Saint Louis Art Museum

The Saint Louis Art Museum is a large art museum in Forest Park, St. Louis, housed in a classical building of pale stone with a modern glass and concrete extension. Galleries spread across three floors surround a central courtyard, while outdoor spaces include a sculpture garden with contemporary works.

The institution began in 1879 as an art school at Washington University and relocated to its current park building following the 1904 World's Fair. The David Chipperfield extension opened in 2013, doubling exhibition space for the growing collection.

Admission remains free for all visitors, a tradition maintained through funding from residents across the metropolitan area who support access to art. The name honors the French colonial roots of the city and its patron saint, King Louis IX.

The building sits on the western edge of Forest Park, with parking available on several surrounding lots and direct paths from the park. Rooms are climate-controlled and accessible throughout by elevator or level entry, making all galleries reachable for wheelchair users.

The sculpture garden opens at 6 AM and closes at 10 PM, allowing visitors to view outdoor artworks well outside regular museum hours. The collection of Max Beckmann paintings is the largest held by any museum in the United States, featuring key works from different periods of the German painter's career.

Location: St. Louis

Inception: 1909

Architects: Cass Gilbert, David Chipperfield

Official opening: 1881

Address: 1 Fine Arts Dr, St. Louis, MO 63110

Phone: +(314)7210072

Website: https://slam.org

GPS coordinates: 38.63944,-90.29444

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:25