How to Explore the Philbrook Museum Contemporary Wing

The Philbrook Museum of Art, located in Tulsa, Oklahoma, is renowned for its stunning Italianate villa, expansive gardens, and diverse art collections spanning centuries and continents. Among its most dynamic and evolving sections is the Contemporary Wing a purpose-built space dedicated to modern and contemporary visual expression. Unlike the museums historic collections, the Contemporary Wing is a living, breathing environment where emerging artists, experimental media, and pressing cultural narratives converge. Exploring this wing is not merely about viewing art its about engaging with ideas that challenge, provoke, and reflect the complexities of our time.

For first-time visitors, art students, curators, and seasoned enthusiasts alike, navigating the Contemporary Wing can feel overwhelming. With shifting exhibitions, immersive installations, and non-traditional formats, knowing where to begin, what to look for, and how to interpret what you see is essential. This guide offers a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap to help you fully experience and understand the Contemporary Wing from pre-visit planning to post-visit reflection. Whether youre seeking intellectual stimulation, aesthetic inspiration, or simply a deeper connection with contemporary culture, this tutorial will empower you to explore with confidence and curiosity.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Research the Current Exhibition Before Your Visit

The Contemporary Wing operates on a rotating exhibition schedule, typically featuring three to five major shows annually. Unlike permanent collections, these exhibitions are curated around specific themes, artists, or movements and they change frequently. Skipping this step is the most common mistake visitors make.

Start by visiting the official Philbrook Museum website. Navigate to the Exhibitions section and filter for Contemporary Wing. Read the exhibition description carefully. Look for keywords like immersive, interactive, video installation, or site-specific. These terms signal non-traditional formats that require more active engagement.

Dont just read the curators statement search for related interviews, artist statements, or critical reviews published in Artforum, Hyperallergic, or local Tulsa media. Understanding the conceptual framework behind the exhibition will transform passive viewing into meaningful interpretation. For example, if the current show is titled Echoes of the Unseen: Indigenous Futurisms, researching Indigenous Futurism as a movement blending speculative fiction, ancestral knowledge, and digital art will deepen your experience tenfold.

2. Plan Your Visit Around Peak Hours

Timing matters. The Contemporary Wing often draws smaller crowds than the historic villa or gardens, but certain days and times can still be crowded especially during weekend openings, university field trips, or public programs.

Avoid weekends between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. if you prefer quiet contemplation. Instead, aim for weekday afternoons (after 2 p.m.) or Thursday evenings, when the museum often extends hours and hosts artist talks or live performances. These events are not just add-ons theyre integral to understanding the work. Many contemporary pieces are designed to be experienced in dialogue with the artists intent, which is often revealed during live presentations.

Check the museums calendar for Contemporary Nights or Open Studio events. These are opportunities to see works in progress, speak with visiting artists, or even participate in collaborative projects. Reservations are rarely required, but arriving 15 minutes early ensures a seat.

3. Begin with the Orientation Space

Upon entering the Contemporary Wing, youll notice a distinct architectural shift clean lines, white walls, high ceilings, and natural light from skylights. This intentional minimalism is designed to focus attention on the art, not the architecture. But dont rush past the orientation area near the entrance.

There, youll typically find a digital kiosk or printed guide with a floor map, artist bios, and thematic anchors. Use this to identify the primary installation and secondary works. Many contemporary exhibitions are non-linear meaning theres no correct path. But the orientation guide will highlight the curators intended narrative arc, which can serve as a helpful compass.

Pay attention to any audio cues or ambient sound design. Contemporary installations often incorporate soundscapes that change as you move through the space. These are not background noise theyre part of the artwork. For instance, a piece titled Whispers of the River might use layered recordings of Indigenous water chants that grow louder as you approach a mirrored sculpture. Let your ears guide your eyes.

4. Engage with the Art Using the Five-Sense Framework

Traditional art viewing relies heavily on sight. Contemporary art demands more. Use this five-sense framework to deepen your engagement:

• Sight: Observe color, scale, texture, and composition. Is the work monumental or intimate? Does it use repetition, fragmentation, or distortion?
• Sound: Listen for recordings, mechanical hums, or silence. Is sound used to create tension, comfort, or disorientation?
• Touch: Unless explicitly prohibited, some installations invite tactile interaction. A piece might include woven textiles, kinetic elements, or temperature-sensitive surfaces. Always check signage but when allowed, touch can reveal materiality that photography cannot capture.
• Smell: Rare, but not unheard of. Some artists incorporate scent as a memory trigger cedarwood, ozone, burnt sugar to evoke emotional or cultural associations.
• Emotion/Intuition: What does this work make you feel? Confused? Calm? Angry? Disoriented? Dont dismiss these reactions. Contemporary art often operates on an emotional, rather than intellectual, level.

Take 35 minutes with each major piece. Sit on the provided bench, if available. Let the work breathe. Many visitors rush through because they feel pressured to get it. But contemporary art often resists immediate understanding and thats the point.

5. Use the Digital Companion App

Philbrook offers a free, in-museum digital companion app designed specifically for the Contemporary Wing. Download it before your visit via the App Store or Google Play by searching Philbrook Contemporary.

The app includes:

• Audio guides narrated by curators and artists
• Augmented reality overlays that reveal hidden layers in digital works
• Interactive timelines connecting each piece to global events (e.g., climate protests, digital rights movements)
• Personalized playlists based on your preferred themes (identity, ecology, technology, etc.)

For example, if youre drawn to a video piece about border politics, the app might suggest a related work by a Mexican-American artist in a previous exhibition, along with a podcast interview discussing the artists process. This creates a personalized, evolving narrative that extends beyond the physical walls of the museum.

6. Document Your Experience Thoughtfully

Photography is permitted in the Contemporary Wing but with important restrictions. Flash, tripods, and selfie sticks are prohibited. More importantly, avoid taking photos just to post on social media. Instead, use your camera as a tool for reflection.

Take one or two detailed shots of each piece focusing on texture, detail, or context. Later, compare them to your initial impressions. Did the photo capture the emotional weight you felt? Often, it wont and thats a valuable insight.

Consider keeping a physical sketchbook. Even simple line drawings of shapes, shadows, or compositions can anchor your memory better than any photo. Many artists encourage sketching as a form of active seeing.

7. Participate in the Conversation

One of the most powerful aspects of the Contemporary Wing is its emphasis on dialogue. Look for Response Stations small tables with paper, pens, and prompts like What does this piece say about belonging? or How does this work change your view of technology?

Write your response. Dont worry about being right. Your interpretation is valid. These responses are sometimes curated into future exhibitions or shared on the museums digital platform. You become part of the artworks legacy.

If youre visiting with others, discuss your reactions. Ask: What did you notice that I didnt? or Did this remind you of anything in your life? These conversations often reveal more than the art itself.

8. Extend Your Experience Beyond the Walls

The Contemporary Wing doesnt end when you leave the museum. Many exhibitions are accompanied by community programs: film screenings, poetry readings, or workshops at local libraries and schools. Sign up for the museums newsletter to receive updates on related events.

Follow the featured artists on Instagram or their personal websites. Many contemporary artists document their process online from studio sketches to exhibition installations. This reveals the evolution behind the final piece.

Consider joining a local art discussion group or starting one. The Contemporary Wing is designed to spark conversation dont let it end with your visit.

Best Practices

Approach with an Open Mind, Not Expectations

Contemporary art often defies traditional definitions of beauty or skill. A pile of discarded electronics, a looped video of a tree growing in reverse, or a room filled with whispering voices may not resemble what you think art should be. Thats intentional. The goal is not to please the eye but to unsettle the mind.

Let go of the need to like or understand everything. Instead, ask: What is this trying to communicate? or Why did the artist choose this medium?

Respect the Space and the Work

Many contemporary installations are fragile, temporary, or sensor-sensitive. Even if a piece looks like its made of trash, it may be a meticulously arranged commentary on waste culture. Never touch unless permitted. Dont block views. Keep your voice low. This is not a gallery to be rushed its a sanctuary for reflection.

Learn the Language of Contemporary Art

Contemporary art has its own vocabulary. Familiarize yourself with terms like:

• Site-specific: Created for and inseparable from its location
• Interdisciplinary: Blends visual art with performance, science, or technology
• Relational aesthetics: Art that creates social interactions as its medium
• Post-digital: Work that critiques or reimagines digital culture
• Decolonial: Challenges Western art historical narratives

Understanding these terms wont make you an expert but it will help you recognize the artists intent and the broader context of their work.

Balance Emotional and Intellectual Responses

Its easy to get stuck in one mode: either I love this! or I dont get it. The most rewarding experiences come from holding both. You can feel moved by a piece and still question its methodology. You can admire its technique and reject its message. That tension is where growth happens.

Visit Multiple Times

Contemporary exhibitions often reveal new layers over time. A piece that confused you on Monday may resonate deeply on Friday after youve read a related article or had a personal experience that mirrors its theme. Return if you can. Each visit is a different conversation with the same work.

Connect the Art to Your World

Ask yourself: How does this relate to my community? My identity? My fears? My hopes? The most powerful contemporary art doesnt exist in a vacuum it reflects and responds to the world outside the museum. The Contemporary Wing is a mirror. What do you see when you look into it?

Tools and Resources

Official Philbrook Museum Resources

• Website: philbrook.org Check exhibitions, hours, and event calendars
• Contemporary Wing Digital Guide: Available via the Philbrook app or web portal
• Curatorial Blog: Inside the Wing monthly essays by curators on current shows
• Education Portal: Free downloadable lesson plans for educators and self-guided learners

External Educational Platforms

• Khan Academy Contemporary Art: Free video lectures on global movements from 1980 to present
• Art21: Documentary series featuring artists at work search for Philbrook-affiliated artists
• Hyperallergic: Critical reviews and investigative pieces on contemporary exhibitions worldwide
• Google Arts & Culture: High-resolution views of past Philbrook Contemporary exhibitions
• MoMA Learning: Interactive modules on themes like Art and Activism or Digital Identity

Books for Deeper Understanding

• The Art of Contemporary Curating by Catherine de Zegher Understand how exhibitions are constructed
• What Are You Looking At? by Will Gompertz A witty, accessible introduction to modern art
• Decolonising the Museum by Nizan Shaked Critical context for works addressing colonial legacies
• The Responsive Eye: The Legacy of the 1965 Op Art Exhibition by William C. Seitz Historical roots of contemporary visual experimentation

Mobile Apps and Digital Tools

• Philbrook Contemporary App: As mentioned essential for audio and AR features
• Smartify: Scan artwork labels for instant artist info and audio commentary (works at Philbrook)
• Art Recognition: AI tool that identifies styles and influences (useful for comparing artists)
• Notion or Evernote: Create a personal Contemporary Art Journal to log visits, thoughts, and images

Local Tulsa Resources

Philbrook is deeply connected to the regional art scene. Explore:

• Tulsa Artist Fellowship: Many Contemporary Wing artists are alumni
• Harvey Park Gallery: Local nonprofit space showcasing emerging Oklahoma artists
• University of Tulsa Department of Art: Student exhibitions often echo themes in the Contemporary Wing
• Native American Art Collective: Collaborative projects frequently featured in Philbrooks programming

Real Examples

Example 1: Circuitry of Memory by Lila Redfeather (2023)

This installation filled a 20-foot-long corridor with suspended copper wires, each carrying a faint electric pulse. At intervals, small speakers emitted snippets of oral histories from Indigenous elders in Oklahoma stories of displacement, resilience, and land reclamation.

Visitors were invited to walk through the corridor barefoot on a soft, moss-like mat. The sensation of warmth from the wires (mildly heated) and the whispering voices created a multisensory experience of ancestral memory.

Before visiting, a visitor researched Lila Redfeathers background: a Cherokee artist trained in both engineering and traditional storytelling. They learned her work often explores techno-spirituality the fusion of ancient ritual and modern circuitry.

During the visit, they used the Philbrook app to access a 10-minute interview where Redfeather explained she wanted visitors to feel the weight of history in their feet. Afterward, they wrote in the Response Station: I thought memory was in the mind. This made me feel it in my body.

Example 2: Data Bloom by Rafael Chen (2022)

A wall-sized projection of abstract floral patterns that changed in real-time based on live data from Tulsas air quality sensors. When pollution spiked, the flowers turned gray and wilted. When wind cleared the air, they bloomed in vibrant hues.

At first glance, it was beautiful. But upon learning it was data-driven, the viewer began to see it as a political statement turning environmental statistics into emotional imagery.

A student visiting the exhibit later created a school project comparing Data Bloom to similar works in Berlin and So Paulo, analyzing how cities use art to communicate climate data. Their project won a regional science-arts innovation award.

Example 3: Unfinished Conversations (Group Exhibition, 2024)

Curated around the theme of Silenced Voices, this show featured audio recordings of incarcerated women reading letters they never sent, projected onto translucent screens. Visitors could sit in recliners and listen through headphones.

One visitor, a former social worker, recognized the voice of a client shed lost touch with. She sat for 45 minutes, tears streaming, without moving. Later, she wrote: I thought Id moved on. This reminded me I never really let go.

The museum later included her note anonymously in a digital archive titled Visitors Echoes, which became part of a traveling exhibition on restorative justice.

Example 4: The Garden of Algorithms (Interactive Installation, 2023)

A kinetic sculpture made of 500 rotating mirrors, each programmed to reflect sunlight differently based on real-time Twitter sentiment about climate change. Positive tweets caused mirrors to align into a sunburst. Negative ones caused fragmentation.

Visitors could tweet their own messages using

PhilbrookGarden. The installation changed every 15 minutes. One visitor noted: I realized my tweet mattered. Not because it was loud but because it was one more thread in a collective tapestry.

FAQs

Can I take photos in the Contemporary Wing?

Yes, photography is permitted without flash or tripods. However, some installations may have specific restrictions due to copyright or sensor sensitivity. Always check signage near each piece. Commercial photography requires prior approval.

Is the Contemporary Wing wheelchair accessible?

Yes. The entire wing is fully ADA-compliant, with ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms. Audio descriptions and tactile models are available upon request. Contact the museum in advance to arrange accommodations.

Are there guided tours of the Contemporary Wing?

Yes. Free guided tours are offered daily at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Special themed tours (e.g., Art and Climate Justice) are offered monthly. Reservations are not required, but arrive 10 minutes early. Private group tours can be scheduled by request.

How often do the exhibitions change?

Major exhibitions rotate every 46 months. Smaller Spotlight pieces may change quarterly. Always check the website before visiting to confirm whats on view.

Is there a cost to visit the Contemporary Wing?

Admission to the entire Philbrook Museum, including the Contemporary Wing, is included in the general ticket price. Members visit free. The museum offers free admission on the first Sunday of each month.

Can children visit the Contemporary Wing?

Yes. While some works may be intense or abstract, the museum offers family guides and interactive activity sheets designed for ages 612. Art educators are often present during weekends to engage young visitors.

What if I dont get the art?

Youre not supposed to get it immediately. Contemporary art is designed to raise questions, not provide answers. If a piece confuses you, thats a sign its working. Write down your confusion its the first step toward understanding.

Can I donate or suggest an artist for exhibition?

The curatorial team accepts unsolicited submissions through their online portal. Visit the Support section of the website for guidelines. While not all submissions are selected, many past artists were discovered through this process.

Conclusion

Exploring the Philbrook Museum Contemporary Wing is not a passive activity its an act of participation. Unlike traditional museums that preserve the past, the Contemporary Wing invites you into the present moment, where art is not a relic but a living conversation. It asks you to feel, to question, to respond, and to connect.

By following the steps outlined in this guide researching exhibitions, engaging with multi-sensory elements, using digital tools, and reflecting deeply you transform from a visitor into a co-creator of meaning. The art doesnt just hang on the wall; it echoes in your thoughts long after youve left.

The Contemporary Wing is a testament to the power of art to challenge norms, amplify marginalized voices, and reimagine what is possible. Whether youre drawn to its boldness, its subtlety, or its discomfort, your presence matters. Your perspective adds to the dialogue. Your questions keep the conversation alive.

So go not to consume, but to connect. Not to admire, but to understand. Not to see art but to become part of it.