The Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum is open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Sunday from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, hours extend to 6:00 PM. The museum is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. The Outdoor Symbolic Memorial is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
The Outdoor Symbolic Memorial is free and open 24/7. Museum admission is $18 for adults, $16 for seniors and military, $15 for students, and free for children under 5. Free parking with admission.
From Tulsa, take I-44 W to OK-3 W, then exit onto N Harvey Ave in Oklahoma City. Immerse yourself in a poignant memorial honoring resilience and remembrance.
Parking at the Oklahoma City National Memorial is available in the Memorial Parking Garage at NW 6th and Harvey Ave, free with museum admission, otherwise $5 per hour. Street parking and nearby lots are also available. No overnight parking. Large vehicles like RVs and tour buses cannot clear the 11′ 11″ railroad underpass. Motorcycles can use regular parking spots. Handicapped parking is on NW 6th Street near the museum entrance.
Accessibility & permits
Emergency
- Cell service availability:Full
In the heart of Oklahoma City, the Oklahoma City National Memorial stands as a poignant tribute to the lives forever changed by the tragic events of April 19, 1995. This solemn site is not a traditional park, but a place of deep reflection and remembrance. The Outdoor Symbolic Memorial, open 24 hours a day, year-round, encompasses the sacred soil where the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building once stood. The landscape is marked by the Gates of Time, 9:01 and 9:03, which frame the moment of destruction and the beginning of healing.
A Reflecting Pool glimmers in the sunlight, its calm surface interrupted only by the occasional ripple. Adjacent to it, a grass lawn hosts 168 empty chairs, each representing a life lost. The chairs are arranged according to the floors of the Murrah Building, a poignant reminder of the tragedy.
The Memorial Museum, housed in the historic Journal Record Building that withstood the bombing, offers a detailed and interactive exploration of the event. This site is a place for contemplation, education, and healing, attracting over 350,000 visitors annually.
- Area (mi²)
- 1
- Annual visitors
- 350 000
- Established year
- 2000
Top 3 Facts about Oklahoma City National Memorial
The Reflecting Pool, a key element of the memorial, is a shallow body of gently flowing water that occupies what was once N.W. Fifth Street, providing a peaceful setting with a depth that is just a few inches, creating a calming reflection for visitors.
This poignant memorial features a Rescuers’ Orchard with Oklahoma redbuds, Amur Maple, Chinese Pistache, and Bosque Elm trees, symbolizing aid from both local and external rescuers. The Survivor Tree, an elm that withstood the bombing, stands as a resilient centerpiece. The grounds are adorned with over 5,000 hand-painted tiles from children, while the site is occasionally visited by birds and small wildlife, adding a touch of natural serenity to this reflective space.
Surrounded by a poignant landscape, the Rescuers’ Orchard features a grove of Oklahoma redbuds, Amur Maple, Chinese Pistache, and Bosque Elm trees, symbolizing the aid of rescuers. The Survivor Tree, a 100-year-old elm, stands tall, having withstood the 1995 bombing. This serene setting is a testament to resilience and community, set against the backdrop of Oklahoma’s mild climate and vast plains.
Family programs
- Junior Ranger
- Ranger-led Tours
- Self-guided Tours
- Workshops & Hands-on Activities
Travel Tips
Plan Ahead
Plan a 2-3 hour visit, ideally in the cooler spring or fall seasons. Allow time for the self-guided museum tour and outdoor memorial. Be prepared for walking and potential heat during summer months. Visit at night for a poignant experience, especially during the annual Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon in April.
Pack Appropriately
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing for warm spring and summer days, with layers for cooler mornings and evenings. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and water to combat high temperatures and heat index. For longer stays, include camping gear and rain gear for spring showers.
Respect Wildlife
Respect local flora and fauna by staying on designated paths and not disturbing the Survivor Tree or Rescuers’ Orchard. Avoid littering and take all items with you when you leave. Be mindful of heat and wildlife during summer visits. Leave the area as you found it.
Stay Informed
Stay home if sick, cover coughs, and wash hands frequently. Be cautious on trails and near ledges. Check weather conditions and fire restrictions. For emergencies, call 911.
Seasons
In spring, mild temperatures (60s-70s°F) and blooming flora set the stage for a poignant visit. Experience the Memorial Marathon in April, a celebration of life and resilience, or engage in special spring break activities like guided tours and STEM labs, making it an ideal time to immerse in history and community spirit.
Visit in summer for the Memorial Marathon in April and the STEM Summer Series from July to August. Enjoy temperatures in the 80s and 90s, though it can be hot. Immerse yourself in impactful STEM lessons and a poignant memorial experience.
Visit in fall, when mild temperatures (60s-70s°F) and crisp weather enhance a poignant experience. Enjoy special events like Family Fall Break Experiences and free admission for teachers during October’s fall break, a time for reflection and community.[/s]
Visit from December to February for a poignant winter experience. Temperatures range from 30°F to 50°F, with occasional snow. The serene landscape and symbolic elements take on a somber beauty, making it a contemplative time to reflect on the site’s history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Oklahoma City National Memorial has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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You should stay in Oklahoma City to visit the memorial, as it is centrally located in the city’s downtown area. Several hotels, such as the Colcord Hotel, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Oklahoma City Dwtn – Bricktown, and Hilton Garden Inn Oklahoma City Bricktown, are within walking distance or a short drive from the memorial.
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Pets are not allowed inside the memorial or the museum; only service animals are permitted. Pets are also discouraged from the Outdoor Symbolic Memorial area.
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Yes, parking is included with admission at the Memorial Garage. Free parking is available with museum admission. Metered street parking is also free on weekends, federal holidays, and evenings after 6 p.m.
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The Oklahoma City National Memorial honors the victims, survivors, and those affected by the April 19, 1995, bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, which resulted in the deaths of 168 people. It was dedicated on April 19, 2000, by U.S. President Bill Clinton and is located on the former site of the building in downtown Oklahoma City. The memorial also recognizes the rescuers and all who were changed forever by the event.