Will Rogers Memorial Museum - Master Plan

A Master Plan for the Next Generation

Lilly Architects collaborated with the Oklahoma Historical Society and the Will Rogers Memorial Museum to develop a master plan that reimagines the museum’s visitor experience while preserving its historical integrity. The plan addresses accessibility challenges, enhances entry sequences, and introduces new facilities to support the museum’s evolving needs. Through strategic planning and thoughtful design, the master plan sets the stage for the next chapter of the museum, ensuring its continued relevance as a cultural landmark.

Reimagining the Visitor Experience

Originally, visitors approached the museum by walking up the hill to enter through the Rotunda, reinforcing a ceremonial arrival sequence. However, as automobiles became dominant, a parking lot was introduced on the northwest side, shifting pedestrian flow and altering the intended entry experience. Over time, guests began entering through a back patio space, disrupting the building’s organizational clarity and affecting wayfinding. Lilly Architects worked with stakeholders to rethink the entry sequence, proposing a new primary entrance on the north side where the current service entry is located. This relocation resolves accessibility issues, establishes a defined focal point for visitors, and enhances overall circulation within the museum.

A Grand Entry Plaza and Outdoor Experience

The master plan envisions a large entry plaza featuring sculptures of Will Rogers and an outdoor exhibit element, reinforcing the museum’s identity while creating a welcoming gathering space. The design fosters a stronger connection between the exterior and interior, encouraging engagement with the museum’s history before even stepping inside. By incorporating thoughtful landscaping and seating areas, the plaza becomes an inviting destination that enhances the arrival experience.

Enhancing Accessibility and Connectivity

Improving accessibility was a key priority in the master plan. The proposed modifications include a new glass lobby that leverages natural light and seamlessly integrates with the existing stone facade. A reconfigured interior layout allows for improved circulation, with a new elevator connecting the Radio Gallery and the Heritage Gallery. Additionally, an accessible lift will provide connectivity between the Rotunda and the West Gallery, ensuring all visitors can fully experience the museum’s exhibits. These updates not only address functional concerns but also create a more inclusive and intuitive environment.

Expanding Museum Capabilities

To accommodate the museum’s growing needs, the master plan introduces a significant addition to the existing structure. Adjacent to the theater on the east side, a new three-story building will house offices on the first floor, an archive on the second, and a versatile event space on the third. This elevated venue will offer skyline views of Claremore, providing a premier setting for museum-hosted events and private rentals. Additionally, the museum’s first-floor offices will be repurposed into an expanded gift shop, enhancing revenue generation and visitor engagement.

Revitalizing the South Terraces

The South Terraces, historically underutilized, will be reimagined as a dynamic outdoor venue. The master plan incorporates improved accessibility, upgraded landscaping, and flexible event infrastructure, making the terraces more attractive for museum programming and private events. These enhancements aim to increase rental demand and expand the museum’s capacity for hosting diverse functions, further establishing it as a cultural and community hub.

A Vision for the Future

The Will Rogers Memorial Museum master plan sets a bold vision for the institution’s future, balancing preservation with innovation. By reconfiguring the visitor experience, enhancing accessibility, and expanding event capabilities, Lilly Architects has crafted a thoughtful strategy that ensures the museum remains a treasured landmark for generations to come. This master plan not only honors the legacy of Will Rogers but also positions the museum as a vibrant and adaptable space for education, engagement, and celebration.