First Americans Museum Unveils Immersive Discovery Center; Commences Sept 20

In a landmark initiative for cultural education, the First Americans Museum (FAM) is preparing to unveil the FAMily Discovery Center (FDC) on September 20, 2025. This two-story, 5,000-square-foot exhibit is an immersive environment that effectively transforms the charming aesthetics of a pop-up book into a captivating, life-sized reality, where towering animal guides greet visitors and the seasons shift dynamically before their eyes.

STEAM, Storytelling, and Sovereignty

Designed for children, families, and curious learners across all age groups, the FDC represents a unique educational offering for Oklahoma City. It seamlessly merges STEAM-based activities (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) with hands-on play, immersive storytelling, and cutting-edge visual technology.

Dr. Kelli Mosteller (Citizen Potawatomi Nation), the FAM Executive Director, emphasized the FDC's distinctiveness, stating, "There is nowhere else like the FAMily Discovery Center." She highlighted its importance in demonstrating "how deeply our Indigenous cultures are interwoven with the lands we call home," whether those lands are ancestral or not.

The core of the FDC's narrative is led by “The Fab Six,” a group of animal relatives inspired by traditional clan systems: Grandma Turtle, Rabbit, Deer, Coyote, Grandma Spider, and Red Tail Hawk. These characters guide guests through a vibrant, interactive forest filled with engaging activities and scavenger hunts, all designed to honor the 39 sovereign First American Nations currently located in Oklahoma. As visitors journey through the space, dynamic lighting and immersive soundscapes simulate the passage of time, allowing guests to experience a full year in the forest in less than sixty minutes. During this exploration, guests will encounter 114 species of Oklahoma flora, fauna, and ecosystems, while simultaneously exploring core Indigenous values such as respect, resilience, stewardship, and community—universal themes that promote a deeper understanding across cultures.

Vector Design and Native Voices

The FDC was brought to life by Storyline Studio, an acclaimed firm known for creating innovative, narrative-rich environments. Its visually striking identity was developed by U.K.-based illustrator Mark Oliver, whose geometric style defines the exhibit's distinctive look. A notable technical achievement is that the entire FDC was built using vector-based Adobe Illustrator software. This highly unusual approach ensures that the artwork scales flawlessly—from minute insects to 25-foot-tall trees—without any loss of clarity.

William Smith, Principal of Storyline Studio, remarked on this technological feat: "To our knowledge, no other museum has attempted a vector-based environment at this scale." He described the project as a meeting point where "design meets technology, guided by deep respect for Native cultures." Smith expressed profound pride in the team's accomplishment, confirming that every detail retains perfect sharpness.

The FDC was co-curated by FAM Deputy Director Shoshana Wasserman (Thlopthlocco Tribal Town/Muscogee) and FAM Communications Project Manager Kimberly Rodriguez (Muscogee/Oglala Sioux), who have guided the project since its initial development phases in 2018. Wasserman passionately described the space as more than an exhibit, calling it a "pop-up-book love letter," designed to spark curiosity and strengthen inter-generational connections.

The auditory experience is enriched by the voices of acclaimed Native artists and leaders woven into the soundscape. Visitors will hear contributions from Joy Harjo (Muscogee), the first Native American U.S. Poet Laureate; Commander John Herrington (Chickasaw), the first Native American astronaut; and Shaun Taylor-Corbett (Blackfeet), a prominent actor and storyteller. Their narration adds profound depth and reflects the ongoing, living presence of Indigenous knowledge.

Traditional design motifs and cultural values are embedded in every single detail throughout the FDC. This thoughtful integration ensures that Indigenous families see their own stories fully reflected and celebrated, while non-Native visitors are granted a meaningful, transcendent glimpse into the deep connections between people, place, and tradition.

Timed-entry tickets are currently available online, with access to the FDC included with general museum admission. Families are strongly encouraged to reserve their tickets early for this exciting new experience.