You did it, Oklahoma!
The Heart & Soul Campaign has officially surpassed its $18 million fundraising goal, and the State Treasurer has approved and certified the pledges. This milestone triggers the release of $18 million in matching state funds, allowing OKPOP to begin the next major phase of the project, exhibit design and build-out, marching towards a 2028 grand opening celebration.
This moment didn’t happen overnight.
It happened because you showed up, again and again.
It happened because belief, collaboration, and bold vision carried us forward.
For years, OKPOP supporters, donors, creators, and partners have rallied around an audacious goal: to build a world-class museum celebrating Oklahoma’s unmatched impact on music, film, storytelling, art, and pop culture. This was a bold vision. A daunting target. And a goal many thought was impossible.
But Oklahoma showed what can happen when community, creativity, and determination come together. Reaching this fundraising goal was no small task but the response from Oklahomans across the state proved something powerful:
When Oklahoma comes together, we make big things happen.
The approval of these pledges is more than an administrative step, it is the moment OKPOP officially moves from planning to building. We can now begin the interior exhibit design, fabrication, and creative development that will bring the museum to life.
To every donor, partner, advocate, and friend: thank you.
You helped make this milestone possible. And you are part of what comes next.
In the months ahead, we will share behind-the-scenes looks at exhibit development, concept art, build-out progress, and the creative vision taking shape. The journey toward opening OKPOP has officially begun and we are honored to walk it with you.
So when will OKPOP open?
As soon as everyone stops asking, “Did you make the match?” they will be asking, “What’s next?” and “When will you open?”
So here is an abbreviated timeline:
Design Development (2026)
Design development begins this winter. Our architect and design firms will begin space planning considering initial visitor flow, major exhibit themes and layouts.
Then they will create detailed designs of exhibits, interactive elements, graphics, and casework. Next year will be the fun work of refining materials, technologies, and user experience. In addition to the buildout we’ll be continuing with archival interviews and acquiring all artifacts, multimedia content, and physical items needed for the exhibits so they’re ready for integration into the design.
The other big 2026 action item is reviewing tech, construction and exhibit fabricator bids so that we’re ready to roll into…
Technical Production & Fabrication (2027)
Development and testing of all specialized technology for exhibits (AV systems, interactive hardware, software), creation of prototypes for complex elements to ensure functionality and user experience will happen in 2027.
We will also begin exhibit fabrication, media production for digital content and interactive experiences. We will be manufacturing exhibit components, casework, displays, and structural elements. Installation will officially begin in 2027.
Creation of all digital media content continues in 2027 (films, audio experiences, interactive programs, animations, digital labels) and we will start (and hopefully finish) integrating and installing all media and content into the exhibits.
Installation and Opening: (2028)
We believe it’s a realistic goal to open in Spring of 2028 which means that the first few months of the year will be spent finalizing fabrication and installation. Staff training to get us ready to open and finally…OKPOP will celebrate its long awaited grand opening to the public!
Thank you to our leading Donors!
- City of Tulsa
- Tulsa Community Foundation
- Tulsa County
- Chickasaw Nation
- Keith E. Bailey & Family
- Cherokee Nation
- Bank of Oklahoma
- Sanford & Irene Burnstein Family Foundation
- Coretz Family Foundation
- DeKraai Family Fund
- John & Leigh Reaves
- The Anne & Henry Zarrow Foundation
- Scissortail Wealth Management
- Hardesty Family Foundation
- Logan & Donna Sharpe
- Jim & Glenda Bertelsmeyer
- Public Service Company of Oklahoma Foundation
- Ruth Nelson Family Foundation
- Nadel & Gussman Energy
- Ken & Jeanine Clifford
- Jay & Fayenelle Helm
- Oak View Group
- William & Maddie Sharpe
- Marian & Dennis Bires
- Daryl & Deanna Woodard
- Barnett Family Foundation
- Nabholz Construction Corporation
- John & Virginia Groendyke
- Tom & Cheryl Evans
- Teresa Knox & Ivan Acosta
- John Fischer Charitable Gift Fund + David & Kim Downing
- Scott & Teri Hendricks
- D. Scott & Gerri Petty
- Philip & Miranda Kaiser
- Frank Family Foundation
- Hudson Family Fund
- Leonard Logan
- John & Marge Gaberino
- Daniel Lawrence
- Dennis Neill & John Southard
- Lesher Family Fund
- James & Carrie Coles
- Patti & John Hickey
- Dr. Bob & Debbie Blackburn
- Jennifer & James Weinland
- Glen & Carmel Mitchell Foundation
- Neal-Moderow Foundation Fund
- Cherl Snyder
