The Philbrook Museum of Art in Tulsa, Oklahoma, has announced a $10 million gift from the A R & Marylouise Tandy Foundation to build a new feature within the Philbrook Gardens.

The gift will support construction of the 6,000-square-foot Tandy Pavilion and a 2,000-square-foot covered patio, which will take advantage of an underused area of the museum’s grounds to create a hub for art education, nature programs, special events, and general recreation. Site preparation will begin this summer, with a groundbreaking planned at the end of the year; construction is slated to be complete by the spring of 2025.

The gift also will enable Philbrook to enhance the campus by adding new lighting, accessible pathways, restrooms, and updated security measures. The gift will cover the bulk of the $12 million project; fundraising for an additional $2 million is under way. Site prep is set to begin this summer, with a planned groundbreaking at the end of this year. 

“The Tandy Pavilion will activate an entirely new part of our campus as a place for gathering, learning, and playing together,” said Philbrook president and CEO Scott Stulen. “Like generations before, young visitors will come with their friends, families, and teachers to create memories. As we continue to preserve the legacy of Philbrook, we’re also eager for this incredible opportunity to build its future.”

(Photo credit: Getty Images/Schwirl52)