On October 10 and 11, I went on a whirlwind studio trip to St. Louis, Missouri. These are some of the photos from it.
St. Louis is a city of many characters, with historical sites and architecture set across hyper-modern buildings, and deep inequity and inequality across zip codes.
City HallAn old church in SoulardSoulard Market, which might be the oldest continuously operating farmer’s market in the countryA parking garage directly across from City Hall, highlighting the rapid change in sceneryInside City HallInside City HallA series of highways divide the city, disconnecting people from places within itEnergizer Stadium, despite being modern, is one of the most open stadiums in the countryA recent tornado decimated the city, with the north side being disproportionately impactedSt. Louis’ proud French heritage can be found in many placesAn old cathedral downtownThe “working waterfront” that drove the city’s development
Union Station used to be the main way in and out of the city, but starting in the 1980s, it was renovated to have a mall, bar, event center, hotel, small carnival, pyrotechnic koi pond, aquarium, and probably some other stuff I’m missing, too.
Union Station stretches from the building to the Ferris WheelInside the Great HallThe hotel is somewhat open airA pyrotechnic show on a koi pond, set to “Holiday Road”The Whispering Arch and entrance mosaicThe main facade of the building looks like an old castleThe grand entrywaySeveral historical trains are on display, including the Polar Express
In 1904, St. Louis held the World’s Fair. Forest Park where it was held is still the largest park in the city, and some of the buildings are original to the fair.
The grounds of the fair are build on hills to give wide viewsA new sculpture for the viewWhile not originally part of the Fair, this pavilion commemorates itThe Bird House is original from the fairCypress Swamps, the Bird House’s aviary, also originalA statue of St. Louis in front of the Fine Arts Museum (also original)The art museum on a hill, over the lagoonThe history museum is one of the few fully new parts of the park
While certain interior areas were closed, the St. Louis Gateway Arch National Park (comprising a series of parks and structures in the downtown area) was still available for people to walk through.
The entrance to the Arch is closed due to government shutdownsThe Arch, from one baseStatue of Dred and Harriet Scott. The Dred Scott case (which was lost here) set back civil rights by denying Black people citizenshipThe old courthouseStatue of “The Runner” in front of the old courthouse and the Arch
While most areas for casual reading have been updated, some of the original St. Louis Central Public Library remains in its archival areas.
The Great Hall“Poesis Musica” stained glass windowAn outdoor sculpture with butterflies for hairSome areas are damaged, though there are temporary fixes“Artes Littera” stained glass windowView of the entryway from the “Poesis Musica” windowThe main entrance
Originally started by sculptors Bob and Gail Cassilly, the City Museum is a one-of-a-kind labyrinth of mazes and tunnels, combined with random artifacts and historical pieces, in an abandoned shoe factory.
An outdoor climbing areaThe Enchanted Caves, a series of twisting passagesThe dragon of the Enchanted CavesAn overhanging school bus on the roof (also climb-able)An area of the museum dedicated to carnivals, circuses, and similar types of chaotic entertainmentAn attempted “map” of the museum, though the tunnels are left outA mock trolley car. The Museum of Mirth, Mystery, and Mayhem is visible beyondSome outdoor climbing structures are suspended midairA whale-shaped tunnel curves over a small aquarium
