The Mayo Hotel

Experience the rich history of rock 'n roll at The Church Studio, a state-of-the-art recording studio located in the bustling Studio Row district of Tulsa. Initially built in 1915 as Grace M.E. Church, the building was transformed into a creative haven for songwriters, musicians, and engineers under the leadership of Leon Russell in 1972. Today, The Church Studio offers the perfect blend of digital and analog recording with a spacious live room, four isolation booths, two reverb/echo chambers, plate reverb, and an impressive collection of vintage gear. Whether you're a music enthusiast or a professional recording artist, The Church Studio is open for tours, special concerts, and venue rentals. Immerse yourself in the history of the Tulsa Sound, a genre developed by Russell and fellow Oklahoman JJ Cale that blends blues, country, and rock to create a unique, laid-back style of Southern-style rock-and-roll. The "Tulsa Sound" is celebrated by creatives who honor the musical pioneers that came before them. Walk in the footsteps of legendary musicians like Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, and Tom Petty as you explore the archives and exhibits at The Church Studio.

If you're looking for the best way to explore downtown Tulsa, look no further than Tulsa Tours. These local pros offer a variety of walking tours that cater to your interests and budget. Head to their tour office in the Philcade, an Art Deco landmark built by oilman Waite Phillips, to get started. You'll love browsing their collection of vintage Tulsa postcards and pennants, dating back to when Tulsa was known as the World's Oil Capital. One of the most popular tours among visitors is Architecture & Art Deco. This tour explores the fantastic architecture of Tulsa and delves into the meaning behind ornamental details found in the city's most storied buildings. You'll see styles ranging from Neo-Gothic to Art Deco to Modernism and even gain exclusive access to a dazzling Deco lobby normally closed to the public. For locals, the Tunnel Tour is a must-see. This tour takes you through the interior corridors of historic office buildings, where you'll learn about the rich history of these buildings and the oil men who built them.