Sometimes the most unique attractions can be found in your own hometown. With more people staying in town this summer people are creating vacation-worthy activities for the family and touring Tulsa’s murals might be the ticket for a fun-filled day.
Found primarily on the sides of old buildings in downtown Tulsa and the Arts District, the murals are bigger than life, extremely colorful, and range from photo realism to abstract. In fact, the artistry will impress you.
Tulsa newcomer, Jeffrey Tanenhaus, moved here from New York City four years ago where he was a tour guide. He loved Tulsa's murals so much that he created a free, self-guided tour for people to use themselves. He thought the self-guided mural tour would be fun for people who wanted to get out of the house during the Coronavirus pandemic but still stay socially-distanced and safe.
Woody Guthrie mural
102 E. Reconciliation Way, Tulsa Arts Center (across from Guthrie Green)
Artist: Aaron Whisner
The famed folk singer of “This Land is Your Land” hails from Oklahoma. Woody Guthrie (1912-67) sang about social, political and economic issues of his day. Time spent in New York City, Los Angeles and the heartland shaped lyrics that rang true across America. This building houses the Woody Guthrie Center, a museum and archive full of Woody’s music and memorabilia, including handwritten lyrics to the song memorialized on this mural.
Leon Russell Mural
415 E. 3rd Street, Blue Dome District
Artist: Jeks
A youthful Leon Russell surrounded by a bouquet of roses looks ready to come to life. Jeks, a graffiti artist and muralist from North Carolina, spent three days painting this Tulsa rock legend. Jeks has made a name for himself globally for his hyper-realistic portraits. The amount of meticulous detail, smooth gradients, emotion and saturation make his murals stand out.
Astronaut mural
415 E. 3rd Street, Blue Dome District
Artist: Jeks
Another Jeks masterpiece, this far-out mural has a fish-eye reflection of the Blue Dome and Deco District skyscrapers. The arm patch for Tulsa Remote refers to the nonprofit incentive program to lure remote workers to live in Tulsa for one year in exchange for $10,000 and other perks.
Cathedral District mural
1004 S. Main St.
Artist: Josh Butts
In between Cathedral Square and the popular coffee shop, Foolish Things, this vibrant mural brightens up a quiet corner of downtown. Against the backdrop of nearby churches (and one cathedral), God reaches out to give Adam life — the most famous scene from Michelangelo’s frescos on the Sistine Chapel ceiling. "This is a visual of God reaching out to humanity and humanity reaching back," Butts said.
Welcome to the Heart of the Pearl mural
Peoria, North of 6th Street
Artist: Josh Butts
What makes this mural so different is that the artist painted it digitally. Josh Butts used a special pen that connects to his computer. It took him several months to create the mural which gives a “Pirates of the Caribbean” vibe.
Want to see more murals? Visit the online map at Tulsa.Tours.
“I love architecture, history and meeting people, so I thought why not start a tour company to help visitors and locals enjoy Tulsa,” -Tulsa Tours founder, JeffreyTanenhaus
Tulsa Tours provides outings through the Deco District, Tulsa's tunnels and downtown. They even provide custom tours. Guided tours are $20 per person.
