Adult Groups

Philbrook offers the following tours to adult groups.

Highlights of the Collection
An introductory tour of Villa Philbrook and the Museum’s permanent collection, which includes examples of Italian Renaissance and Baroque painting and sculpture, ancient art and artifacts, 19th-20th century European and American painting, Asian art, African art and Native American art. Philbrook docents use special questioning techniques to help secondary students develop personal connections with the works of art. A teacher’s packets/cd is available and mailed with confirmation material.

Villa History and Architecture
Originally the home of oilman Waite Phillips and his family, Villa Philbrook was donated to the citizens of Tulsa to become the city’s first art museum in 1938. Hear the story of the Phillips family and their historic home while viewing and discussing architectural features of the Italian Renaissance Revival style villa.

Special Exhibition Tours
Three or four special exhibitions of artwork are displayed at Philbrook each year (please see special exhibition schedule). For each special exhibition, docents attend training and receive a handbook that helps them prepare age-appropriate tours. A teacher’s packets/cd is available and mailed with confirmation material.

Special Interest Tours
With at least three weeks notice, a Philbrook docent will develop a custom tour to fit the needs of your group. Focus on one or more areas of the permanent collection, including Italian Renaissance and Baroque paintings and sculpture, ancient art and artifacts, 19th-20th century European and American painting, Asian art, African art and Native American Art.

Philbrook Gardens Tour
Tour the gardens as a Philbrook gallery. Learn the history and how the landscape architects designed the gardens using principles from English, French and Italian cultures and how the formal elements of art guide the planting process.

Scheduling a Tour
Guided tours are available by contacting the Education Department at least two weeks prior to your visit. A minimum of 10 people per group is required with a maximum of 60. To schedule a tour, please contact the Education Coordinator at (918) 784-5309 or e-mail rtyner@philbrook.org and provide the following information:

• Date and time of tour (please have two alternate dates and times available)
• Group name, size, grade level or age
• Type of tour desired (see tour descriptions)
• Name of contact person, their phone number and address
• Any special needs for individuals in your group

A tour confirmation will be mailed along with a set of guidelines for the museum visit. All group members must be made aware of guidelines prior to visiting the museum. Please note, docents are required to wait only 15 minutes after the scheduled tour arrival time. To cancel or reschedule a tour, please contact the Education Coordinator as soon as possible at (918-748-5309).

Speakers’ Bureau

Philbrook docents are available to make presentations on the topic listed below, to professional and civic groups and to groups of people who may not otherwise be able to physically visit the museum. Speaker requests may be made for groups of ten or more people within the Tulsa metropolitan area, free of charge. For groups outside the Tulsa metropolitan area, a transportation fee may apply.

Presentations range from 20 to 40 minutes and can be tailored to meet your group’s specifications. The presentations can also be timed to fit your group’s meal function schedule.

The following presentations are available:

Highlights of Philbrook’s Collection
An introductory presentation on the museum’s permanent collection, which includes the renowned Italian Renaissance collection, Baroque art, ancient art and artifacts, 19th – 20th century European and American paintings and sculptures, Asian Art, African Art, and Native American Art. Along with works from the permanent collection, a presentation may include art from one of Philbrook’s special exhibitions.

The Phillips Family
Hear the story of the Phillips family, their historic home, and their decision to donate their home and land to become the region’s leading fine arts museum.

Villa and Garden Architecture
Experience the magnificent architecture of Villa Philbrook and its newly renovated 23 acres of beautifully manicured gardens.

Special Presentations
Presentations custom tailored from Philbrook’s diverse collection to fit the interest of your group can be made with three weeks advance notice.

To reserve a speaker, call (918) 748-5309. All requests require a minimum of two-week advanced notice, with requests for Special Presentations requiring three-week advanced notice.