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Apotheosis of St. Louis: A Symbol of the City

A majestic bronze statue of St. Louis' namesake, King Louis IX, in Forest Park, symbolizing the city's rich history and artistic spirit.

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The Apotheosis of St. Louis, a bronze statue of King Louis IX of France, stands proudly in front of the Saint Louis Art Museum in Forest Park. Commemorating the city's namesake, it represents Christianity, the Crusading spirit, and the strength of St. Louis.

A brief summary to Apotheosis of St.Louis/Statue of St.Louis

Local tips

  • Visit during the day to fully appreciate the details of the statue and the surrounding landscape.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the Saint Louis Art Museum, which is located directly behind the statue.
  • Explore other attractions in Forest Park, such as the St. Louis Zoo and the Missouri History Museum.
  • Take advantage of the free admission to the statue and the surrounding park.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The Apotheosis of St. Louis is easily accessible via public transportation. Take the MetroLink to the Forest Park-DeBaliviere Station. From there, you can catch the Forest Park Explorer, a free shuttle service that operates within the park. Alternatively, you can take a short walk to the statue. A single MetroLink fare is $3.

  • Walking

    If you are already in Forest Park, walking to the Apotheosis of St. Louis is a pleasant option. The statue is located in front of the Saint Louis Art Museum, on Fine Arts Drive. Follow the signs within the park to reach Art Hill and the museum. The walk offers scenic views of the park's landscape.

  • Driving

    If driving, enter Forest Park and follow signs to the Saint Louis Art Museum. Free parking is available in the East and West lots of the Saint Louis Art Museum. Paid parking is available in the Saint Louis Art Museum Underground Lot for $15 per day. Limited street parking may be available, but restrictions may apply, especially during winter. During peak season, parking at the Zoo's North and South Lots costs $15 per vehicle.

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Discover more about Apotheosis of St.Louis/Statue of St.Louis

The Apotheosis of St. Louis is a striking statue located in Forest Park, in front of the Saint Louis Art Museum. It depicts King Louis IX of France, the namesake of the city, as a soldier. The statue served as the principal symbol of St. Louis until the Gateway Arch was constructed. The statue is a bronze replica of a plaster statue that was displayed at the 1904 World's Fair. Designed by Charles Henry Niehaus, the statue captures the king on horseback, with his sword raised to form a cross. The statue stands 27 feet tall, 15 feet wide, and 10 feet in depth. The statue is adorned with the fleur-de-lis, the symbol of the French monarchy. After the World's Fair, the Louisiana Purchase Exposition Company gifted the statue to the city. Niehaus offered to cast the statue in bronze for $90,000, but the commission instead accepted a bid from W.R. Hodges for $37,500. The statue was unveiled at its current location on October 4, 1906. The statue has been a source of both pride and controversy. It has been used in the logos of various St. Louis institutions. However, in 2020, activists called for its removal due to King Louis IX's history of antisemitism. Despite the controversy, the statue remains a prominent landmark and a symbol of the city's history and artistic heritage.

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