The Rich Culture of St. Louis, MO

Because of its location and rich history of settlers from a variety of countries worldwide, St. Louis is a proud melting pot of cultural wonders.

Museums

For art enthusiasts, be it classical or contemporary, there are many museums in St. Louis that deserve a visit, such as:

Saint Louis Art Museum – display ranges from ancient artifacts to contemporary pieces.
St. Louis Art Museum
The Pulitzer Foundation for the Arts – designed by Pritzker Prize winner and architect Tadao Ando.
Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis – non-collecting museum that houses contemporary art.
Saint Louis University Museum of Art – located at the Saint Louis University belt.
Kemper Art Museum – located at Washington University in St. Louis.
Missouri History Museum – where exhibits of St. Louis’s history can be found.
Museum of Westward Expansion – located just below the Gateway Arch and features American West history and settlement in the city.
Campbell House Museum – a house museum on the Victorian Era.
Museum of Transportation – features railroad and transportation equipment exhibits.
National Blues Museum – features the history of and impact of the Blues genre.

Attractions

Tourists and locals alike can find several great attractions within St. Louis for fun, entertainment, photo opps, and more.

Gateway Arch – This 630-foot stainless steel monument serves as the centerpiece of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, and has also become the main landmark that identifies St. Louis.
St. Louis Union Station – formerly a passenger train terminal, it was renovated and now includes a luxury hotel, retail shops, and the City Museum.
Lemp Mansion – formerly owned and occupied by the Lemp Family, it has become an inn and restaurant that features haunted tours because of the rumored spirits of the four members of the Lemp family who committed suicide at different intervals. It also hosts Mystery Murder dinners and Halloween parties.
Six Flags St. Louis – a theme park that features themed areas and rides, such as roller coasters, carousels, ferris wheels, and more.

Music

St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. Photo Credit: Scott Ferguson — *St. Louis Symphony Orchestra | Photo Credit: Scott Ferguson*

One of the most notable musical groups in St. Louis is the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra. It has received 56 Grammy nominations and won 6 of them. The city is also home to several musical icons such as Chuck Berry, one of the pioneers of rock and roll music. Other musical performers who call the city their home are Sheryl Crow, Nelly, the band Story of the Year, and more. St. Louis has several live music clubs that feature a variety of music genres, such as rock and roll, blues, jazz, and more.

Performing Arts

For those interested in musical plays, Broadway musicals, and other performing arts, St. Louis is the place to be. Some of the must-know companies, places, and events in the city are:

Fox Theatre – features Broadway shows and concerts
The Muny – a summer musical theatre founded in 1919
Repertory Theatre of St. Louis – major regional theatre that was founded in 1966
Opera Theatre of Saint Louis – a yearly summer opera festival founded in 1976
New Line Theatre – an alternative musical company founded in 1991
Union Avenue Opera – an opera company founded in 1994
Peabody Opera House –a civic performing arts building that has just recently reopened in 2011.