Saint Louis Art Museum
The Saint Louis Art Museum, located in Forest Park in St. Louis, Missouri, is a world-renowned institution that holds a vast collection of art from diverse countries and time periods. With more than 34,000 works of art on exhibit, the museum receives over 500,000 annual visitors.
The Saint Louis Art Museum was originally founded as the Saint Louis School and Museum of Fine Arts in 1881. In 1904, the museum was relocated from its original location in downtown St. Louis to its current location in Forest Park. Cass Gilbert, a prominent American architect, designed the existing structure, which is an exceptional example of Classical Revival architecture.
The Saint Louis Art Museum’s collection is wide and varied. From ancient Egyptian artifacts to current American art, the collection spans a variety of time periods and civilizations. Among the collection’s attractions are the staircase created by Cass Gilbert, the Egyptian mummies, the Asian art collection, and the European paintings and sculptures.
The museum’s collection of European paintings and sculptures is especially outstanding, as it includes works by some of the most known artists in history. Among others, visitors can examine masterpieces by Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Monet, and Picasso. The highlights of this collection include Rembrandt’s “The Mill,” Monet’s “Water Lilies,” and Rousseau’s “The Sleeping Gypsy.”
The museum’s collection of Asian art is extremely remarkable, with works from China, Japan, and India, among other regions. The collection contains, among other forms of art, pottery, textiles, sculptures, and paintings. Among other treasures, visitors can explore a collection of Japanese screens, Chinese china, and Indian miniatures.
Moreover, the museum holds a substantial collection of African and Oceanic art. This collection includes works from West Africa, Central Africa, and Southern Africa, in addition to the Pacific Islands. Masks, sculptures, textiles, and other forms of art offer visitors an insight into the many civilizations of these countries.
The Saint Louis Art Museum holds various temporary exhibitions throughout the year, in addition to its permanent collection. These exhibitions provide visitors with the opportunity to view artworks not often on display in the museum’s galleries. Previous shows include “Degas, Impressionism, and the Paris Hat Trade,” “Beyond the Nile: Egypt and the Classical World,” and “Impressionist France: Visions of the Country from Le Gray to Monet.”
In addition, the museum provides a variety of educational activities and events for visitors of all ages. These events include lectures, gallery discussions, workshops, and the creation of art. The museum’s Art Access program offers free tours and workshops to people with impairments, whereas its Art in Bloom event brings together local florists and designers to create flower arrangements inspired by the museum’s collection.
Forest Park, which is home to several additional attractions, including the Saint Louis Zoo, the Missouri History Museum, and the Muny Theatre, is also accessible from the Saint Louis Art Museum. The museum’s proximity to restaurants and cafes makes it convenient to enjoy a meal or snack before or after a visit.
Overall, the Saint Louis Art Museum is a must-see location for art and culture enthusiasts. The museum offers something for everyone with its extensive and varied collection, beautiful buildings, and educational programs. The Saint Louis Art Museum is likely to impress, regardless of whether you are a seasoned art fan or simply seeking a fun and educational visit.