Reviews of Fred Jones Jr Museum of Art (Tourist Attraction)

Latifa Chandoo

The first time I visited this Remarkable Museum, I was overcome with the immense variety and Awesome Artists' works showcased here. Best little secret in Norman!!

Chealita Brown

Love it I felt like I was a kid again

Jo Schmo

My 9 year old daughter and I visited together, and it was a lovely experiencd.

A Childers

They have a childrens story time and coloring area... Then your children get griped at for touching the walls... Then you get griped at if you put your toddler on your shoulders to keep them away from the art. Just not a good place to take toddlers. Honestly, I would probably enjoy visiting without children, but I would not recommend their story hour.

Nicole Williams

The art work is notable, with people that even the most un-arty would recognize and appreciate. On Tuesday mornings at 10:30 there is a story time followed with a craft, usually related to the days theme. The staff are welcoming of children. With a scavenger hunt given to help them explore the exhibit. It is a wonderful experience, even if you only stop by once. Enjoy!

Julie Richardson

Right now they have a Native American theme in the basement which is beautiful.

Lewis Carabajal

If you haven't been to the Fred Jones Museum of Art lately, it's a hidden gem in a state of underrated museums.

Dustin Haider

Great selection of art, well presented, arranged, and described. The only gripe is that it is clear the staff are following patrons around. It felt like we were being stalked by the staff, which rushed our experience and made us feel very unwelcome. In many ways, the staff ruined an otherwise great experience.

matthew wilson

My daughter attended the Chickasaw Arts Academy this summer at the University of Oklahoma and displayed her artwork at the Fred Jones Jr. Arts Center it was awesome!

Oscar Ordoñez

Ameizing place

Warrior Goddess

The first time I visited this Remarkable Museum, I was overcome with the immense variety and Awesome Artists' works showcased here. Best little secret in Norman!!

Caleb Martin

This place is bigger than it appears from the outside. They have some pretty cool art pieces and some interesting interactive exhibits.

William Hunt

Wonderful museum with amazing exhibits. AND, it's free. Free parking across the street around the corner. You will spend a lot of time here and be wowed by the amazing collection. Gift shop appears defunct and closed, unfortunately, because it was a good shop in the past. Nice staff. Very quiet place. Worth your time and a museum you will want to visit again. Sign up for their emails because they give you super information about their shows and events.

Shea Kastl

A truly amazing art museum.

Angel Rodriguez

Beautiful .??very nice

Bob Song

Good

James Howard

This is a wonderful place to look at art work of all kinds. If you are looking for a place for starting a conversation, this would be a good one and with it being free you really can't go wrong.

Loretta Howard

Great place to visit

S Ra

American and European art

Edgar Moran

Great free museum to go to if you're an ou student. They also offer a lot of free events to the public

Andrew Osborn

Treasure of Norman and OK! Hidden gem!

Kirk 72

Great exhibts go see

Ben Whipkey

It was a peaceful adventure to discover native American art

Susan Young

Great place. Staff was awesome. Parking is not adjacent to the museum.

Shad Robeson

Very interesting place, awesome if you are into art. Free!

Kelly Thompson

Great musuem.

soni parsons

Always a great time! The art is first rate!

Jason Soupene

Wonderful museum especially for being on campus. I would highly recommend!

Diana Clary

Awesome place! We really enjoyed the Native American Photograph exhibit along with the other pieces.

Jenna Cing

We were followed and watched like a hawk, unpleasant and I felt threatened every moment and step if the way. I couldn’t even enjoy the scenery, and I promptly left

Hugh Pickens

Overzealous security officers at the Fred Jones Museum in Norman, Oklahoma have made visiting the museum such an unpleasant and distasteful experience for me that I no longer feel welcome at the museum. I think the security officers at the museum need to be more customer focused and help visitors enjoy the museum experience rather than trying to catch and reprimand them for doing something wrong. Let me explain. I do not live in Norman, Oklahoma but I have enjoyed visiting art museums around the world. I know something about bronzes, the lost wax method of casting, and my wife and I have had a number of bronzes cast at Bronze Horse Foundry in Pawhuska for our personal collection. I am especially interested in works by Allan Houser and have visited his foundry and outdoor sculpture gardens in Southern Santa Fe County in New Mexico. The Fred Jones Museum has two Housers that are among my favorites: "Dance of the Mountain Spirit" and "As Long as the Waters Flow" that I particularly enjoy. Wednesday, September 27, 2017 was a rainy and overcast day in Norman, Oklahoma and in my experience that is the best time to visit a museum because the public stays away on days like this. I was right. When I arrived there were only two patrons (including myself) on the main floor of the museum and about a half a dozen security officers. I felt like I had the entire museum to myself. But the one downside is that when patrons are outnumbered three to one by guards it always makes me feel a little uncomfortable because several guards hover over each patron which I find breaks the spell of silent contemplation in a sacred space. I went to Houser's "As Long as the Waters Flow" and stood in front of it contemplating the piece for several minutes. The bronze itself is displayed in very subdued light which makes it difficult to observe the fine detail in the piece so I took out a small pocket-size penlight that I always carry in my shirt pocket and directed the light to her face so I could study the detail around her eyes. Two security officers who had been following me immediately descended on me. "Sir, you will have to put that away. It is not permitted in the museum," barked one of the guards. "I'm 68 years old and my eyes are not as good as they once were," I replied. "I was observing a detail in the bronze. Do you really think that shining a light on a bronze is going to damage it?" I replied. "It is against the rules of the museum," came the reply, "and you will have to stop immediately." I have seen bronzes out of doors in direct sunlight even at the Fred Jones Museum and there seems to be no concern that the sunlight will damage the patina. I could understand the damage a penlight could do to a painting but I fail to understand the damage a penlight could do to a bronze. If there are specific rules about photographing pieces or shining penlights on bronzes then these rules should be posted. Finally, even if it is indeed a rule at Fred Jones Museum that no penlights can be used to study the museum's bronzes, then I still think the entire incident could have been handled more diplomatically. The encounter has left a bad taste in my mouth and the brusque manner I was accosted upset me and spoiled the museum experience for me. I would feel unwelcome and uncomfortable visiting the Fred Jones Museum again and I would not recommend the museum to any art patron who hopes to enjoy the silent contemplation and study of fine art in Oklahoma.

Upendra Prasad

Interesting rotating exhibition. Would highly recommend for an OU student, FREE admission!

harold davis

Very enjoyable. Wonderful place to spend some time. Beautiful works of art

Jin Garton

The FJJMA has thousands of great pieces on exhibit and it changes all the time! They have Van Gogh, Monet, Degas, Pisarro, Gauguin, O'Keeffe, Fechin, Remington - the list could go on forever! They have an awesome museum store too! Parking can be found in a lot to the North of the building and admission is always free!!

Jenny Layton

How often do you take your child on a college tour and end up taking in Renoir and Van Gogh up close and personal? Such vast and varied collections, from advertising posters, to Native American artworks, digital pop art, and even was able to enjoy a live operatic recital. Amazing experience!

marcela flores l

(Translated by Google) Very nice museum exhibits works of very famous painters Monett, Rembrant etc (Original) Museo muy agradable se exponen obras de pintores muy famosos Monett, Rembrant etc

D Berg

Who could have imagined a 5 star art museum in the middle of Oklahoma and for free no less. Four floors of some of the best art work in the world including impressionist art from Van Gogh, Renoir, and numerous others very tastefully displayed in a recreated French cottage. The amount of art by Native American artists and about Native Americans is beyond reproach. Volume of pots alone is worth the stop.

Jason Camacho

Great place. Lots of great art to look at. I would go thinking I would only be there for maybe an hour, but I would end up staying longer.

Bryce Holland

If you enjoy museums, they don't get much better than the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art. The collection is fantastic, and they always have interesting traveling exhibits. The staff are very friendly and knowledgeable, and the best part: it's FREE!

strychnotic

Great collection of art, friendly staff, not crowded, good experience

Robert Qualls

Enjoyed myself a great deal. Its amazing what treasures one can find close to home.

Christina Gomez

Very interesting pieces. The lady who led the tour for our class was knowledgeable and engaging.

Anthony Machette

A great variety of art. The admission is free. Yes, the security follows you but it is still worth a visit.

Nancy Wobensmith

Expect to spend several hours here.

Marilyn Korhonen

A gem hidden on the OU Campus.

Marvina Curtiss

Oh it was so beautiful my first real art museum loved it

Cody Hawkins

Great art and free entry!

Josh Thompson

Excellent collection of impressionist and southwestern art. The buildings architecture is also impressive. Enjoyed the visit.

Drew Hooper

Great Collection And Environment...For Free!

Sara Crow

An incredible art collection managed by very nice and knowledgeable people. If you are in Norman and love art, you cannot afford to miss this museum.

Zhanming Wan

Free admission. Many great art pieces.

John Harrison

My wife and I love coming here!

Sally Johnston

Fred Jones offers art for free. Community events well run and loads of family fun. The Day Of The Dead event provided traditional dancing, light snacks and make and take crafts for everyone.

Dennis Odom

Great art, especially native American. Exhibits are all well done and viewing is very comfortable. No entry fee as OU sports pays all operating costs.

Cindy Chiba

Very nice and it is free!

Octavian Polar

Excellent museum of art. Totally unexpected to fone works by Van Gogh an Monet. Great southwestern landscape section.

Khup Kiim

Horrible experience. The artwork and aesthetic is beautiful but we were followed and watched the whole time we were looking around. The security guards just made me disgusted and uncomfortable, they act like the visitors are going to steal the artwork or something. My sister goes there frequently and she was followed all the way to the bathroom one time.

Donna Perry

After our guided tour of the campus, we decided to go into the art museum. Admission is free and though the space is relatively small, they had some very nice pieces. Not only European impressionism pieces, but great glass work from around the globe. One collection on display had the room furnishings and setup as well as the art works - as if you were visiting the house of the donor. The gift shop had some lovely things to buy - exhibition catalogs, reproduction pieces and jewelry. The building itself is aesthetically pleasing as well.

Rick Jenkins

We visited as a group of Seniors. We were treated like Royalty. Loved every minute of it. Thanks SHALOM

Rosemarie Brown

The museum used to underemphasize its collection purchased from the U.S. State Department, which included great examples of early 20th century art, and to overemphasize its Weitenhoffer Collection, which consisted of sometimes second rate art by first rate Impressionists. The game changer is a entire new floor of western (Santa Fe and Taos School) paintings and outstanding art by nineteeth through twenty-first century American indian artists. The facility itself is excellent, "user friendly" with comfortable spaces and intelligent lighting. Ignore the questions about price discounts as admission is free!

Michael Welliver

There is a good amount of artwork from various artists, styles and time periods. However, if you bring kids be prepared to be stalked by an employee and constantly reminded not to touch the art displays that looks like a living room.

M R Noneya

An incredible art collection.

Lauren IsOnTheMove

Free to visit! Friendly staff and beautiful art work.

Lillian Washington

I had the worst experience that I have ever had at this museum. My sons and I drove miles to enjoy the artwork but instead we were stalked through the museum. Actually we didn't make it past the first floor of artwork because it started feeling creepy. We were very uncomfortable during the visit so we left. This was yesterday and I still feel offended when I think about it.

Ian Hutcheson

Great art museum, I like it even more than OKC's art museum. The collection of Impressionist pieces is particularly impressive and the setup of that section is cool how it's a recreation of the home that originally housed them. It's also free!

Jennifer McGrail

Attended a graduation reception here. Definitely on the list of places to go back and visit when we have more time.

Tony Trimm

A great collection

Kenneth McLaurin

Thanks

Mary Collier

Lots of great peices and areas to explore. No Touching!!

Ralph A

Extensive collection. Very nice.

Rachel Mortensen

My boyfriend and I were finally able to pay this museum a visit about a week and a half ago. We both loved it! I'm not sure what he liked best, but I loved the modern pieces, like the houses made out of tiny glass bottles and the globe with a bunch of old cell phones wrapped around it. (Interesting sight, that globe. Check it out)! Unlike what I read in other reviews, the security guards were not following us around, so my boyfriend and I were able to enjoy the museum in absolute peace! Although we didn't buy anything, we both went nuts for all the awesome items in the gift shop, and have decided to come back to the museum sometime soon solely for visiting the gift shop and seeing what we'd like to buy! The museum itself is huge, and I highly recommend visiting it. With both old and modern art to view, you'll definitely find your favorite piece!

C Paizis

We enjoyed a self guided tour of the museum using a scavenger hunt provided by the staff.

Marie Nuchols

What a treasure for Oklahoma and the Norman locals. We were not expecting to be so enthralled when we opted to check this place out while on a quick mother-daughter weekend. The collection is really quite impressive. The only slightly negative thing we experienced was feeling fairly aggressively stalked by the security staff; it felt a tiny bit .... well, stalky. But overall, it was a marvelous way to spend a morning with family. Would love to return another day with my husband.

Joshua Martin

Great museum! There is a lot of cool art here.

Beau Murphy

Definite must see if you're in the area! They have a wonderful collection of western and native american art. They also have impressive collections that feature Icons like Van Gogh, Pissarro, and Monet.

Bennett Beasley

Very nice architecture and grounds. It's a fun place to go amungst the occasionally bland Oklahoma plains

London Hendershot

I am giving Fred Jones Jr Museum 2 stars due to their security guards. These individuals go too far in my opinion. My husband & I were followed around (too closely) & this made me feel extremely uncomfortable. I sat down on a bench at one point to view a text on my cell & a security guard literally was inches behind me looking down at me. I was not planning a heist or any sort of mayhem. Perhaps these security personnel would be better suited to work as TSA agents at Will Rogers or better yet--as Secret Service Agents. One finds it rather difficult to enjoy any of the art at Fred Jones Jr Museum with the security guards. I have been there several other times & felt the same way. Honestly it is creepy.

A Hall

Absolutely breathtaking exhibits. Painting, pastel, sculpture, and more. Maybe better than OKC Art Museum.

Guns n Roses

It has horses in the middle of every gallery

Lane Bullock

Was nice and it’s free so yuh

Celeste Flemming

Wonderful

Keili Perez

I swear I went here for my school field trip I have a friend who has a boyfriend I swear he bought a $50 3 foot dinosaur for my friend it was the dumbest decision he ever made cuz they broke up and then got back together they're liking on and on off again thing it's hilarious I swear anyways I got some food here it turned my mouth pink I don't care I liked it 10 out of 10 would recommend

Gerry Titterington

The greeters at the museum entrance, staff in the gift shop, and gallery attendants were all helpful and friendly, and the physical space itself has a nice spacious feel--as someone who tends to get lost easily, I also found it easy to navigate using the provided map. I love that the collection is both diverse in terms of geographic and cultural origin and has some well-defined areas of strength, such as the fabulous assortment of twentieth-century American and Indigenous art. Thoroughly enjoyed myself and will be eager to go back!

David Jordan

Awesome!! Class act all the way. Top notch.

Jeff Watham

It is really exquisite

David Lawson

A hidden gem, definitely worth adding this to your trip itinerary.

Charlie Miller

My family enjoyed our visit to the Fred Jones Jr. art museum. We loved the variety that was displayed and how certain areas went with a certain theme. I had forgotten about the security in art museums, but everyone was nice and we didn't feel like we were being followed around and watched the entire time. We were able to leisurely walk around and enjoy the place. There is a nice little gift shop here with some unique things. Definitely worth the trip for us, I hope to visit again sometime!