Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum Celebrates 25 Years

The memorial and museum has welcomed over 4 million visitors since opening in 2001.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum is celebrating 25 years of sharing the stories and memories of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing. On Thursday, the museum offered free admission to the public, drawing over 1,000 visitors. As the museum looks to the future, it is planning a 13,000 square foot expansion to enhance the visitor experience and continue educating future generations about the tragedy and the community's resilience.

Why it matters

The Oklahoma City bombing was a pivotal moment in the city's and the nation's history. The memorial and museum serve as a powerful reminder of the tragedy, as well as the community's strength and compassion in the aftermath. Preserving and sharing these stories is crucial for honoring the victims and inspiring future generations to uphold the 'Oklahoma Standard' of service, honor, and kindness.

The details

The Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum officially opened 25 years ago, on April 19, 1995, the same day as the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. Over the past 25 years, the museum has welcomed around 4 million visitors from over 100 countries, sharing the stories and memories of that fateful day. As the museum looks to the future, it is planning a 13,000 square foot expansion that will include a 'foreword' space to set visitors up for the experience before they enter the museum galleries.

  • The Oklahoma City bombing occurred on April 19, 1995.
  • The Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum officially opened on April 19, 2001, marking the 6th anniversary of the bombing.
  • On February 20, 2026, the museum celebrated its 25th anniversary.

The players

Blayne Arthur

A woman who lost her mother in the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing and now visits the memorial and museum.

Chris Fleming

The Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum.

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What they’re saying

“I think the message here is more relevant than ever, to be honest with you.”

— Blayne Arthur, Woman who lost her mother in the bombing (KFOR)

“It will set people up to really pay attention to the Oklahoma standard of service, honor, and kindness that was in effect immediately after the bombing and the years since. And so it really just sets people up to have the best experience we feel that they can throughout the museum.”

— Chris Fleming, Chairman of the Board of Trustees (KFOR)

What’s next

The museum is currently working on a 13,000 square foot expansion project that will add a 'foreword' space to set visitors up for the experience before they enter the main galleries.

The takeaway

The Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum has become a powerful symbol of resilience and community in the face of tragedy. By preserving the stories and memories of the 1995 bombing, the museum continues to inspire visitors to uphold the 'Oklahoma Standard' of service, honor, and kindness that emerged in the aftermath of the attack.