Center of the Universe

Tulsa's Center of the Universe is a small concrete circle on a pedestrian bridge downtown that has become famous for an unusual acoustic effect. When a person stands near the center and speaks, the sound reflects back in a way that can make the voice seem louder, altered or oddly isolated. The effect is produced by the geometry and hard surfaces of the surrounding structure rather than anything supernatural, but the exact sensation can still be surprising. Because people standing only a short distance away may hear the sound differently, the location has generated plenty of exaggerated stories and local mythology. The site is not a major attraction in size; the experience takes only a few minutes. Its appeal comes from trying the acoustic effect personally and from its location within downtown Tulsa's arts and entertainment area. Nearby public art, music venues and historic buildings make it easy to incorporate into a walking route. The Center of the Universe is one of Oklahoma's best examples of a tiny urban oddity becoming a recognizable destination largely through word of mouth.