10 Best Museums to visit in St. Louis!

St. Louis is home to some of the best museums in the Midwest, ranging from world‑class art collections to interactive science centers and unique specialty museums. Whether you love history, art, music, or hands‑on experiences, the city offers a wide variety of museums that make it a perfect destination for culture lovers. In this guide, we’ll walk you through 10 best museums to visit in St. Louis, explaining what makes each one special and why you should add them to your itinerary.

1. City Museum

The City Museum is a huge 600,000 square‑foot space, filled with hands‑on activities for visitors of all ages. Opened in 1997, created by artist Bob Cassilly, who used recycled materials like old machines, bricks, and pipes to design playful areas throughout the building. Guests can crawl through a giant whale, slide down a long spiral chute, and discover hidden tunnels and caves. There is also a circus section with live shows and an art studio where people can make crafts of their own. Outside, the rooftop adds even more fun, with real planes, and even a school bus placed high above the ground for climbing and exploring.

2. Saint Louis Art Museum

Opened in 1904, Saint Louis Art Museum holds more than 36,000 works from many cultures and time periods. Visitors can see art from Africa, Asia, Europe, the Americas, and ancient places such as Egypt and Greece. The galleries are filled with paintings, sculptures, and objects that range from very old pieces to modern creations. Inside, guests can explore Native American art, decorative items, and religious objects collected from around the world. Outside, the Grace Taylor Broughton Sculpture Garden displays artwork in a well-kept garden space, giving visitors another way to enjoy art in a peaceful setting.

3. Soldiers Memorial Military Museum

Opened on Memorial Day in 1938, Soldiers Memorial Military Museum is built to honor local men and women who gave their lives in World War I. Inside, visitors can explore exhibits that share stories from America’s military history, covering World War I through modern times. The museum displays uniforms, letters, photographs, and personal belongings that help tell the experiences of veterans and their families. The museum also offers guided tours and rotating exhibits, including special displays like the Ghost Army, a World War II unit known for using creative tricks to mislead the enemy.

4. Missouri History Museum

Started in 1866, Missouri History Museum shares the story of St. Louis and Missouri from the 1700s all the way to today. Some of its most popular exhibits highlight the 1904 World’s Fair, the journey of Lewis and Clark, and the famous flight of Charles Lindbergh. Visitors can even see a full‑size replica of Lindbergh’s plane, the Spirit of St. Louis, on display inside the museum. For children, there is a hands‑on area called the History Clubhouse, where kids can learn through play and exploration. The museum also hosts many activities, including guided tours, and family‑friendly events that make history easy to enjoy.

5. National Museum of Transportation

Opened in 1944, National Museum of Transportation has grown into one of the largest museums in the country dedicated to how people and goods have moved across America. Spread across a big outdoor space, the museum features more than 190 full‑size exhibits that include cars, planes, trains, trolleys, and boats from different time periods. One of the main highlights is the impressive collection of locomotives, with both steam engines and diesel trains on display. Visitors can also enjoy a ride on a miniature train that loops through the outdoor grounds, giving a fun way to see the museum from another angle.

6. Missouri Civil War Museum

Opened in 2013, Missouri Civil War Museum shares the story of how the Civil War shaped life in Missouri. Covering about 22,000 square feet, it displays uniforms, weapons, letters, and photographs from both Union and Confederate sides. Visitors can also learn about daily life during the war and how families across Missouri were affected by the conflict. A theater inside plays a short film about Missouri’s role in the Civil War and the history of Jefferson Barracks, which was an important military post. One special exhibit highlights props and costumes from Civil War movies, showing how the war has been portrayed on screen.

7. Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum

Inside Washington University in St. Louis, visitors can explore the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum showcases a wide range of creative work. Opened in 1881, it is one of the oldest art museums located west of the Mississippi River. The museum holds an impressive collection of art from the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries, including paintings, sculptures, prints, and photographs from both Europe and America. Alongside, there are older pieces such as Egyptian and Greek works and Old Master prints. Recent exhibits have explored themes like the environment, surrealist artists, and even new projects created by students.

8. World Chess Hall of Fame & Galleries

Founded in 1984, World Chess Hall of Fame & Galleries celebrates the history of chess along with the players who made the game famous. It honors both American and international legends, showing their achievements through photos, trophies, personal belongings, and exhibits that bring the story of chess to life. Visitors can see rare chess sets, well‑known game pieces, and displays that connect chess to art, music, and even pop culture. The museum also hosts live music performances, art workshops, and family event days, making it a place where everyone can enjoy chess in different ways.

9. Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis

Opened in 1980, Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis is located in the Grand Center Arts District. Each year, the museum presents about six large exhibitions along with smaller displays that include paintings, videos, sculptures, and other creative forms. The open gallery spaces allow each piece to stand out clearly, giving visitors room to focus on the art. Many of the shows highlight both local talent and international artists, making it a mix of global and community creativity. Guests can also take part in lecture talks, art workshops, guided tours, and special events designed for families and school groups.

10. Museum of Black History

Opened in 1997, Griot Museum of Black History became the first museum in St. Louis fully dedicated to sharing the stories and contributions of Black people and communities. Inside, the museum highlights African American history, especially figures connected to St. Louis. Visitors can see life‑size wax figures, old photographs, letters, and personal items that show the lives and work of important people. Along with statues and displays, the museum also includes a model of a slave ship and an original slave cabin from Missouri, giving a closer look at the struggles of enslaved people.

---

FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions)

---

Related Articles