Oklahoma · Est. 1939
Philbrook Museum Gardens
A stunning 25-acre Italian Renaissance-style garden surrounding a historic villa in Tulsa.
Founded
1939
Size
25 acres
Hardiness Zone
USDA Zone 7b
Best Season
April to October
About Philbrook Museum Gardens
Named 'the most beautiful place in Oklahoma' by House Beautiful Magazine, the Philbrook Museum Gardens span 25 acres of formal and informal landscapes. The gardens complement the museum's Italian-style villa, featuring cascading water features, a sensory garden, and diverse plant collections.
History & Heritage
The gardens were originally part of Villa Philbrook, the 1920s home of oil pioneer Waite Phillips. The Philbrook Museum of Art opened on October 25, 1939, transforming the private estate into a public cultural center. The gardens have since been maintained and expanded to include various formal designs and naturalistic areas.
Signature Feature
The Tempietto
The signature feature of the formal gardens is the classical tempietto overlooking a reflecting pond. It serves as the focal point of the diagonal walks and cascading water features that link the mansion to the rustic pool below.
Photo Gallery
Formal garden pathways and hedges
Reflecting pool and water features
Lush greenery and classical architecture
Notable Collections
Formal Gardens
Italian Renaissance-style gardens with geometric hedges and water features.
Sensory Garden
A garden designed to engage all five senses with textured and aromatic plants.
Rock Garden
A naturalistic area featuring diverse plant species among rocky terrain.
Native Plant Collection
A collection highlighting plant species native to Oklahoma and the surrounding region.
Plan Before You Go
Hours, Parking & Accessibility
Hours & Seasonal Timing
Wed-Sun 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, Friday until 9:00 pm, Closed Mon-Tue
Best seasonal window: April to October
Parking & Arrival
Free parking in two lots adjacent to the front entrance and overflow parking on neighborhood streets
Check the official visit page for event-day parking changes and arrival instructions.
Accessibility
Much of the gardens are accessible; a limited number of wheelchairs and walkers are available for guest use at no cost
Contact the garden before visiting to discuss route conditions, mobility equipment, or support needs.
Visitor details are reviewed from the garden's public information and were last checked May 2026. Policies, prices, and route conditions can change; confirm final arrangements directly with the garden.
Recognition & Awards
- Named 'the most beautiful place in Oklahoma' by House Beautiful Magazine
Editorial Standards
This profile was prepared by the BotanicalGardens.blog editorial research desk using official garden pages and other named sources where available. Hours, admission, and access details can change; confirm them with the garden before a special trip. This profile was last reviewed May 2026. If you notice an inaccuracy, please contact us.
Plan Your Visit
April to October
Address
2727 S Rockford Rd, Tulsa, OK 74114
Phone
(918) 748-5300
Hours
Wed-Sun 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, Friday until 9:00 pm, Closed Mon-Tue
Admission
Included with general museum admission
Parking
Free parking in two lots adjacent to the front entrance and overflow parking on neighborhood streets
Accessibility
Much of the gardens are accessible; a limited number of wheelchairs and walkers are available for guest use at no cost
Insider Tips
- 1Visit on Friday evenings when the grounds are open until 9pm
- 2Bring a picnic to enjoy on the grounds
- 3Check out the sensory garden for a unique experience
- 4Don't miss the iconic Tempietto for photo opportunities
Nearby Attractions
- Tulsa Botanic Garden (10 miles)
- Woodward Park and Gardens (1.5 miles)
- Gathering Place (2 miles)