
Best Museums & Art Galleries in St. Louis, Missouri, United States
1. Saint Louis Art Museum
A renowned museum with a vast collection spanning 5,000 years of world art.
- Worldwide Collection: Houses works from nearly every culture and time period
- Free Admission: Admission is always free to the public
- Architectural Beauty: Set in beautiful Forest Park, the museum's architectural design is worth a visit itself
2. Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis
A hub for contemporary art exhibitions and events in the heart of downtown.
- Cutting-Edge Exhibits: Offers a variety of thought-provoking contemporary works
- Community Engagement: Collaborates with local artists and community groups
- Rotating Exhibitions: Hosts several temporary exhibits throughout the year
3. The Pulitzer Foundation for the Arts
A unique museum dedicated to modern and contemporary art in a Tadao Ando-designed building.
- Architectural Marvel: Designed by renowned architect Tadao Ando, the museum is an impressive work of art itself
- Intimate Setting: Features a small but powerful collection in an intimate setting
- Educational Programs: Offers educational programs and artist talks to visitors
4. The Fabric Museum
An interactive museum that explores the art, history, and culture of textiles.
- Hands-On Experiences: Allows visitors to try various textile techniques
- Temporary Exhibits: Features rotating exhibitions of contemporary and historical textiles
- Community Engagement: Collaborates with local artists and schools to promote textile art
5. Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum
Part of Washington University in St. Louis, it showcases a diverse collection and rotating exhibits.
- University Connection: Linked to the university's art department, offering unique student-curated exhibits
- Architectural Design: Built in a striking modernist building designed by Philip Johnson and Bernard Rudofsky
- Broad Collection: Houses works from the Middle Ages to today, with an emphasis on European and American art
6. The Sheldon Concert Hall and Art Galleries
A historic concert hall and art gallery showcasing visual arts exhibitions alongside performances.
- Art & Music Combined: Both an art gallery and a performance venue, offering a unique cultural experience
- Historical Significance: Built in 1923 as a memorial to Abraham Lincoln's private secretary, John T. Sheldon
- Community Outreach: Provides educational programs and outreach initiatives for the community
7. Laumeier Sculpture Park
An outdoor museum featuring over 70 sculptures by internationally renowned artists.
- Open-Air Experience: Visitors can explore a park filled with art installations in a natural setting
- Public Art Initiatives: Collaborates with artists to create new works for the park
- Community Engagement: Offers educational programs, guided tours, and family-friendly events
8. The Craft Alliance
A center for contemporary craft that features exhibitions, classes, and community outreach.
- Contemporary Craftwork: Shows contemporary works in various craft mediums such as glass, metal, and textiles
- Community Engagement: Offers classes for both children and adults, fostering a love of craftwork
- Artist Residencies: Hosts artist residencies and offers studio space to emerging artists
9. The National World War I Museum and Memorial
A museum dedicated to educating visitors about the Great War and its impact.
- Historical Importance: The only American museum solely dedicated to WWI
- Immersive Experience: Features interactive exhibits and multimedia presentations
- Memorial Honor Roll: Honors the memory of those who served and lost their lives during WWI
10. The Magic House St. Louis Children's Museum
An interactive children's museum offering fun, educational exhibits for young visitors.
- Interactive Learning: Designed for hands-on learning experiences to engage young minds
- Variety of Exhibits: Features a variety of exhibits focused on STEAM education, arts, and more
- Family-Friendly Environment: A fun and safe environment for families to enjoy together
11. The Missouri History Museum
A museum dedicated to the history of St. Louis, Missouri, and the Midwest region.
- Local History Focus: Dedicated to preserving and interpreting the history of St. Louis and the Midwest
- Interactive Exhibits: Offers interactive exhibits that engage visitors in learning about local history
- Community Engagement: Hosts educational programs and collaborates with the community on events
12. The Mildred Cronin Modern & Contemporary Art Museum
A museum dedicated to modern and contemporary art in a historic building.
- Historic Setting: Located in a historic 1890s mansion, offering a unique setting for art appreciation
- Rotating Exhibits: Featuring rotating exhibitions of modern and contemporary works
- Educational Programs: Offers educational programs for visitors, including artist talks and workshops
13. The T-Rex Cafe at the Saint Louis Science Center
A cafe located inside the Saint Louis Science Center featuring a giant T-Rex dinosaur.
- Dinosaur Themed: Themed around prehistoric creatures, offering a unique dining experience
- Science Center Connection: Located within the Science Center, offering easy access to other exhibits
- Family-Friendly Environment: A fun and family-friendly atmosphere with a focus on science education
14. The National Museum of Transportation
A transportation museum featuring historic vehicles and interactive exhibits.
- Transportation History: Dedicated to preserving the history of transportation, with a focus on planes, trains, and automobiles
- Interactive Exhibits: Offers interactive exhibits for visitors to explore various forms of transportation
- Restoration Workshops: Features on-site restoration workshops, offering a glimpse into the conservation process
15. The Gateway Arch National Park Museum
A museum dedicated to the history of St. Louis and the iconic Gateway Arch.
- Architectural Marvel: Located at the iconic Gateway Arch, offering a unique experience
- Interactive Exhibits: Features interactive exhibits that explore the history of St. Louis and the construction of the Arch
- Journey to the Top: Offers a tram ride to the top of the Gateway Arch for breathtaking views of the city