and made me feel nervous. I continually reminded my kids not to touch things or move over the black lines. They were still enjoying themselves and making amazingly insightful comments about the Leon Polk Smith exhibit. They were quiet, calm, orderly, staying next to me. Then when my oldest son pointed at one of the works of art, he accidentally touched the frame of the picture. I reminded him to be very careful and not touch anything. The employee came and spoke directly to my son, when I was standing next to him and should have been approached as the adult. She told him not to touch the art. At this point I was very frustrated. My children were being so well behaved and we were trying to have a learning experience. We were just rushed at and admonished so quickly both of these times. I quickly asked my children if they were ready to leave and we left, without viewing the rest of the museum. To me, the art museum is no longer welcoming to children or an interactive place for them, and it is very sad. There are constantly less places in this town to take kids to learn. We have visited here many times in the past, as well as the Museum of Modern Art in NYC, and many, many more museums and art museums across Oklahoma and the United States through the years and this was by far the most stressful and unenjoyable visit. We will go to the OKC Museum of Art within the next couple of weeks to accomplish what we...

I always visit the Oklahoma State Museum of Art and truly enjoy it. But today, something very upsetting happened. I was with my daughter observing the artworks when a staff member told us not to get too close. I was standing at least one meter away from the piece. Other visitors were much closer, even taking photos, and she said nothing to them—only to us. We were speaking another language.

This is not the first time this staff member has made us feel uncomfortable. In previous visits to other exhibitions, she would constantly watch me in a very intimidating and disturbing way. Today, it was too much. My daughter and I felt so embarrassed and unwelcome that we couldn't even finish the exhibition.

The children’s activities are excellent. But as for the exhibitions, it’s hard to enjoy them when we are not even allowed to look freely, always feeling watched and judged. It was a very...

You know what’s even better than a great art museum? A great art museum that’s free!

When I came by, they had an exhibition from Benjamin Harjo Jr. who just passed away last year in 2023. This display honored the life and legacy of a great Oklahoman, and graduate of Oklahoma State.

The other exhibition was to commemorate their anniversary by displaying permanent collection pieces from all over the world, not only in the visual arts, but also works of craftsmanship.

Thanks for having me today and congratulations on your 10 year anniversary! I’ll have to come back soon when you have those displays up that were under construction...