Did you know that the Smithsonian Institution once had an entire exhibit dedicated to petroleum? Back in 1967, the Hall of Petroleum opened at what is now the National Museum of American History, giving visitors a deep dive into the technology, science, and innovation behind oil and gas. Featuring drilling rigs, geology exhibits, and even a massive mural depicting the industry, this exhibit showcased how petroleum shaped modern America.
Though the Hall of Petroleum has since faded into history, its impact remains. Let’s take a closer look at this unique exhibit, the art that defined it, and why petroleum’s influence on American history is still worth celebrating.
A Monument to Oilfield Innovation
In the 1960s, oil and gas were at the heart of American progress, fueling everything from transportation to manufacturing. Recognizing the industry’s importance, the Smithsonian opened the Hall of Petroleum in June 1967 as part of the Museum of History and Technology (renamed the National Museum of American History in 1980).
This exhibit aimed to educate the public on how petroleum was discovered, extracted, refined, and used in everyday life. Some of its key features included:
Massive Oilfield Displays – Full-scale cable-tool and rotary drilling rigs demonstrated how oil was drilled and extracted.
Geology & Engineering Exhibits – The museum showcased seismic technology, geological formations, and oilfield equipment used to locate and recover petroleum.
Historic and Modern Equipment – Visitors could compare early oil exploration methods with cutting-edge advancements, including offshore drilling.
The Evolution of Petroleum Transportation – A section of the exhibit showed how crude oil was transported, refined, and distributed.
At the time, thousands of visitors—including students, engineers, and policymakers—flocked to the exhibit to better understand how petroleum powered America.
A 56-Foot Masterpiece: The "Panorama of Petroleum" Mural
Perhaps the most iconic feature of the Hall of Petroleum was the "Panorama of Petroleum", a 13-foot-by-56-foot mural created by Tulsa artist Delbert Jackson. This massive artwork welcomed visitors at the entrance, illustrating the entire petroleum industry—from exploration and drilling to refining and delivery.
Jackson spent two years crafting this masterpiece, which featured:
Realistic depictions of oilfield operations, including derricks, pump jacks, and pipelines.
22 Tulsa oilmen, whose contributions to the industry were immortalized in paint.
The artist himself, cleverly hidden in the mural as an oilfield worker.
After the Hall of Petroleum closed, the mural disappeared into storage for decades before being rediscovered and restored. In 1998, it finally found a permanent home at Tulsa International Airport, where thousands of travelers see it every year.
Fun Fact: In 1966, 10 major oil-related companies sponsored the mural for the Smithsonian, including Dow Chemical, Hughes Tool Co., and Sunray DX Oil Company!
Where is Petroleum History at the Smithsonian Today?
While the Hall of Petroleum was eventually removed, some elements of the industry remain on display in the Smithsonian’s “America on the Move” exhibit, which focuses on transportation. A historic oilfield service truck from Oklahoma is one of the few petroleum-related artifacts still visible today.
Unfortunately, petroleum exploration and production no longer have a dedicated space at the Smithsonian. Yet, the industry’s history continues to shape the modern world. From the first Texas oil boom to today’s technological advancements in offshore drilling and fracking, petroleum remains a critical part of global energy.
Why Preserving Petroleum History Matters
The Hall of Petroleum was more than just an exhibit—it was a testament to the ingenuity and engineering behind the industry. The drilling rigs, seismic maps, and geological surveys on display helped the public understand the sheer complexity of bringing petroleum to market.
Though it no longer stands, its legacy reminds us that petroleum has powered progress for over a century—and will continue to evolve alongside new energy innovations.
Final Thoughts: The Lost Smithsonian Exhibit Worth Remembering
Petroleum has fueled America’s growth for over a century, and the Smithsonian’s Hall of Petroleum was once a celebration of that history. While the exhibit may be gone, its impact remains in the countless innovations that still drive the industry today.
And if you ever find yourself at Tulsa International Airport, be sure to stop by and admire the Panorama of Petroleum—a forgotten piece of Smithsonian history that still tells the story of oil and gas.
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At EOH, we’re committed to bringing you fascinating insights into petroleum’s past, present, and future. Follow us for more fun facts about the industry, and check out our latest blog posts for deep dives into oilfield history and technology.
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