Museums and Libraries in St. Louis

St. Louis, Missouri, is a city rich in cultural and historical attractions. Here are some of the key museums and libraries you can explore in St. Louis.

Museums

City Museum

An eclectic museum in downtown St. Louis, City Museum combines a playground, funhouse, and architectural marvel, created from repurposed architectural and industrial objects.

Modern building with a curved concrete exterior, large windows, minimalistic design, and clean lines.

Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis

Focusing on contemporary art from around the world, this museum features rotating exhibitions of both established and emerging artists.

Magic House, St. Louis Children’s Museum

This museum offers hands-on learning experiences for children of all ages, with exhibits focused on creativity, curiosity, and learning through play.

Missouri Civil War Museum

Located at Jefferson Barracks, this museum offers exhibits on Missouri’s role in the Civil War and its impact on the state and nation.

Missouri History Museum

Also located in Forest Park, this museum offers exhibits on the history of Missouri and St. Louis, including its role in westward expansion and the 1904 World’s Fair.

National Blues Museum

Dedicated to preserving the history and legacy of blues music, this museum features interactive exhibits and live performances.

Modern concrete building with flat roof, overhangs, large glass windows, clean lines, and minimalist design.

Pulitzer Arts Foundation

This museum offers contemporary art exhibitions and installations in a unique building designed by Tadao Ando. It emphasizes innovative and thought-provoking art experiences.

Large neoclassical building with columns and statues, equestrian statue on pedestal, clear blue sky.

Saint Louis Art Museum

Located in Forest Park, this museum houses an extensive collection of art from around the world, spanning 5,000 years of history. Admission is free, and it hosts special exhibitions throughout the year.

Saint Louis Science Center

Featuring interactive exhibits on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, this museum is a great destination for families and students. It includes an OMNIMAX Theater and a planetarium.

World Chess Hall of Fame

Located in the Central West End, this museum celebrates the history and cultural significance of chess, with exhibits on famous players and significant matches.

Libraries

Covenant Theological Seminary Library

Specializing in theological and religious studies, this library supports the academic and spiritual needs of the seminary community.

Modern, spacious room with high ceiling, pendant lights, desks, large windows with blinds, and bookshelves.

Kenneth and Nancy Kranzberg Art & Architecture Library – Washington University

Its valuable print holdings and the access it provides to all the major art and architecture databases make the Kenneth and Nancy Kranzberg Art & Architecture Library the best of its kind in the region.

Urban cityscape with office buildings, parking garage, varied architecture, and streetlights.

Mercantile Library – University of Missouri-St. Louis

Founded in 1846, this library is one of the oldest in the West, with special collections focusing on Western Americana, transportation, and local history.

Modern four-story building with large illuminated windows on a wet urban street corner at night.

Pius XII Memorial Library – Saint Louis University Libraries

Serving Saint Louis University, these libraries offer academic resources, research support, and special collections, including rare books and manuscripts.

Modern building with large glass windows, sloping roof, and landscaped surroundings with people outside.

St. Louis County Library

With multiple branches throughout the county, this library system offers extensive collections, public programs, and community services.

Illuminated neoclassical building with arched windows, stairs, and flagpoles, seen from a street.

St. Louis Public Library – Central Library

An architectural gem located downtown, the Central Library offers extensive collections, special exhibits, and public programs. It’s a hub for community activities and learning.

Glass pyramid with metal railing in grassy area, surrounded by brick buildings with rectangular windows

Thomas Jefferson Library – University of Missouri-St. Louis

This library supports the academic programs at UMSL, providing access to many books, journals, and digital resources.

Modern red brick and light concrete building with curved glass facade, windows, and surrounding greenery.

Webster University Library

Serving the students and faculty of Webster University, this library offers a wide range of academic resources and research support.

These museums and libraries reflect the rich cultural and intellectual heritage of St. Louis, providing valuable resources and experiences for residents and visitors alike.

EXHIBITS