St. Louis History Museum
The St. Louis History Museum highlights several of the city's most memorable events over its 250 year history.
Three pieces of that history are captured in this photo. Charles Lindbergh's plane hovers in the foreground above Thomas Jefferson's likeness staring out over the Forest Park lawn. The river walk-the museum's architectural tribute to the St. Louis Geography-can be seen in part crossing through the lower portion of the photo. (If only I had waited for the servicemen to pass! I thought one was a stationed gallery attendant until I zoomed in on the photo!)
This walnut photo book was a souvenir offered for purchase to attendees of the 1904 World Fair held in St. Louis.
This simple quote inspires women today to appreciate their rights as United State citizens and to appreciate our spirited predecessors who fought so hard to acquire those rights that many women often take for granted today!
One of the challenges of capturing the history of St. Louis at the museum is the inability to arrange items for the most interesting photo. However, this 1950's kitchen exhibit was spot on!
St. Louis Basilica
After a summer touring the Gothic churches of Italy, it was fascinating to see an American Catholic church, modeled after these great historic monuments, yet with its own twist. Architecturally, it is not so different with all of its mosaics, marble columns, and religious iconography, but it clearly has a modern influence as well.
These intricate, colorful mosaic columns must have taken an artist a great deal of time to arrange so beautifully.
Despite this photo being over-exposed and a little blurry, the attention it draws to its subject is fantastic. The statue of Jesus appears to be glowing-radiating light-in the dimness of the cathedral's interior.
Outside the Church
The American flag, flying front and center before the Cathedral's great cupola, is asserting its individuality among its predecessors in Europe, from which it was inspired.
"Why are you trying so hard to fit in, when you're born to stand out?"
-Oliver James, psychologist
Lafayette Square
and Surrounding Neighborhoods
The pathway gently slopes through the historic park, lulling the passersby into a peaceful calm as they walk along.
This historic neighborhood has been preserved while just a few blocks away modern industrial architecture has been allowed to dominate.
The iron fence enclosing Lafayette Park is hundreds of years old. Much of it remains intact today, but one section has been bent and damaged from some past trauma.
The house in the background is said to be haunted! Is that why the window on the upper left is open in the middle of winter? Perhaps! Even in the daylight, the house is shrouded in mystery.
Abandoned for over 50 years, this church is still a hauntingly beautiful example of grand European influenced architecture in America. It was modeled after Notre Dame in France.
Once a shoe factory, the museum took every opportunity to create a fun, exciting environment from the remodeled space.
The museum's tribute to architectural history was highlighted in a wing of the museum that looks at differing building and design techniques.
The doorknob display was my favorite part of the architecture exhibit. Though now they would be considered gaudy, these colorful handles would have been the mark of sophistication when they were in style.
This display looks out of place in the museum's small wing, but represents an interesting piece of architectural history.
As one of the most beautiful pieces in the museum, this wall is made up of recycled glass bottles, and simple tube lighting. It creates an elegant partition for any events held at the facility, which is available for rent.
The "Caves" are perhaps the most fun to explore. This mirrored mosaic column and textured ceiling are as unique as the museum itself.
This is perhaps my favorite photo. The fish appears to be tangled in the tentacles of the squid, but rest assured, no fish were harmed during the taking of this photo (it's just a reflection)!
The museum designers used every available inch of the building for their creative design. Here, the exhibit is built right up next to a window overlooking an adjacent parking lot.
The creators took advantage of every aspect of the existing building, framing this support column with a giant propeller and a quaint, delicate sign pointing to the restrooms.
The City Museum will always be a place of adventure and excitement for its patrons, but it's even more so at night.
Old St. Charles
These train tracks run behind the historic downtown area. The tracks end just beyond the frame of this photo, and are no longer in use today, but are reminiscent of a time when the city depended on river and rail transportation for the basis of its commerce.
A perfect contrast between the preserved history and modern presence!
Life will find a way to survive. This tree continues to grow, refusing to be held back by the constraints of the sidewalk.
"And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom."
-Anais Nin, author
This archway perfectly frames a peek into the natural world behind it in a fantastic juxtaposition of man-made and natural beauty.
During warmer weather, it's not uncommon to see weddings taking place here. I've seen several, and I am always reminded of the special moments in the lives of perfect strangers when I come here.
