The Chickasaw Cultural Center in Sulphur, Oklahoma, offers a world of opportunity to learn and connect with First American history. Watch the story of the Chickasaw people unfold before your eyes through powerful performances, reenactments, demonstrations, collections and exhibits at one of the largest and most extensive tribal cultural centers in the United States.
Visitors can take a guided tour to explore the grounds and exhibit center, visit the Chikasha Inchokka' Traditional Village and participate in a Chickasaw Stomp Dance.
Using modern technology, theatrical environments and interactive media stations, this state-of-the-art campus provides a non-traditional way of connecting to the Chickasaw culture. Explore the exhibit center, ampitheater, research center, sky pavilion and garden village as you discover the amazing Chickasaw way of life.
Excitingly, the Chickasaw Cultural Center was granted a 2014 Certificate of Excellence award from TripAdvisor for outstanding hospitality. Start planning your trip to the Chickasaw Cultural Center today and experience the celebrated spirit, vision and prized hospitality of the Chickasaw Nation for yourself!
Chikasha Poya Exhibit Center - Meaning 'We are Chickasaw,' the Chikasha Poya Exhibit Center showcases collections, classes, lessons and special events that tell the history of the Chickasaw people. Inside you’ll find the Spirit Forest, Council House Orientation Theater, the interactive Removal and Stomp Dance displays, and an extensive artifacts gallery.
Anoli’ Theater - Watch films about the Chickasaw people and culture on a large-scale screen in the Anoli’ Theater. This 350-seat, cutting-edge theater showcases a 2,700 square foot screen, 44 x 62 foot wraparound screen, a digital surround sound system, state-of-the-art film projector and large comfy chairs. The theatre offers showtimes daily, featured family movies every Saturday night and special premieres throughout the year.
Kochcha’ Aabiniili’ Amphitheater - Sitting in the middle of the campus, the Kochcha’ Aabiniili’ ('outdoor seating') Amphitheater is where family and outdoor activities such as singing and stargazing take place. The 320-person tiered performance area has hosted many communal activities including lectures, plays, storytelling, bow-making, cultural ceremonies and concerts.
Chikasha Inchokka’ Traditional Village - A historically accurate replica of a real Chickasaw Village, the Chikasha Inchokka’ ('Chickasaw house') Traditional Village is made up of two summer houses, two winter houses, a corn crib, ceremonial mound and traditional stockade fence. Activities that take place in the village include spirit lessons, stomp dance and food festivals.
Aapisa' Art Gallery - The Aapisa' Art Gallery houses an exquisite collection of fine art and rotating exhibits for visitors to enjoy. The Aapisa' Art Gallery is a beautifully designed area with more than 1,200 square -feet of exhibit space adorned with architectural details such as wood, copper and stone that is integrated throughout the campus. Located adjacent to the Welcome Center and Gift Shop, the Art Gallery offers a convenient early stop on campus.
Aba’ Aanow’ Sky Pavilion - The best view of the Chickasaw Cultural Center is on the Aba’ Aanow’ (a place for walking above') Sky Pavilion. Walk onto this beautiful piece of architecture surrounded by glass to get a magnificent view of the grounds from high above.
Aaholiitobli’ Honor Garden - Honoring the individuals inducted into the Chickasaw Nation Hall of Fame, the Aaholiitobli’ Honor Garden pays homage to the elders, warriors and leaders who have contributed to the legacy of the Chickasaw people. While enjoying the open air garden, view engraved granite plaques that hang on stone walls surrounding the granite and copper fountain.
Aaimpa’ Café - Aaimpa’ ('a place to eat') Cafe serves traditional Chickasaw and American cuisine. Several dishes are made with homegrown vegetables, herbs and fruits from the Center’s gardens. The Cafe accommodates group meals in advance and also offers traditional catering.
Holisso Research Center - The Holisso Research Center is the place for study, scholarship and research of the Chickasaws and Southeastern tribes. Its 20,000 square foot research library also preserves artifacts, objects, stories and information passed from Chickasaw ancestors for future generations to enjoy.
Grounds - Explore the heart of the Chickasaw Territory with the open grounds and walking tours. While strolling through the natural outdoor landscape, you’ll find plants that served as a vital necessity to the survival of the Chickasaw people.
The campus is open and there is no charge to enter any buildings. Charges include:
Chikasha Poya Exhibit
Saturday Evening Movies