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Scott Joplin House State Historic Site

Explore the restored home of ragtime genius Scott Joplin, where he composed 'The Entertainer' and other classics in St. Louis.

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Visit the former home of ragtime composer Scott Joplin from 1901-1903. This modest flat is where he wrote hits like 'The Entertainer'. Tour the house, see period furnishings, and learn about Joplin's life and the history of ragtime music.

A brief summary to Scott Joplin House State Historic Site

Local tips

  • Check the website for tour times and seasonal hours, as the site is closed from November through January.
  • Save time to play the player piano and listen to ragtime music.
  • Consider visiting the nearby City Museum or the Gateway Arch after your visit.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From downtown St. Louis, you can take the MetroLink light rail or MetroBus to the Scott Joplin House State Historic Site. Several bus routes run along Delmar Boulevard. Check the Transit app for real-time schedules and route planning. A single MetroBus fare is $1, and a two-hour pass is $3. Children ages 5-12 can ride Metro for half-price.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in St. Louis. A ride from downtown to the Scott Joplin House will typically cost between $15 and $25, depending on traffic and surge pricing. Be sure to confirm the fare estimate before you start your trip.

  • Walking

    If you are already in the Midtown area, walking to the Scott Joplin House is a viable option. From the Fox Theatre, head north on Grand Boulevard, then turn left onto Delmar Boulevard. The historic site will be on your right in approximately 15 minutes. Be mindful of traffic and use crosswalks.

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Discover more about Scott Joplin House State Historic Site

Step back in time at the Scott Joplin House State Historic Site, preserving the home of the famous ragtime composer during his St. Louis years. Located at 2658 Delmar Boulevard, this restored two-story brick house offers a glimpse into Joplin's life from 1901 to 1903. It was during this time that he composed some of his most well-known pieces, including "The Entertainer". The house itself is a typical tenant rowhouse built around 1860. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources maintains the house and its surroundings as a state historic site. In 1983, it became the first state historic site in Missouri dedicated to African-American heritage. A visit includes a tour of the flat, furnished in the style of the early 1900s, complete with gaslights and period furnishings. An authentic player piano fills the air with the sounds of Joplin's melodies. The site also features museum exhibits that delve into Joplin's life, the history of ragtime, and the urban environment that shaped his music. The exhibits also cover the social history of Black urban migration and the transformation of the neighborhood. Note that the site is closed from November through January, except for advance group tours.

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