Boston Avenue United Methodist Church
4.7(321)google
4.5(4)yelp
Decorative ArtHistoric Building
Overview
The Boston Avenue United Methodist Church, located in downtown Tulsa, Oklahoma, and completed in 1929, is considered to be one of the finest examples of ecclesiastical Art Deco architecture in the United States, and has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Built by a congregation of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, it was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1999. It has 15 floors.
Practical Info
Suggested Duration1-2 hours
Best TimeThis historic Art Deco architectural cathedral masterpiece is highly recommended between 2:00 PM and 4:30 PM on a clear day. The angled afternoon sun beautifully bathes the soaring 225-foot terracotta semi-Gothic tower and limestone figures in a brilliant, towering golden light.
Getting ThereCentrally located downtown at 1301 S Boston Ave. Drivers can navigate south directly down Boston Avenue; the cathedral features its own dedicated large complimentary surface parking lot on its eastern quad (except during Sunday services). Tulsa Transit Route 114 stops outside.
Travel Tips
- Ascending the iconic 14-story central tower requires securing a historical tour via email weeks in advance. Walk-in tower access is structurally impossible.
- Church parking blocks are reserved for congregants on Sundays and Wednesday evenings. General tourists must utilize commercial metered parking at 13th and Boston Ave.
Photo Tips
Photo Rules
- This is an active house of worship. Maintain complete silence when touring the Art Deco interiors; recreational tourism and photography are banned during Sunday services.
Reviews
Positive
- One of America's finest examples of Art Deco architecture; the 14-story tower and exquisite murals are visually stunning and live up to the hype.
- The interior stained glass windows gleam beautifully in the sunlight, and the pews, restrooms, and accessible ramps are maintained spotlessly clean.
- Free from the noise of large tour groups, the visitor density is very low, preserving the authentic peace, serenity, and solemnity of a house of worship.
- It is completely free to enter and take photos, and extremely warm volunteers provide complimentary historical guided tours, maximizing its value.
Heads up
- As an active church, core areas are restricted for tourist sightseeing during Sunday morning services or scheduled weddings.
- Public transit options are very scarce, and the dedicated parking lot is tightly packed during Sunday peaks, making nearby parking difficult for visitors.
- Except for the main lobby and sanctuary, higher floors are closed for safety and order management, preventing panoramic views and leaving some disappointed.
- Historical plaques and brochures completely lack multilingual translations, making it hard for non-English international tourists to understand the architecture.