Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum

The Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum is a tribute to those affected by the tragic April 19, 1995 bombing of Oklahoma City, from survivors to victims and including rescuers and first responders. The memorial area houses a wall with the names of survivors, a display of 168 empty chairs inscribed with the names of the victims, and a reflecting pool for contemplation. The museum itself offers an interactive tour divided into 10 sections or “chapters”, all telling the chronological story of the bombing’s history and subsequent impact, and how it may affect the future of the country. You’ll be able to hear survivors and families of victims tell their own stories of the incident, see news footage archived from the event, and view many artifacts, including the getaway car used by Timothy McVeigh. The monument sits on the site that once held Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, which was destroyed during the tragedy. The entrance of the memorial is framed by bronze gates that are engraved with times, each one noting the minute before the attack and the minute after. The gates are illuminated after dusk, and the field of empty chairs is, too. To pay your respects and learn a little about those who were taken, those who survived, and those who aided, visiting the national memorial and museum is one of the top things to do in Oklahoma, despite its sobering nature. Address: 620 N Harvey Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73102, United States