Missouri History Museum — Attraction in St. Louis

As my daughter has grown up over the years, the history museum is not a place to just to visit once, but several times as they update exhibits, and always have new temporary installations. This visit was special to us because we had family in town who had not been back to St. Louis Since they moved away when they were five years old.

My cousin was really trying to get a sense of the city he was born in and learn a little bit more about the area. We actually learned about buildings in the municipality he was raised in. So, what better place to bring him to the Missouri history Museum. The only thing I was upset about was the fact that the 1904 worlds fair exhibit. That won’t be back up until April 2024.

There’s such a great amount of our cities, history and things that the world learned about during this time span. I wish my cousin and his family had gotten a chance to see that, but they are really into soccer and got to see the soccer exhibit. And we checked out every bit but what I liked was the architecture of St. Louis. It also had an interactive aspect for the kids and myself to use expo markers and color in some of the cities most famous buildings, that showcase of variety of fanatical architecture. This is a great way to be able to teach children small to teens.

Every time I mention we’re going to the Missouri history Museum, I kind of get a sigh of excitement, but once they actually get there, there’s always something new that they enjoy.

If you have small children, they have a whole exhibit that really is a play place and the entrance to get in is absolutely free. They usually always have one exhibit that cost money but you can see 80% of everything at no cost or an at-will donation. The gift shop here is perfect for anybody that wants to pick up any St. Louis memorabilia items or for tourist to be able to pick up gifts...

The Missouri History Museum is a St. Louis gem- and one of the many free attractions in the city. Free admission and free parking! The parking lot isn't massive, but I haven't had trouble finding a spot each time I go. And if I did have trouble, I would just street park nearby, it's on the edge of Forest Park- so parking is available pretty much everywhere.

I've recently visited twice this year- once in January and again on Mother's Day. Each time my group went to see the new 1904 World's Fair exhibit. It's done quite well and the city and visitors are lucky to have such a well-studied and -presented permanent exhibit. I have plans to go back to see Gateway to Pride before that exhibit closes (it's a temporary exhibit).

I've visited the museum for as long as I can remember, but am only growing to appreciate it more. At these most recent visits, I was pleased by museum signage telling a more complete picture of history. Right at the base of the Thomas Jefferson Memorial is information detailing his contradictory stances vs. actions. I especially appreciated the bit: "Ask Yourself- Can we still be moved by Jefferson's words but horrified by his actions?... This statue will not answer those questions for us, but it challenges us to answer them for ourselves." In the same vein, the World's Fair Exhibit did not shy away from detailing the human zoo, blatant racism, and atrocities that occurred as a direct result of the fair. True education happens here and I'm so grateful for it.

As for the rest of the building- everything is spotless, restrooms were clean and accessible, and I love browsing the gift store following every visit. I especially appreciate that they're highlighting local artists' work.

I'm hoping to check out a few of the many free programs that are offered...

There is an amazing gem of HIS-STORY in the recently opened 1904 World's Fair (Scale Model) Exhibition @ our Missouri History Museum. Yes! As much in our gracious Forest Park, these exhibits are FREE to the public Tue-Sun 8-5, with extended hours till 8pm Thr.

The amount of absolutely 'before their time' buildings, towering statutes and very detailed architecture will have you like every visitor asking the correct questions:

What's with the massive brass pocket doors with unbelievable coved brass overlays on the casing revealing astounding craftsmanship as you enter the exhibit? Why can't we go up the closed to the public upstairs to walk marble casing doors and free suspending steps to a beautiful surround balcony where the Scale Model exhibit could be properly viewed as the projection overlay the today's landscaping?[I know safety concers] ... Can we not just display a monitor of a look down camera to properly see such great superimposed images of before after!?!? -How were such feats of architecture and ornate construction accomplished in the short times we cannot accomplish today? -Why did they demolish these 'so told' stucco, stick & plaster massively ornate buildings and exhibits just to dynomyte explode and buldozer demolish them at the close of each the world's Fairs? Why was Tesla's 'free' energy available and contracted to light up 2 worlds fair electrical displays and street lamps in that erra and now unavailable?

Hopefully you will take your own time to visit/tour and have such a mind opening experience that you may decide to be honest with common sence, trust your better judgment, and be honestly wanting to look at HIS-(real or hidden)STORY [behind each 'World's...