Bob Dylan Center

Tulsa, OK

In one of his most famous songs, Bob Dylan asks, “How does it feel? To be without a home. Like a complete unknown. Like a rolling stone.”

Well, Dylan’s legacy will never have to answer that question thanks to the cultural masterpiece that is the Bob Dylan Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Located in the Tulsa Arts District, the Bob Dylan Center aims to educate, motivate and inspire visitors. The center offers curated exhibits pulled from the priceless collection of more than 100,000 items spanning Dylan’s career.

Completed in May 2022, this $2.8 million, 23,000 SF facility features public programs, performances, lectures, and publications, “through which it aims to foster a conversation about the role of creativity in our lives.”

The exterior of the building is a beautiful brick facade which features a mural of Bob Dylan himself. An iron gate at the main entrance sets the tone for the treasures that are located inside.

Crossland worked closely with the exhibit installers to finish the project in a tight eight month timeframe. Through efficient schedules, long hours, and constant communication, the two sides worked flawlessly together to create a center that Dylan himself could be proud of.

This project also brought back to life an historic Tulsa structure that had sat vacant for many years. There are many challenges that go into working with a building that was dormant for so long, but Crossland understands the value in restoring communities through preservation of historic structures.

Material and equipment delays were particular challenges on this project, but as always, the Crossland team did whatever it took to finish on time and on budget.

For example, as the opening date was inching closer, an electrical miscue threatened to delay installation of special order track lights for the main exhibit area. Knowing the importance of having this all completed, the Crossland team worked weekends and nights to properly install the lights just days before the center opened.

The result was a center that will inspire generations to come, just as Dylan has done.

“How does it feeeeeeel?”

Project Facts

Industry Sector: Community
Cost: $2,644,706
Size: 23,000 SF
Delivery Method: Private
Owner: American Song Archives, LLC (f/k/a Bob Dylan Center, LLC)
Architect: Lilly Architects

As always, Crossland was highly professional, courteous and a consistent problem solver on a project that was full of curveballs. William J. Stava, III Vibrant & Inclusive Tulsa Team Lead, George Kaiser Family Foundation Crossland delivered the world-class museum the architect, exhibit designer and owner imagined. William J. Stava, III Vibrant & Inclusive Tulsa Team Lead, George Kaiser Family Foundation