Top 20 best museums in St. Louis

The City Museum, situated in St. Louis, Missouri, is housed in the building of the former International Shoe Company factory. This unique location adds a touch of industrial charm to the museum, making it a distinctive landmark in the city.

Today, the Old St. Louis County Courthouse is a part of the Gateway Arch National Park and is managed by the National Park Service. It serves as a venue for historical exhibits and events, offering visitors a glimpse into the past and an opportunity to learn about the history of St. Louis and the United States.

Forest Park, located in the west of St. Louis, Missouri, USA, is a public park that spans an impressive area of about 555 hectares. This vast expanse of greenery offers a refreshing escape from the urban hustle and bustle, providing a tranquil setting for leisurely strolls, picnics, and outdoor activities.

The Saint Louis Zoo is a large zoo located in Forest Park, Saint Louis, Missouri. It spans an impressive 36 hectares, providing ample space for the various animal species housed within. The zoo's location in Forest Park makes it easily accessible for visitors, and its size ensures a wide variety of animals and exhibits to explore.

The Missouri Botanical Garden, situated in the heart of Saint Louis, holds the distinction of being one of the oldest botanical gardens in the United States. It first opened its doors to the public in the year 1859, making it a significant part of the country's botanical history.

The Saint Louis Art Museum is recognized as one of the leading art museums in the United States, attracting up to half a million visitors annually. The museum offers free admission, making it accessible to a wide range of visitors.

The Campbell House Museum, located in the Greater St. Louis area of Missouri, opened its doors to the public on February 6, 1943. This museum is a significant part of the city's cultural and historical landscape, offering visitors a glimpse into the Victorian lifestyle of Robert Campbell and his wife Virginia Kyle Campbell.

The Missouri History Museum, nestled in the heart of Forest Park in St. Louis, Missouri, is a fascinating destination for those interested in exploring the rich history of Missouri. The museum offers a comprehensive look into the state's past, showcasing a wide range of historical artifacts and exhibits.

Gateway Arch National Park, previously known as the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, is a national park located in the heart of downtown St. Louis, Missouri. The park is centered around the Gateway Arch, the tallest arch in the world, standing at a height of 192 meters. The park was established in 2018 by President Donald Trump, making it one of the newest national parks in the United States. Despite its recent establishment, the park attracts approximately 4 million visitors annually.

The Scott Joplin House State Historic Site, located at 2658 Delmar Boulevard in St. Louis, Missouri, is a preserved historic site that was once the home of renowned composer Scott Joplin from 1901 to 1903. This site offers a unique opportunity to explore the life and work of Joplin, who is best known for his ragtime compositions.

Within the grounds of the Anheuser-Busch Brewery, you'll find the Lyon Schoolhouse Museum. This museum houses a collection of rare mementos that trace the history of the company from its founding to the present day. It provides a unique insight into the evolution of the brewery and its impact on the beer industry.

St. Louis Union Station, a National Historic Landmark in the United States, is a former passenger train terminal located in St. Louis, Missouri. This historic site, once the world's largest and busiest train station, has been transformed into a hotel, shopping center, and entertainment complex. Today, it only serves local transportation: Metrolink.

The Samuel Cupples House is a significant historic mansion located in St. Louis, Missouri. It was constructed over a period of two years, from 1888 to 1890, by Samuel Cupples, a prominent figure of the time.

The National Blues Museum, located in St. Louis, Missouri, is a non-profit institution dedicated to the exploration and celebration of the musical history and impact of the blues. This museum provides an in-depth look into the roots and evolution of blues music, offering a unique experience for music lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

The Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis, also known as CAM St. Louis, is a dedicated space for contemporary art. It is situated at 3750 Washington Boulevard in the Grand Center Arts District of St. Louis, Missouri. The museum was established in 1980 and has undergone several name changes, including First Street Forum and the Forum for Contemporary Art, before settling on its current name.

The Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum, fondly referred to as 'The Milly', is an art museum situated within the campus of Washington University in St. Louis. It is a part of the Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts. The museum is known for its rich collection of art from the 19th and 20th centuries, as well as contemporary works from European and American artists of the 21st century.

The Griot Museum of Black History, located in St. Louis, Missouri, is a wax museum that was established in 1997. It was initially known as The Black World History Wax Museum, but the name was changed to The Griot Museum of Black History in 2009. The term 'griot' in some West African countries refers to a historian, storyteller, praise singer, poet, or musician who is a repository of oral tradition and is often seen as a societal leader who preserves and shares cultural traditions of a community.

The Sheldon Concert Hall is renowned for its impeccable acoustics, which have led to its nickname, "The Carnegie Hall of St. Louis." This attribute has made it a preferred venue for musicians and public speakers alike, enhancing the quality of performances and speeches delivered on its stage.

Base of the Arch offers the journey back in time to the 19th century migration, Native Americans' life and westward expansion.

The Saint Louis Science Center, established in 1963, is a complex of buildings that includes a science museum and a planetarium. It is located in the southeastern corner of Forest Park in St. Louis, Missouri. The center was originally founded as a planetarium and has since expanded to include a variety of scientific exhibits and educational programs.