The Bob Dylan Center(86)
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
TULSA
I recently watched an interview on the Magnificent Others podcast. Billy Corgan, from Smashing Pumpkins fame, interviewed Penn Jillette. They talked about many things, but one section of the interview they delved into thier love for Bob Dylan. It made me want to listen to Bob's music, so I did. And when I found out that the Bob Dylan Center in Tulsa was two doors down from the Woody Guthrie Center, I knew I was in for a good day.
I had been wanting to visit the Woody Guthrie Center for a long time so I went there first. When I was buying tickets for my wife and me, the wonderful person behind the counter asked if I would like to save a few bucks and get entry to the Bob Dylan Center too. Since I was already going, I might as well save some cash, right? Two, double tickets, please! After I wandered around looking at Woody's life, I went two doors down and entered the world of Bob Dylan. My parents had a coupld of Dylan records so I've known about some of his music for decades. It's funny that in my 10 year old mind, Bob made two records and that was it. I didn't realize that just because my parents didn't have it didn't mean it didn't exist. When I got into college and started to really explore music, I discovered he had dozens of albums. HA! I felt dumb, but you don't know what you don't know. I forgave myself and bought a couple of CDs. I'm also a library denizen and one day I happened upon a book about Dylan so I checked it out. It's always amazing to find out musical history tidbits. I learned about Greenwich Village, dozens of folk artists, Oklahoma's contributions to folk music, the hatred you get when you switch from acoustic instruments to electric instruments. Dylan's history was musically and culturally important. And like his museum mate down the block, he influenced millions of people to pick up a guitar or sing in a band.
Although the range of Dylan's influence can never be accurately figured, his legacy can be. This museum is a wonderful repository for Dylan's greatest hits, as it were. Highlights from an incredible life. Even if you're just mildly a fan of his, go check this place out. And if you're a die hard fan, prepare to spend some time snooping around at all the displays. And probably spend a few buck in the gift shop too! Go see the Bob Dylan Center!
116 E. Reconciliation Way, Tulsa
918-392-3353
Entry Fee: Adult-$15, Seniors-$12, Youth-Free, With the Woody Guthrie Center-$22
Hours: Wed-Sun 10:00-6:00
Jonathan Elmore ©2026
