The St. Louis Art Museum is one of the most aged museums in the United States, having opened its doors for the first time in 1879. Originally known as the “St. Louis School of Fine Arts,” the museum re-opened in 1906 in a state-of-the-art beaux-arts-style building. Initially funded by a city tax, the museum became a public entity in 1909, eliminating the need for general admission fees to make the museum accessible to everyone. In 1971, the museum was incorporated as part of the Metropolitan Zoo Park and Museum District, serving the City of St. Louis and the greater St. Louis area.
The museum’s mission is to collect, present, and conserve artworks from different cultures and time periods. However, its mission goes beyond the preservation of art; it strives to elevate the human spirit and instill a sense of discovery in its visitors. The museum seeks to represent and include all cultural backgrounds and perspectives by connecting with the diverse community. Everyone feels welcome and valued.
The St. Louis Art Museum (SLAM) traces its roots back to 1879, which marks the end of a century that saw the emergence of art museums all over the eastern seaboard. Initially, the museum housed a plaster cast and reproductions collection, but it quickly grew into a prestigious institution with original artworks spanning thousands of years and continents.
Today, the museum’s extensive and diverse collection puts it among the best art museums in the world, reflecting its founder’s dreams of inspiration, education, and democratic principles. The museum continues to innovate and push forward with new exhibitions, installations, and acquisitions. Whether you’re a seasoned art lover or a brand-new visitor, a day at SLAM will surely be an enriching and unforgettable experience for the entire family.
Their drop-in tours are back and ready to go. Led by experienced docents, these guided tours are offered every Friday at 1 pm and Saturday at the same time. All you have to do is meet them at Sculpture Hall’s Welcome Desk to join us. Tours are limited to 10 guests and run on a first-come, first-serve basis. Each month, they offer different tours with different themes. This way, you’ll get a different perspective on their rich and diverse collection. Don’t miss out on this chance to broaden your understanding of art with the fun and informative tours!
It is essential to leave the artwork out when visiting the St. Louis Art Museum. The artworks in the collection are unique and delicate and cannot be replaced. Please do not touch the artwork or lean against the artwork or exhibits. This will help to preserve the artwork for future generations. They offer docent-led tours and self-guided options to visit the collection and view the exhibitions. They also offer group visits for ten or more. If you would like to organize a group visit, please visit their website at slam.org/group-visits to learn more about how to schedule your visit.
Families with kids are welcome, and they offer complimentary strollers. Children under 12 must have an adult accompany them at all times. Wagons are not permitted in the museum, and child carriers are only allowed in the front of the car or at the coat check! Guests are encouraged to take images and videos of their experience and post them on social media using the hashtag #StlArtMuseum. Commercial photography, professional portrait photography, and videography are only allowed if you rent out the space for private events. Please be respectful of other guests and refrain from flash photography, monopods, tripods, or selfie sticks.
The St Louis Art Museum is well-known for its underappreciated status and high-quality exhibits that draw visitors from far and wide. One of the museum’s most popular events is the Art in Bloom event, where florists create beautiful flower arrangements inspired by artworks.
The museum’s curators also curate temporary exhibitions such as “Action/abstraction redefined: modern native art 1940s-70s” and “The Culture: Hip Hop and Contemporary Art in the 21st Century,” which showcase diverse and provocative collections that will leave a lasting impression. The St. Louis Art Museum’s artworks explore themes ranging from Indigenous heritage to hip-hop culture today. The artists whose works are featured often draw inspiration from historical art forms and 20th-century art movements, creating an immersive experience for visitors.
The Saint Louis Art Museum isn’t just about art appreciation. It’s about serenity and beauty. Whether you’re admiring the museum’s vast collection, indulging in a bite to eat in the museum cafeteria, or just taking in the beauty of the setting, a visit to the museum will leave an endless impression on art enthusiasts and casual guests alike.
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