Although it is not known as the most beautiful of American cities, Oklahoma City manages to accomplish and offer a lot despite its flat, mostly treeless terrain. Rapid economic development fueled by the discovery of oil in 1928 was not accompanied by a well thought-out urban development plan. This situation was partially remedied by a 1965 renewal project designed by the internationally famous architect IM Pei and more recent improvements to the downtown area.

A couple of excellent museums with a strong regional flavor anchor the city's cultural life. The rather large National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum is the place to see such treasures as cowboy art by Charles Russell and is also home to interactive exhibits and a rodeo room. Also worth a visit is the Oklahoma City Art Museum, a sparkling new facility with world class art and a focus on thematic works of the plains and the American Midwest.