Golden Driller Statue | Tulsa

The Golden Driller is a 76-foot-tall statue depicting an oil worker, located in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

It is situated at the Tulsa Expo Center.

Visual Characteristics

The statue is constructed from steel and concrete, covered in a layer of fiberglass and painted gold. It stands 76 feet tall, with a base that adds an additional 43 feet. The figure is depicted wearing work clothes, including a hard hat, overalls, and boots, holding a drill bit.

Location & Access Logistics

The Golden Driller is located at 4145 E 21st St, Tulsa, OK 74114, within the Tulsa Expo Center grounds. It is approximately 5 kilometers east of the Tulsa city center. Access is via East 21st Street. Ample parking is available at the Tulsa Expo Center, with designated areas for visitors to the statue. Public transport options include Tulsa Transit bus routes that service the area around the Expo Center.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The original Golden Driller statue was erected in 1953 for the Tulsa International Petroleum Exposition. The current version was constructed in 1966 by the Tulsa-based firm of John Brown and Associates, with sculptor Robert Wesley adding the final touches. It was commissioned to honor the oil industry workers of Oklahoma.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can view the statue from ground level. Photography is permitted. The statue is a static monument; no climbing or direct interaction with the structure is allowed.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available within the Tulsa Expo Center complex. Shade is limited around the immediate base of the statue. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally strong in the area. Food vendors are typically present during events held at the Expo Center, but not on a permanent basis for the statue itself.

Best Time to Visit

The statue can be viewed at any time of day. For photography, late afternoon light can provide favorable illumination on the gold finish. The best months for visiting Tulsa are generally April through October, offering milder weather conditions.

Facts & Legends

The Golden Driller has been recognized as the tallest statue in Oklahoma and one of the tallest in the United States. A unique detail is that the statue was originally designed to be movable, though it has remained in its current location since its installation.

Nearby Landmarks

• Tulsa Expo Center (0km)
• Mohawk Park (3.5km Northeast)
• Philbrook Museum of Art (4.0km West)
• Gathering Place (4.5km Southwest)
• Oral Roberts University (4.8km Southwest)