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Samuel Cupples House: A Glimpse into St. Louis' Gilded Age

Explore the grandeur of St. Louis' past at the Samuel Cupples House, a Romanesque Revival masterpiece showcasing art and history on the SLU campus.

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The Samuel Cupples House, a Romanesque Revival mansion on the Saint Louis University campus, offers a glimpse into the life of a 19th-century St. Louis entrepreneur and a stunning collection of art and decorative objects. Built in the late 1880s, the house showcases elaborate woodwork, leaded glass windows, and period furnishings.

A brief summary to Samuel Cupples House

Local tips

  • Admission is free, allowing you to explore this historic mansion without any cost.
  • Check the museum's hours before your visit, as it's open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 AM to 4 PM.
  • Consider spending 1-2 hours to fully appreciate the architecture, art collections, and historical significance.
  • Photography is allowed, so bring your camera to capture the stunning architecture and artwork.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The Samuel Cupples House is accessible via public transportation. Take the MetroLink to the Grand Boulevard Station. From the station, walk four blocks north and turn left at the campus entrance nearest DuBourg Hall. Cupples House is ahead on the right. The MetroBus also serves the area; several lines stop along Lindell Boulevard. Disembark at the stop 'W Pine Blvd and Taylor Ave,' then walk east on W Pine Blvd. A one-way MetroBus or MetroLink fare is $2.00.

  • Walking

    If you are near the intersection of Lindell Blvd and Euclid Ave in Central West End, head west on Lindell Blvd. Continue walking straight for about 0.5 miles until you reach the intersection with W Pine Blvd. Turn left onto W Pine Blvd and walk a short distance. The Samuel Cupples House will be on your right at 3673 W Pine Blvd.

  • Parking

    There is no dedicated parking lot for Cupples House. Limited metered parking is available on Lindell Boulevard. Additional parking is available in Saint Louis University's campus parking garages. The Laclede Garage is the closest, costing $2 per hour or $6 per day. The Cupples Station Garage, located at 421 South 10th Street, offers parking for $3 per hour with a $25 daily maximum. Metered street parking is also available nearby.

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Discover more about Samuel Cupples House

Step back in time at the Samuel Cupples House, a beautifully preserved example of Romanesque Revival architecture located on the campus of Saint Louis University. Built between 1888 and 1890 for wealthy woodenware magnate Samuel Cupples, the 42-room mansion reflects the opulence of the Gilded Age. Designed by architect Thomas B. Annan, the house features intricate details such as imported English oak woodwork, 22 fireplaces, and Tiffany-style windows. The exterior showcases carved stonework and copper-covered towers, reminiscent of a castle. The interior reflects the Arts and Crafts movement, emphasizing the beauty of everyday objects. After Cupples' death, the house was sold in 1919 and eventually acquired by Saint Louis University in 1946. It served as a student center for many years, even housing a bowling alley and bar in the basement. In 1973, a restoration project began to return the house to its original splendor, and it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. Today, the Cupples House serves as a museum and gallery, displaying a collection of fine and decorative art from before 1919. Highlights include the Eleanor Turshin Glass Collection and exhibitions by SLU students and faculty in the McNamee Gallery. Visitors can explore the house on self-guided tours and admire the period furnishings and architectural details.

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