The Oklahoma City Museum of Art (OKCMOA) will host the major exhibition The Triumph of Nature: Art Nouveau from the Chrysler Museum of Art from October 31, 2026, through January 24, 2027. This comprehensive showcase features 127 masterpieces, including intricate furniture, fine jewelry, prints, and paintings. These treasures are drawn from the renowned holdings of the Chrysler Museum of Art, primarily gifted by Walter P. and Jean Chrysler, whose private residences once served as showrooms for these exquisite works.
The exhibition is organized into five thematic sections that trace the movement’s evolution and global impact. Visitors will explore the influence of Japonisme, the legacy of Siegfried Bing and his Maison de l’Art Nouveau, and the revolutionary craftsmanship of the École de Nancy. The journey continues through the core “Triumph of Nature” theme before concluding with the transition from the organic forms of Art Nouveau to the industrial, geometric lines of Art Deco.
Art enthusiasts will encounter works by the most celebrated figures of the era, defining the “whiplash” curves and floral motifs that characterized this radical departure from traditional aesthetics. The display includes the luminous glass of Louis Comfort Tiffany, the symbolic paintings of Gustav Klimt, the iconic graphic designs of Alphonse Mucha, and the provocative illustrations of Aubrey Beardsley. This exhibition offers a unique opportunity to see how these artists redefined modern design at the turn of the century.
Located in the Donald W. Reynolds Visual Arts Center, the Oklahoma City Museum of Art traces its roots back to the early work of the Oklahoma Art League and the WPA Experimental Gallery. Formally incorporated as a private institution on May 18, 1945, the museum evolved through the 1989 merger of the Oklahoma Art Center and the Oklahoma Museum of Art. This consolidation ensured a financially secure future for the arts in Oklahoma City following the economic shifts of the 1980s.
The current museum facility opened in March 2002, funded by a significant capital grant from the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation and contributions from over 500 private donors. Today, it stands as a cornerstone of the region’s cultural landscape, housing one of the most comprehensive collections of Chihuly glass in the world. A highlight of the museum’s atrium is the 55-foot Eleanor Blake Kirkpatrick Memorial Tower, a breathtaking glass sculpture by Dale Chihuly.
As an institution accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, OKCMOA welcomes over 135,000 visitors annually from across the globe. Beyond its galleries, the museum features a prestigious repertory cinema showing foreign, independent, and classic films, as well as an on-site restaurant and the Museum School. The permanent collection spans five centuries, with strong emphasis on 19th and 20th-century European and American art alongside a growing contemporary selection.
This exhibition is currently on a national tour organized by the Chrysler Museum of Art and toured by International Arts & Artists. It has already made significant stops at the Lightner Museum in Florida in 2023 and the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts through early 2025. You can preview many of the museum’s permanent works and learn more about its offerings by visiting the OKCMOA Google Arts & Culture site.
The enduring fascination with this movement shows that Americans love Art Nouveau, often traveling abroad to witness its architectural roots. For those seeking a unique European adventure, private tours offer a deep dive into the history of cities like Paris and Prague, which mirror the scale of American hubs like Houston and San Francisco. From the Secession Building in Vienna to the hidden gems of Budapest and Riga, these personalized journeys allow enthusiasts to discover the intricate details and cultural significance of the movement beyond the museum walls.
