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Gateway to the West

St. Louis architecture

The ice cream cone was popularized at the 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis when a waffle vendor helped a neighboring ice cream stall that had run out of dishes. The city is anchored by the Gateway Arch, the tallest man-made monument in the Western Hemisphere, symbolizing the expansion into the American West.

  • 14Landmarks
  • 1864Oldest · The Old Courthouse
  • 192 mTallest · Gateway Arch
  • 18Architects

Before you go

  • Fly intoSt. Louis Lambert (STL)

    The terminal's iconic white domes, designed by architect Minoru Yamasaki, were so revolutionary that they directly inspired the later designs of JFK in New York and CDG in Paris. Lambert was also the site where Charles Lindbergh's 'Spirit of St. Louis' was funded and planned before his historic solo flight.

  • CurrencyUS Dollar ($)
  • LanguageEnglish

    The local English is a unique linguistic intersection, blending Midwestern vowels with a hint of Southern vocabulary. You will frequently hear the hospitable 'Midwestern nice' cadence, and local terms like 'the Lou' are commonly used to describe the city with pride.

  • Getting aroundMetroLink

    MetroLink is consistently ranked as one of the most efficient light rail systems in the United States. The system utilizes former freight rail corridors to provide rapid transit between the airport and the Illinois suburbs. MetroBus provides local connectivity, with several routes focusing on the city's historic Forest Park.

14 landmarks in St. Louis

  1. Gateway Arch
    Photo: St_Louis_night_expblend.jpg: Daniel Schwen derivative work: ←fetchcomms, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

    Gateway Arch

    11 N 4th St, St. Louis, MO 63102

    The Gateway Arch is the world's tallest arch and the tallest man-made monument in the Western Hemisphere. Designed as a weighted catenary curve made of stainless steel, it serves as a symbol of the westward expansion of the United States. Its unique tram system takes visitors to the top for panoramic views across the Mississippi River and downtown St. Louis. The monument is the centerpiece of the Gateway Arch National Park, which was recently renovated to improve pedestrian access from the city. It remains an engineering marvel that defines the city's skyline and attracts millions of global visitors annually.

    Built
    1965
    Architect
    Eero Saarinen
    Style
    Modernist / Expressionist
    Height
    192 m (630 ft)
    Stories
    1
    Today
    National Monument / Observation Deck
  2. Wainwright Building
    Photo: w_lemay, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

    Wainwright Building

    705 Chestnut St, St. Louis, MO 63101

    The Wainwright Building is widely considered the first true skyscraper in architectural history. It pioneered modern tall building aesthetics by utilizing a steel frame to emphasize its soaring verticality. The facade is world-famous for its intricate red terracotta friezes and a distinct three-part composition inspired by classical columns. Louis Sullivan’s design established the 'form follows function' mantra that would dominate 20th-century architecture. Today, it remains a landmark example of the Chicago School and serves as an important office space for the state.

    Built
    1891
    Architect
    Louis Sullivan / Dankmar Adler
    Style
    Sullivanesque / Early Modern
    Height
    41 m (135 ft)
    Stories
    10
    Today
    State Office Building
  3. St. Louis Union Station
    Photo: w_lemay, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

    St. Louis Union Station

    1820 Market St, St. Louis, MO 63103

    This historic structure once served as the largest and busiest passenger rail terminal in the world. Its Richardsonian Romanesque 'Headhouse' features a breathtaking 65-foot barrel-vaulted ceiling decorated with gold leaf and Tiffany glass. The Grand Hall now hosts a nightly light show that transforms the historic lobby into a vibrant visual experience. After the decline of rail travel, the station was brilliantly repurposed into a massive hotel and entertainment complex. It now houses a 200-foot Ferris wheel and an aquarium, breathing new life into a St. Louis icon.

    Built
    1894
    Architect
    Theodore Link
    Style
    Richardsonian Romanesque
    Height
    70 m (230 ft)
    Stories
    3
    Today
    Hotel / Aquarium / Entertainment
  4. Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis
    Photo: Nheyob (changes by Rabanus Flavus), CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

    Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis

    4431 Lindell Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63108

    Known for its massive green-tiled dome, this cathedral contains one of the largest mosaic collections in the Western world. Over 41 million glass tesserae in 7,000 different colors cover the interior walls and ceilings. The mosaic project was so massive that it took 20 different artists nearly 80 years to complete the entire design. Architecturally, the building is a stunning hybrid of Neo-Byzantine and Romanesque Revival styles that creates a sense of immense scale. It remains the spiritual heart of the city and serves as a major destination for both pilgrims and art historians.

    Built
    1914
    Architect
    Barnett, Haynes & Barnett
    Style
    Neo-Byzantine / Romanesque Revival
    Height
    69 m (226 ft)
    Stories
    1
    Today
    Cathedral / Basilica
  5. City Museum
    Photo: Chris857, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

    City Museum

    750 N 16th St, St. Louis, MO 63103

    Housed in a former shoe warehouse, the City Museum is an architectural playground built from repurposed industrial objects. The building serves as an 'assemblage' of found materials, including two real airplanes perched precariously on the roof. Inside, visitors can descend a 10-story spiral slide that was originally used to move shoe crates between floors. It was created by artist Bob Cassilly, who viewed the city's urban decay as a source of creative potential. This surrealist masterpiece challenges traditional museum concepts by encouraging guests to climb and explore the structure itself.

    Built
    1931
    Architect
    Isaac Taylor (Original) / Bob Cassilly (Artist)
    Style
    Industrial Modern / Surrealist Art
    Height
    45 m (148 ft)
    Stories
    10
    Today
    Museum / Interactive Art Space

  6. Anheuser-Busch Brew House

    1200 Lynch St, St. Louis, MO 63118

    The Brew House is the historic heart of one of the world's most famous brewery complexes. This red-brick Romanesque masterpiece is adorned with ornate gargoyles, clock towers, and intricate hop-leaf motifs. As a National Historic Landmark, it stands as a monument to St. Louis's deep German heritage and industrial history. The interior features massive copper kettles and a multi-story atrium that allows for the traditional brewing process. It remains an active production site and a symbol of the city’s identity as a global leader in the brewing industry.

    Built
    1892
    Architect
    Edmund Jungenfeld
    Style
    Romanesque Revival
    Height
    40 m (131 ft)
    Stories
    7
    Today
    Operating Brewery / Museum
  7. The Fox Theatre
    Photo: Paul Sableman, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

    The Fox Theatre

    527 N Grand Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63103

    The Fabulous Fox is one of the grandest 'movie palaces' ever constructed in the United States. Its interior features a wild 'Siamese Byzantine' style that blends Moorish, Far Eastern, and Indian motifs into a gilded fantasy. After falling into disrepair, it was saved from demolition and meticulously restored to its 1929 opulence. Today, it hosts major Broadway touring productions and serves as a primary anchor for the Grand Center Arts District. The theater’s massive chandelier and ornate Wurlitzer organ remain as testaments to the golden age of cinema.

    Built
    1929
    Architect
    C. Howard Crane
    Style
    Siamese Byzantine
    Height
    30 m (98 ft)
    Stories
    5
    Today
    Performing Arts Center

  8. One Hundred (100 Above Park)

    100 N Kingshighway Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63108

    One Hundred is a striking residential tower that redefined the skyline of the Central West End. Designed by Jeanne Gang, its jagged glass facade is specifically engineered to maximize natural light and views of Forest Park. The tiered, angled design allows for the unique inclusion of outdoor terraces on every residential floor. Its sustainable features and contemporary aesthetic make it a standout of 21st-century architecture in the city. The building serves as a modern counterpoint to the historic masonry structures that surround the park.

    Built
    2020
    Architect
    Studio Gang (Jeanne Gang)
    Style
    Contemporary / Post-Modern
    Height
    117 m (384 ft)
    Stories
    36
    Today
    Residential / Retail

  9. Soldiers Memorial Military Museum

    1315 Chestnut St, St. Louis, MO 63103

    This sleek Art Deco monument is dedicated to honoring the service and sacrifice of local veterans. The building is known for its clean limestone lines and four massive 'Centurions' statues that guard the entrance. Its symmetrical design features an open-air loggia that serves as a quiet space for reflection in the downtown core. Following a massive renovation in 2018, the museum now features state-of-the-art galleries and expanded community spaces. It stands as a centerpiece of the city's civic mall, bridging the gap between historical remembrance and modern museum standards.

    Built
    1938
    Architect
    Mauran, Russell & Crowell
    Style
    Stripped Classical / Art Deco
    Height
    20 m (66 ft)
    Stories
    2
    Today
    Military Museum
  10. Pulitzer Arts Foundation
    Photo: Garfield226, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

    Pulitzer Arts Foundation

    3716 Washington Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63108

    The Pulitzer Arts Foundation is a minimalist sanctuary designed to create an intimate experience with contemporary art. The structure is defined by two long parallel wings separated by a central reflecting water court. Its cast-in-place concrete walls are famous for their incredibly smooth finish, which feels almost like silk to the touch. Architect Tadao Ando designed the space so that natural light would change the appearance of the art throughout the day. It is widely considered one of the most serene and architecturally significant museum buildings in the Midwest.

    Built
    2001
    Architect
    Tadao Ando
    Style
    Minimalist Modern
    Height
    12 m (39 ft)
    Stories
    2
    Today
    Art Museum
  11. The Old Courthouse
    Photo: Ajay Suresh from New York, NY, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

    The Old Courthouse

    11 N 4th St, St. Louis, MO 63102

    The Old Courthouse is a premier example of Greek Revival architecture and a site of immense historical significance. It served as the location for the pivotal Dred Scott trials, which eventually led to the American Civil War. The building’s impressive cast-iron dome was modeled after St. Peter's Basilica in Rome and completed during the 1860s. Today, it stands as the historic counterpoint to the Gateway Arch within the same National Park. It houses museum exhibits that detail the legal history of westward expansion and the struggle for civil rights.

    Built
    1864
    Architect
    William Rumbold
    Style
    Greek Revival
    Height
    58 m (190 ft)
    Stories
    4
    Today
    National Park Museum / Historic Landmark
  12. Saint Louis Art Museum
    Photo: Kitz000 - Matt Kitces, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

    Saint Louis Art Museum

    1 Fine Arts Dr, St. Louis, MO 63110

    The Saint Louis Art Museum is the only permanent structure remaining from the legendary 1904 World's Fair. Built from durable Bedford limestone, it sits atop Art Hill and overlooks the picturesque Grand Basin of Forest Park. In 2013, a hyper-modern East Wing expansion by David Chipperfield added a floor-to-ceiling glass contrast to the original design. This combination of Beaux-Arts and contemporary architecture allows the museum to house a vast collection spanning 5,000 years. It remains one of the top comprehensive art museums in the country and is free to the public.

    Built
    1904
    Architect
    Cass Gilbert (Original) / David Chipperfield (Expansion)
    Style
    Beaux-Arts / Contemporary
    Height
    25 m (82 ft)
    Stories
    3
    Today
    Art Museum
  13. The Jewel Box
    Photo: Marcus Qwertyus, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

    The Jewel Box

    1 Wells Dr, St. Louis, MO 63110

    The Jewel Box is an Art Deco greenhouse that functions as a 'glass cathedral' within Forest Park. Its unconventional design features cantilevered glass walls that step up to a total height of 50 feet. Unlike traditional greenhouses, it utilizes a strong steel frame that supports massive vertical panes of glass. This engineering allows the interior to be flooded with natural light, perfect for exotic floral displays and events. It was recently restored to its original splendor and remains a popular site for weddings and seasonal horticultural shows.

    Built
    1936
    Architect
    William C. E. Becker
    Style
    Art Deco / Modernist Greenhouse
    Height
    15 m (49 ft)
    Stories
    1
    Today
    Horticultural Center / Event Space

  14. Apple Saint Louis Galleria

    1155 Saint Louis Galleria, St. Louis, MO 63117

    The Apple Saint Louis Galleria serves as the flagship retail and technology hub for the St. Louis metropolitan area. Located within the prominent Galleria mall, the store features a signature massive backlit glass entrance. The interior design follows Apple's modern minimalist aesthetic with an open-concept 'Genius Grove' for customer support. It underwent a major redesign to incorporate the latest retail features focused on community learning and creative workshops. The store's clean lines and high-tech atmosphere reflect the company’s global brand identity in a classic shopping destination.

    Built
    2011
    Architect
    Bohlin Cywinski Jackson / Apple Retail
    Style
    Modernist Retail
    Height
    6 m (20 ft)
    Stories
    1
    Today
    Retail / Technology Hub

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