center of the universe

This is one of the stops we take our out of state guests. Usually we begin with a brief stop at Oral Roberts University, Philbrook if there's an interesting exhibit or the the gardens are still blooming, then a bit of Route 66, past several of the art deco buildings Tulsa is famous for, then a quick stop at the Center of the Universe before proceeding to Gilcrease Museum, if Philbrook was skipped. Only one couple found the Center of the Universe stop on the strange side.

After I read the description of this place I was left doubting that it could live up to what I read. It did, and in a big way! Here is what I read: "The center of the universe is an acoustic anomaly; when one stands in the center of the circle and makes a noise, that noise is echoed back several times louder than it was made. Imagine dropping a small pin and expecting to hear a tiny “tink” as it hits the floor. Instead, the sound the pin makes is more like the loud crash of a gong.While this in itself is amazing, the truly amazing thing is that no one standing outside of the circle can hear a thing. A foghorn could be going off in the center of the circle, and those on the outside wouldn’t hear it.... Or rather, that’s how the legend goes.In reality, your voice does become extremely distorted when heard from outside the circle. Supposedly, the parabolic reflectivity of the circular planter walls causes the distortion. Many people have spent a lot of time studying how this effect is made, but there has been no consensus on what causes it. Whatever the causes of the distortions are, it is truly an amazing place.Located in downtown Tulsa at the apex of a rebuilt span of the old Boston Street Bridge between 1st and Archer Street, the Center of the Universe is easy to find. A brick path leads to the pedestrian bridge that goes over the railroad tracks, accessible from the corner of W. Archer St. and N. Boston Ave. It is located directly northwest of the old Union Train Depot (now the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame), and immediately south of the Williams Center Tower."

Want to hear your voice echo. This is the place. Not really the center of the universe but you can always make believe. The City of Tulsa has been letting the pavement at the base of the structure crumble. The monument is located right next to the Tulsa Jazz Hall of Fame which can rarely pay its bills.

This place is fun its FREE and you can tell all your friends "I have been to the center of the universe !". its just strange that no one else hears any eco and its really loud to you! I will have to go back every time when I go to Tulsa from now on!

I worked downtown right across the street from the Center of the Universe for 10 years as a telecommunications engineer...born and raised in Tulsa...and I had never heard of it...imagine. One bright Saturday afternoon, we wanted to enjoy the outdoors...and nothing sounded better than the rejuvenated Downtown Tulsa. My son said..."Hey before we go to the Blue Dome district, let visit the Center of the Universe." I didn't know what he was talking about, but was up for a new adventure. All I can say....is WOW!!!! The echo is amazing, it's free, and can be enjoyed in less than 10 minutes. Just goes to show...there are wonderful things to explore in your own hometown...life is sweet in Tulsa!!!

I had to experience it myself after reading the reviews. It does echo lol! Part of the explanation could possibly be because it is on a bridge, who knows. The best way to find it is to park on the corner near Boston street and walk up the pathway, which is an old bridge, towards the front of the old depot building.

Being a long time Tulsa resident and downtown worker, I never really understood the fascination with this location. I recently was asked by some house guests if we could visit the COU and I took them down on a Sunday afternoon. While it is an interesting phenomenon of sound, I would not recommend anyone go too far out of their way just to experience it.

This was an out of the way thing that one of our travelling companions saw and wanted to check out. It was close to the Jazz Museum and was an interesting kitschy attraction to visit.

Ok we are not from the area but I have run the marathon in Tulsa and knew about the center of the universe. I ran by this at the race but did not stop. So after reading the reviews I decided to bring my wife and kids while in area. It is not much to look at and a little hard to find (look for old TALL post). You will only spend 5 minutes here but it is pretty neat. You stand in the circle and talk/whistle and the echo you hear is amazing. Kids loved it. Enjoy.

Truly, the Center of the Universe is in Tulsa! It is a spot downtown were everything echoes, weirdest thing you ever saw. Could not say for sure how to get there, ask some locals and they can point you in the right direction.

okay, this isnt anything crazy but it is fun, plan on spending 10 minutes or less but its just something different and I could see it being VERY enjoyable for kids.

This was a lot of fun. Stairs to climb but not bad. You will be amazed. You stand in the center of a circle and say or sing or whistle low and wait until you see what happens!!!! Kids will love it as well as adults.

Wasn't sure what to expect after hearing from several long time residents about this "Center of the Universe" thing. Still when you have a family member in town who really is an astrophysicist.... What can I say? We put on our walking shoes and headed downtown. Definitely a slice of weirdness. But it is kind of cool and quirky and definitely worth the short walk to get there. And if you happen to have your own astrophysicist you might get the lowdown on how it all works! :) (And for the geocachers out there, added bonus, this is a virtual geocache)

I was in the area so thought I would seek it out. Not very interesting, although the 'effect' did work - I stood on the spot and screamed obscenities and no one even looked my way! ;) The railroad station (which is now a jazz club) was much more interesting to photograph and look at.

Husband and i stopped by here while in thecarea on date night. It's a neat place! One of those things you just have to see, or should I say hear for yourself.