Saint Louis Art Museum

About

The Saint Louis Art Museum stands as one of America's finest art institutions, housed in a stunning Beaux-Arts building that served as the centerpiece of the 1904 World's Fair. Best of all, general admission is always free, making it one of the most welcoming cultural destinations in the country.

The museum's collection spans 5,000 years of art from every corner of the globe. You'll find everything from ancient Egyptian artifacts and medieval armor to Impressionist masterpieces and cutting-edge contemporary installations. With more than 34,000 works across nearly 100 galleries, there's something to captivate every visitor.

Highlights include an exceptional collection of German Expressionist works, a renowned group of paintings by Max Beckmann, and impressive holdings of Oceanic and pre-Columbian art. The modern and contemporary galleries feature works by Ellsworth Kelly, Chuck Close, and Gerhard Richter, among many others. Rotating special exhibitions (some with a separate admission fee) bring fresh perspectives throughout the year.

The museum sits in Forest Park, a 1,371-acre urban park that's larger than Central Park. After exploring the galleries, visitors can enjoy the park's trails, lakes, and green spaces. A MetroBus shuttle operates within the park, making it easier to get around the expansive grounds.

Practical tips for planning your visit: the museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, with extended hours on Fridays. Parking is available in a free lot adjacent to the building. The on-site cafe offers a pleasant spot to rest and recharge. During busy weekends and special exhibitions, arriving early in the morning gives you the most comfortable experience with smaller crowds.

Whether you're a lifelong art lover or just looking for a memorable afternoon outing, the Saint Louis Art Museum delivers an experience that's both enriching and genuinely accessible to everyone.

Accessibility

The Saint Louis Art Museum is fully ADA compliant and welcomes visitors of all abilities. Wheelchairs and personal transporters are welcome throughout the museum. A complimentary wheelchair is available on a first-come, first-served basis at the front desk.

Accessible restrooms are located in Taylor Hall, and an accessible family restroom can be found near the Farrell Auditorium coat check area. The museum's galleries and public spaces are designed to accommodate wheelchair users and visitors with mobility needs.

Free parking is available in the adjacent lot, which includes accessible parking spaces. The museum's entrance and interior pathways provide step-free access to galleries and facilities.

For visitors exploring the broader Forest Park area, a MetroBus shuttle operates within the park to help cover the large grounds, which can be especially helpful for those with limited mobility.

Contact the museum directly at (314) 721-0072 for specific questions about sensory accommodations, guided tour accessibility, or to arrange any special assistance for your visit. Staff members are available to help ensure a comfortable experience. The museum's website also provides current details on programs designed for visitors with specific accessibility needs, including resources for visitors who are blind, have low vision, or are deaf or hard of hearing.

More accessible places in Missouri

• Gateway Arch National Park (St. Louis)
• Missouri Botanical Garden (St. Louis)
• Saint Louis Zoo (St. Louis)
• Gateway Arch (St. Louis)
• City Museum (St. Louis)
• Forest Park (St. Louis)

Photo credits

• Grand columned museum facade glows at dusk with an equestrian statue silhouetted at the entrance.: Kitz000 - Matt Kitces, CC BY-SA 3.0 (source)
• Modern glass entrance to the museum's East Building is lit at dusk with wide steps up to the doors.: HOUYIMIN, CC BY-SA 4.0 (source)
• Sunlit stone columns and a carved pediment rise dramatically at the art museum's entrance.: Wikimedia Commons contributor, Public domain (source)