Architecture as an art form has its secured its place in Oklahoma and one of the most significant examples is the Price Tower, located 45 miles north of Tulsa in Bartlesville. Designed by famed American architect Frank Lloyd Wright his signature organic style, Price Tower attracts visitors from across the U.S. on a daily basis.
The building is Wright’s only realized skyscraper known as, “The tree that escaped the crowded forest.” The 19-story building was designed as a vertical street where offices, residences and retail were stacked in a tall building freeing up the surrounding land for parks and recreation. Today, Price Tower is realizing Wright’s dream as the home of several business offices, the Inn at Price Tower bed and breakfast, Copper Restaurant + Bar, and Price Tower Arts Center, all of which attracted 45,000 visitors in 2018. This year, the city of Bartlesville will be constructing a community park akin to Guthrie Green next to the tower which will emphasize this location as a central gathering place even more.
Price Tower is a national historic landmark and a Frank Lloyd Wright masterpiece. The fact that visitors can dine, spend the night, or attend art gallery openings and exhibitions is unique … and, it’s located in Tulsa’s backyard.
Docent-led tours are conducted Tuesday through Sunday. Copper Restaurant + Bar is also open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Saturday. And, the Price Tower Arts Center is open Monday through Sunday with special openings and community events posted on Facebook and PriceTower.org. The current exhibition is “Material Pulses: Seven Viewpoints,” an exhibition focused on the art of quilt-making featuring works from contemporary textile artists. Future events supporting the preservation and operation of Price Tower include the Tower Gala set for March 1, 2019.