The Center of The Universe: If You Stand in This Circle in Tulsa, Oklahoma, You Will Experience a Unique Acoustic Anomaly

In downtown Tulsa, Oklahoma, a seemingly ordinary circle holds an extraordinary acoustic secret.

If you are looking for a unique and mysterious place to visit, you might want to check out the Center of the Universe in Tulsa, Oklahoma. This is a small concrete circle in the middle of a larger circle of bricks, located on a pedestrian bridge over the railroad tracks in downtown Tulsa. It may not look like much, but it has a surprising acoustic anomaly that will make you wonder what’s going on.

The Center of the Universe is also known as the Tulsa Vortex, because it seems to create a sonic distortion that defies the laws of physics. If you stand in the middle of the circle and make a noise, such as clapping, talking, or dropping a pin, the sound will be echoed back to you several times louder than it was made. However, those standing outside the circle won’t hear anything of that at all.

According to the legend, even if a foghorn sounded at the circle’s center, those on the perimeter wouldn’t perceive it. While this might be an exaggeration, your voice does become remarkably distorted when heard from beyond the circle, creating an impressive effect.

No one knows for sure what causes this phenomenon, but there are some theories. One is that the sound is reflected by the circular planter walls that surround the circle, creating a parabolic effect. Another is that there is some kind of vortex or portal where cosmic energies or parallel universes collide. Some people even believe that it is a haunted spot where ghosts or spirits play tricks on us.

Whatever the explanation, the Center of the Universe is a fascinating and fun place to experience. You can try making different noises and see how they sound in the circle. You can also enjoy the view of the downtown skyline and the nearby landmarks, such as the Artificial Cloud sculpture by Native American artist Robert Haozous, which stands 72 feet tall and is made of rusting steel.

The Center of the Universe was created in the 1980s when engineers rebuilt the bridge after a fire. It is named after a popular music festival that used to take place in Tulsa’s Brady Arts District. The festival featured live music, food, drinks, and art from local and national artists. The festival was discontinued in 2016, but the Center of the Universe remains as a legacy of Tulsa’s vibrant culture and history.

If you want to visit the Center of the Universe, you can find it on the Boston Avenue pedestrian bridge between Archer and First Street, directly northwest of the old Union Train Depot (now the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame), and immediately north of the Williams Center Tower. It is accessible 24/7, free of charge.

The Center of the Universe is one of those places that you have to see and hear for yourself to believe. It is a hidden gem that will surprise and delight you with its mysterious sound effects. It is also a great spot to take pictures, propose, or get married. So don’t miss this opportunity to visit one of Tulsa’s most intriguing attractions and discover why it is called the Center of the Universe.

Sources: 1, 2, 3