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Missouri History Museum: Exploring the Gateway to the West

Explore Missouri's past at the Missouri History Museum in Forest Park. Free admission, captivating exhibits, and stories for all ages.

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The Missouri History Museum in St. Louis, founded in 1866, delves into the rich history of Missouri and the broader region. Located in Forest Park, the museum's exhibits cover everything from the 1904 World's Fair to pivotal moments in civil rights. With free admission, it's a must-see for history buffs of all ages.

A brief summary to Missouri History Museum

Local tips

  • Visit on Thursdays for extended hours until 8 PM, allowing more time to explore the exhibits.
  • Check the museum's website for a schedule of special exhibitions and events, some of which may require a fee.
  • Allow extra time for parking, especially on weekends, and consider parking along Lindell Boulevard.
  • Visit the History Clubhouse for hands-on activities that are perfect for children.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Dennis & Judith Jones Visitor and Education Center in Forest Park, walk approximately one and a half blocks east along the paved path to reach the Missouri History Museum. The walk is mostly flat and takes about 5-10 minutes. No costs are involved.

  • Public Transport

    From the Forest Park-DeBaliviere MetroLink station, the Missouri History Museum is accessible via the Forest Park Explorer bus. Both the Blue and Green lines stop at the museum. A single ride on the Forest Park Explorer is $2 for adults or $1 for children, seniors, and disabled passengers. Alternatively, several MetroBus lines (90, 91, 97, 1, 99) stop near the museum. A single ride on MetroBus is $2.

  • Driving

    From I-64/US-40, exit at McCausland Avenue and head north. Turn left onto Lindell Boulevard. The Missouri History Museum will be on your right. Free parking is available in the lots directly across from the Dennis and Judith Jones Visitor & Education Center and next to the Dwight Davis Tennis Center. Limited parking is available in the lots adjacent to the Museum. Street parking is permitted along Lindell Boulevard. Parking is free.

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Discover more about Missouri History Museum

The Missouri History Museum, a cornerstone of historical preservation and education, has been captivating visitors since 1866. Operated by the Missouri Historical Society, the museum's mission is to deepen the understanding of the past, present, and future while strengthening community bonds. Located in Forest Park on the site of the main entrance to the 1904 World's Fair, the museum's historic building, called the Jefferson Memorial Building, opened in 1913 and was built with proceeds from the Fair. A later addition, the Emerson Center, completed in 2000, significantly expanded the museum's exhibition space and included an auditorium, classrooms, a restaurant, and a gift shop. The museum's signature collection includes national artifacts, as well as Missouri and St. Louis-related materials. Visitors can explore exhibits dedicated to the 1904 World's Fair, Charles Lindbergh and his trans-Atlantic flight in the Spirit of St. Louis (a replica of which is suspended in the Grand Hall), and artifacts from the Lewis and Clark Expedition, which began in St. Louis. The History Clubhouse offers hands-on activities for children. The Missouri History Museum is committed to fostering a welcoming environment for all visitors. With free admission, intriguing exhibits, and a prime location in Forest Park, it's an essential destination for anyone interested in the history of St. Louis and the surrounding region.

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