First Americans Museum, $175 million construction, Oklahoma City ONE PLACE, MANY NATIONS In one place, visitors will experience the collective histories of 39 distinctive First American Nations. First Americans Museum (FAM) will share the cultural diversity, history, and contributions of the First Americans.
Opening DaySeptember 18, 2021 The 175,000 square foot museum will showcase state-of-the-art exhibitions in First American history, culture, and art; live public and educational programs; a family discovery center with immersive family-friendly activities; a full-service restaurant presenting unique Native inspired cuisine; and a museum store featuring authentic one-of-a-kind hand-made items or products by premiere First American artists.
LocationFAM is located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma at the Crossroads of America, the confluence on Interstates 35, 40, 235 and 44. Oklahoma City is the capital and largest city in the state of Oklahoma, USA. FAM is positioned along the Oklahoma River across from downtown. Address: 659 First Americans Blvd. Oklahoma City, OK 73129
At a cost of $175 million when completed, the museum will include dozens of items on a 10-year loan from The Smithsonian, as well as other exhibits from the 39 tribal nations within the boundaries of Oklahoma.
Agreements have been signed to begin completion of the American Indian Cultural Center and Museum in Oklahoma City.
The City of Oklahoma City, the State of Oklahoma and a subsidiary of the Chickasaw Nation have closed on land agreements that will set in motion the completion of the museum.
"This is a promise that was made to the public a long time ago, and the sooner we can get the facility open, the sooner we can start generating that positive tax revenue for the state of Oklahoma," said James Pepper Henry, director and CEO of the center.
Construction on the center, which sits near the junction of I-35 and I-40, stopped in 2012 after state funding dried up. The city says that construction will resume in the summer and take approximately two years to complete. Interior finishes will then take another year, with the museum scheduled to open in 2021.