OKPOP Takes Next Step; Seeks Development Proposals

The OKPOP Museum is another step closer to reality as architects will receive requests for development proposals for the $40 million museum planned for Tulsa's Brady District.

It’s being called a huge step forward for the long-term project that will be not only an economic boost but a way to highlight Tulsa's past and where it is going.

Tulsan Ken Busby said, “It really shows everyone that concrete progress is being made, that this is reality, this is going to happen.”

For years, Busby and others have been part of the OKPOP Museum discussions.

“Tulsa matters and has a big story to tell,” he said.

This week, architecture firms from around the state will receive an official request for design ideas for the Oklahoma Museum of Popular Culture - set to be built in the Brady Arts District.

OKPOP Executive Director, Jeff Moore, said, “We’re hoping that they will lend their creativity to the creativity of the topic of pop culture and make something that is uniquely Oklahoma and very special.”

Aside from that, the sky is the limit for what designs could be submitted for the blank canvas.

It’s an exciting time for everyone who has been involved in the concept over the last eight years, and they are ready to get the collections on display.

Moore said, “There is not a single topic in pop culture that there is not an Oklahoman directly involved with.”

The design process is expected to take about a year - with ground broken on the lot in 2017 and an opening date of fall 2019.

"Hopefully, people from all over the world will come to attend and see what amazing stories Oklahoma has to offer,” Moore said.

Busby said, "Right here in the heart of the Brady, an OKPOP statement could be spectacular. I can't wait to see what they come up with.”

The $25 million for construction itself is secured through bonds and private donations; the $15 million left for the displays will come from fundraisers and other private contributions.

One thing you might learn see in the museum is that the original comic books for the Star Wars series - published in 1977 - were written by Tulsan Archie Goodwin while an editor at marvel.