Designed by Minoru Yamasaki, the architect behind the innovative design of the former World Trade Center Towers, The Tulsa Performing Arts Center springs from remarkable origins. In 1973, philanthropists John H. Williams and Leta Chapman called on Tulsa voters to fund half of the cost of construction and they would match the amount. The people of Tulsa took up the challenge and the center opened its doors in 1977. It is home to 12 resident companies and has seen the likes of Ella Fitzgerald, Michael Buble and Itzhak Perlman take to its many stages.