Immerse yourself in one of the world’s finest art collections at the St. Louis Art Museum. The beaux-arts palace that houses the museum was originally built for the World's Fair. Today, it contains a vast variety of art, over 30,000 pieces that span millennia.
The museum is divided into 18 collections: African American Art, African Art, American Art, Ancient American Art, Ancient Art, Arms and Armor, Art of the Pacific Islands, Asian Art, Contemporary Art, Decorative Arts and Design, European Art, Islamic Art, Modern Art, Native American Art, Photographs, Prints and Drawings, Sculpture Garden, and Textile Arts. Take a stroll through all of them or pick a few of particular interest for concentrated study.
Discover famous paintings, such as Monet's Water Lilies and Matisse’s Bathers with a Turtle, in the popular Modern Art collection. In the Photographs collection, see an arresting set of black-and-white nature studies by famed photographer Ansel Adams. In the Ancient Art collection, check out the Mummy Case of Amen-Nestawy-Nakht, which may date as far back as 945 B.C. Explore the special exhibits being held in the museum.
Time your visit to join one of the free docent-led tours, which are held daily. Tours begin at the Information Center in Sculpture Hall and last about an hour. On your tour, learn backstories about the artworks and the artists who created them.
Stop at the Museum Shop to purchase a unique art-inspired gift, from books to jewelry to toys. Visit the main Museum Shop, located on the first level of the South Building across from the Café or stop at the Exhibition Shop, located in the East Building.
Enjoy a meal with a view in the museum’s restaurant, Panorama. The restaurant lives up to its name with its floor-to-ceiling windows that offer panoramic views of Forest Park. Have a quick snack or refreshment in the Café.
Visit St. Louis Art Museum any day except Monday. Enjoy unique nighttime visits on Fridays, when the museum is open late. Note that the museum is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Admission is free.
