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Not sure if this was posted but I guess the corner will be illuminated

Took a tour of the building yesterday. Completely understand that the exterior cladding is not for everyone but count me as a fan. It will be neat to see, especially for people that drive by on a daily basis, how the light reflects off the building throughout the day and on one day to the next. The difference from when we started the tour to when we left was very noticeable. The interior is very impressive. Even though there are few windows the light throughout the space is gorgeous and the areas that are closer to being finished are looking like very high quality modern design. I'm far from an expert but it seems like each space is well designed for its intended purpose.

I feel like an idiot never really knowing much about, visiting, or utilizing OK Contemporary even though I've lived in OKC much of my life and suspect this is largely due to its current/soon-to-be previous location. But I expect the new building will be a boon to its programming and that the space will be a VERY popular event space after it opens. Hopefully there will be movement on the Dolese space in the relatively near future though, as many of the views face that direction.

^

Thanks for all that info.

And yes, they have been almost invisible at the fairgrounds and this beautiful new space and great location will bring tons more interest.

I personally love contemporary art and very much look forward to this place.

^

Thanks for all that info.

And yes, they have been almost invisible at the fairgrounds and this beautiful new space and great location will bring tons more interest.

I personally love contemporary art and very much look forward to this place.

Looking forward to it as well. I was unaware of all the classes they put on - for both children and adults - for the community and for all sorts of mediums, not to mention the exhibits, concerts, etc.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/contemporary101419a.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/okcontemporary111019a.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/contemporary120819a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/contemporary120819b.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/contemporary120819c.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/contemporary120819d.jpg

This looks really good in person. Really stands out in that area in a good way.

https://i.imgur.com/rRE7uhX.jpg

I saw it last night and found it captivating. I hadn't like what I'd seen of it so far, but last night seeing it lit up it really works and was impressive and visually engaging.

https://i.imgur.com/FV4cKm3.jpg

Getting very close; they open next month:

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/contemporary022220a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/contemporary022220b.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/contemporary022220c.jpg

This is a pretty good podcast interview with some OCAC people, courtesy of the Lost Ogle. Good detail on what their plans are in the near future:
https://www.thelostogle.com/2020/02/20/we-talked-oklahoma-contemporary-with-jeremiah-matthew-davis-and-lori-brooks/

I hope they take care of those trees so they grow big and strong to cover up that parking lot.

This is a very nice addition to the arts culture of the city

It looks great in person and they do a tremendous amount of programming, so lots of interesting classes will be available.

They open March 12th.

the building looks great in person, especially as the sun sets. the light on the building changes in the evening and I really am impressed. I was skeptical when the siding starting to go up.

I am confused. Why is the entrance not facing broadway? So much for embracing its largest amenity : Downtown.

The skin looks nice. It's more a sculpture than architecture, but maybe that was the point. I think this project violates every urban design principle, and it shows. The site plan is terrible, but most people probably won't care. I bet the museum will be incredible which is the purpose. This project isn't for everyone, but I do appreciate the good things achieved here. There is nothing like it in Oklahoma.

I am confused. Why is the entrance not facing broadway?

because Rand

The entrance faces their other building which will be used for all types of classes.

There is an illuminated element to the design that faces Broadway.

I am confused. Why is the entrance not facing broadway? So much for embracing its largest amenity : Downtown.

The skin looks nice. It's more a sculpture than architecture, but maybe that was the point. I think this project violates every urban design principle, and it shows. The site plan is terrible, but most people probably won't care. I bet the museum will be incredible which is the purpose. This project isn't for everyone, but I do appreciate the good things achieved here. There is nothing like it in Oklahoma.

Yaaaaassssssss.

that is a bonkers amount of parking. i don't have much room to talk as i commute to work roughly 25 minutes every day... but still, for being located in automobile alley with no parking minimums that's just excessive

i too was thinking that was too much parking. WHY??? does everything in OKC need to be designed with so much parking???? this is the CORE of OKC, come on people. Build a darn garage (with undergrhound spaces/link) if you want parking.

At the very least, at least the parking here is behind the structure and not on Broadway. But still. Come on OKC.

Can always convert a surface parking lot later.

Fail at parking from the beginning and the whole project is in jeopardy.

That’s why. Or everyone can keep angry ranting on the internet. Either way.

Can always convert a surface parking lot later.

Fail at parking from the beginning and the whole project is in jeopardy.

That’s why. Or everyone can keep angry ranting on the internet. Either way.

Agree. Its as if every downtown “core” venue is solely supported by downtowners without cars.

I think its cool looking. My only concern is how the sun will react in those long hot sunny summer periods we get. But it will be popular.

Great point on parking can be converted later and it needs parking to get a great foothold.

Can always convert a surface parking lot later.

Fail at parking from the beginning and the whole project is in jeopardy.

That’s why. Or everyone can keep angry ranting on the internet. Either way.

Agree. Its as if every downtown “core” venue is solely supported by downtowners without cars.

I think its cool looking. My only concern is how the sun will react in those long hot sunny summer periods we get. But it will be popular.

Great point on parking can be converted later and it needs parking to get a great foothold.

Sounds like a case of induced demand to me.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/okcontemporary031120a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/okcontemporary031120b.jpg

^

Awesome!! Thanks Shawn.

GRAND OPENING

We can't wait to welcome you to our new home! In addition to the March 12 Opening Celebration (an immersive, ticketed event for our friends who are 21 and up ), our opening festivities include:

Ribbon Cutting | 10 a.m. Friday, March 13
Grand Opening | Friday - Sunday, March 13-15
Join us as we officially open our doors to the public! We’ll celebrate the moment with OKC dignitaries, friends, family and all our supporters at 10 a.m. Friday – and then encourage visitors to explore the building and grounds, the inaugural exhibition, register for Studio School classes, watch live artist demos and more. We'll be open until 9 p.m. March 13 and March 14.

As we expect a crowd for these events, on-site parking may be limited. One fun option: Hop on the Oklahoma City Streetcar, which will be running for free all weekend to celebrate our opening, and jump off at the Art Park stop. There are parking options all over the route, but one recommendation is the Arts District Garage, with two nearby stops.

Visit us at your leisure | March 16 and beyond
Our gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday; and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday. Our galleries are closed on Tuesday.

Our café is open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day except Tuesday. Our store is open 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday; and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Thursday.

We'll offer free daily public tours each day the gallery is open: 12:30 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday.

Learn more about our free public programs (including Thursday Night Late and Second Saturday) here: https://oklahomacontemporary.org/learn/public-programs

Sounds like a case of induced demand to me.
Yes. Build a great new cultural center and people will want to come from all over the city to experience it. That induces driving and ultimately parking. That drives many posters crazy.

Because of the destination, its location, and the possible usefulness of this lot to the the old coffee building on 11th, I have less of an issue with this lot, though this site does have lots of street parking options and it's literally a stop on the streetcar route so has easy access to other options on the route.

I think I saw on Twitter they're considering delaying their opening.

From their Twitter feed:


Oklahoma Contemporary @OKContemporary 32m
Due to evolving public health concerns surrounding COVID-19, Oklahoma Contemporary is temporarily postponing all events tied to our opening week – the Opening Celebration, Grand Opening and regular opening hours. (1/3)


We plan to reschedule all festivities when all our visitors will feel welcome and comfortable. This decision is made in consultation with city, state and medical officials, with an eye toward civic responsibility and out of an abundance of caution. (2/3)


We appreciate your understanding as we navigate this ongoing situation, and we look forward to welcoming you soon. (3/3)

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/okcontemporary040420a.jpg

I will admit it turned out better than expected...the whole area looks good!

OK Contemporary was approved for PPP (not a judgement, just an FYI)

16234

According to this article this museum is now open. Has anyone been yet?

https://freepressokc.com/oklahoma-contemporary-arrives/

According to this article this museum is now open. Has anyone been yet?

https://freepressokc.com/oklahoma-contemporary-arrives/

Great little cafe there.

Great little cafe there.
I cant wait to check it out!

According to this article this museum is now open. Has anyone been yet?

https://freepressokc.com/oklahoma-contemporary-arrives/

Friend who has lived all over the world went and said this instantly became the best art destination in the state.

Follow this link to reserve a date and time to visit.

Admission is completely free:

https://oklahomacontemporary.org/exhibitions/upcoming/bright-golden-haze/public_tickets

Oklahoma Contemporary just posted this message on their FB page with a pic of Rand Elliot;
Last night’s opening of Outré West was incredible. Thank you to everyone who came out! Speaking of architecture--we have exciting news to share tomorrow! The anticipation is "building".

Watch for an announcement in the morning!
Pete what’s going here?

From their FB page:

*******

We are thrilled to share that Oklahoma Contemporary will be featured on this season of 'How Did They Build That?' on the Smithsonian Channel!

Tune in tomorrow, Sunday, Aug. 25, at 8 p.m. (CST) to see our story alongside some of the world's most remarkable buildings. OKC pride on full display! Don’t miss it!