Wondering what to expect at City Museum St. Louis? Our family of five enjoyed our trip there in September 2024. Our guide will walk you through its top attractions, unique experiences, and essential tips to help you make the most of your visit. City Museum St. Louis has something for everyone, whether you’re interested in art, adventure, or simply having fun. When visiting St. Louis, plan to spend a full day exploring City Museum to fully experience its exciting and exhausting activities.
Highlights of visiting City Museum
- City Museum features must-see attractions like a rooftop Ferris Wheel, giant slides (including a 10-story slide), and unique art installations, making it fun and interesting for all ages.
- Each floor of the architectural museum offers different experiences, from family-friendly caves to historical exhibits and circus performances, ensuring variety and excitement.
- Planning ahead is essential; check operating hours, wear closed-toe shoes, and bring snacks. It may also be a good idea to bring knee pads if you plan to spend time crawling through the tunnels.
Must-See Attractions
When you step into City Museum, you’re immediately greeted with a plethora of eye-catching and mind-blowing attractions that make it a great place for visitors of all ages. The rooftop vintage Ferris Wheel is an amazing attraction, offering breathtaking views of St. Louis and an exhilarating ride for the brave. The rooftop also features giant slides and even a school bus hanging precariously off the edge, perfect for those Instagram-worthy photos. Also on the rooftop is the praying mantis slide, which is a giant white slide that stretches down from a tall tower.
Inside, the world’s largest pencil which is creatively incorporated as part of a former skate park, stands as a quirky historical marvel. Multiple multi-story spiral slides offer a thrilling descent and add to the museum’s unique and artistic charm. Additionally, an interactive tree house spans multiple floors, providing an adventurous feature designed for exploration and engagement.
For those with a love for the unusual, City Museum doesn’t disappoint. The architecture itself is an attraction, with intricate designs and artistic flair present in every nook and cranny. The vintage Ferris Wheel, the world’s largest pencil, and the multi-story slide are just a few of the incredible sights that await you. Each attraction tells a story and offers a unique experience, making City Museum a must-visit destination in Missouri.
Whether it’s the Ferris Wheel, the giant pencil, or the daily circus, City Museum offers endless entertainment. Each visit unveils something new and exciting, ensuring no two trips are the same.
Exploring The Floors
City Museum is a multi-floor extravaganza, each level offering a unique blend of artistic displays and interactive spaces. Whether you’re climbing through the caves, sliding down ramps, or marvelling at historical artifacts, there’s always something new to explore. Our guide will help you navigate the museum’s floors, ensuring you don’t miss any hidden tunnels or activities.
Each floor is designed to cater to everyone’s interests, making it a playground for both the young and the young at heart. From the giant caves that span from the first floor to the fourth floor, the historical marvels of the second, and the Pinball Hall on the third, every level of the museum has its own charm and intrigue. Make sure to explore all the floors to get the full City Museum experience.
Let’s begin our journey from the ground up, starting with the first floor.
We all loved City Museum in St. Louis
First Floor
The first floor of City Museum St. Louis is where the adventure begins. This floor is particularly fun, with loads of hidden tunnels and climbers. With all of these tunnels and passages, the first floor is the perfect spot to start your day.
The main attractions on the first floor are all the caves. There are giant caves that cover three floors, with hidden passageways and tunnels leading through them.
After the caves, there are tons of other tunnels to explore. Some tunnels are hidden in the ground, while others look like they go right up into the roof. Our family really enjoyed the first floor, because it had the most hidden tunnels and areas to explore.
The gift shop, located near the front desk, is the perfect place to pick up souvenirs and mementos of your visit. The first floor alone shows how creativity and adventure come together at City Museum.
Second Floor
The second floor is a treasure trove of historical and interactive wonders. One of the standout features is the Vault Room, which houses an 1870s vault from the First National Bank of St. Louis. This room blends history and artistry, featuring two massive vault doors, a hall of mirrors, and a marble bar surrounded by safety deposit boxes.
Adjacent to the Vault Room is St. George’s Chamber, a space filled with vintage opera posters and a statue of St. George from a former Catholic church in Chicago. This area has historical richness and artistic beauty, making it a great spot for visitors.
Another unique attraction on this floor is The Shoelace Factory, where visitors can see shoelace machines from the 1890s in action. Here, you can even order custom-made laces, adding a personal touch to your museum experience.
Don’t miss out on the second floor when visiting City Museum.
Third Floor
The third floor of City Museum is where a mini theatre has a circus show called Circus Harmony. This wonderful circus show has a bunch of different acts and performances.
Besides the circus, the third floor has the Skateless Park, featuring slides and ramps for fun without skates. This area is perfect for kids and adults to burn energy, or just to run around and have fun. Toddler Town offers younger visitors a dedicated area for safe, age-appropriate activities.
For an extra admission fee, the Pinball Hall offers a collection of vintage pinball machines that you can play to your heart’s content. Our family really enjoyed the Pinball Hall, and we spent over an hour playing all the entertaining pinball machines. Additionally, outside of the pinball hall, there is a train ride for toddlers, a great attraction for the youngest visitors.
Pinball Hall was alot of fun at City Museum St. Louis
Unique Experiences
City Museum St. Louis stands out for its unique experiences that defy the ordinary. Imagine navigating through an intricate network of tunnels and crawl spaces, each filled with imaginative sculptures and installations.
From interconnected slides to hidden pathways, City Museum is designed to entertain adults and children alike. It’s an experience that promises so much fun, whether you’re playing at Pinball Hall or just exploring the museum’s many tunnels and slides.
History of City Museum: Former International Shoe Company
City Museum was founded by Bob Cassilly and his then-wife, Gail. City Museum was born from a repurposed factory for the former international shoe company in 1993. Construction began shortly after, with the public first allowed inside on New Year’s Eve 1996.
From the start, the vision for City Museum was clear: to create an architectural museum with installations made from salvaged materials. This vision came to life with the completion of the iconic giant whale sculpture in the lobby in 1997, marking the year the museum opened. Over the years, the museum has continued to evolve, with Bob Cassilly serving as the artistic director until his passing in 2011.
Today, City Museum stands as a testament to creativity and exploration, attracting visitors from all over to its unique blend of art and adventure. Understanding its history can help visitors appreciate the thought and effort that went into creating this one-of-a-kind destination.
Planning Your Visit
Planning ahead is key to making the most of your City Museum experience. The rooftop attractions, including the vintage Ferris Wheel and giant slides, are open from March through September. For the best experience, visit between spring and summer break or in the fall to avoid the heat. Be sure to check the museum’s calendar for specific hours and any changes to the schedule.
The museum’s operating hours can vary each month, so it’s a good idea to check ahead of time. Keep in mind that the outdoor climber may be closed if it has recently rained. Careful planning will help ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip to this great St. Louis attraction.
We loved climbing the giant outdoor climber at the City Museum in St. Louis
What You Should Bring
Here are some things you might want to bring when visiting City Museum. Closed-toe shoes are highly recommended, as sandals can easily come off while climbing. Long pants and knee pads are also advisable, especially if you plan to crawl through tight spaces and rough or uneven surfaces.
And don’t forget to pack snacks, especially if you’re visiting with kids. While the museum offers food options, having some of your own can be convenient. Our family parked near the museum, and we left our snacks and water bottles in the car. It was much easier than bringing our waters inside since it is difficult to carry things while climbing. Also, there are water fountains located all around the museum, so there are plenty of spots to stop and get a drink.
Summary of City Museum St. Louis
In summary, City Museum St. Louis is a place where art, adventure, and imagination come together to create an unforgettable experience. From the must-see attractions and unique experiences to the intricate history and practical tips for planning your visit, this guide has covered everything you need to know. So pack your bags, grab your kneepads, and get ready to explore a museum like no other. Your family is in for a treat!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the must-see attractions at City Museum St. Louis?
You definitely can’t miss the rooftop vintage Ferris Wheel, the world’s largest pencil, and the amazing multi-story spiral slide at City Museum. They’re just too cool to skip!
What should I bring when visiting City Museum?
Definitely pack closed-toe shoes, long pants, and some knee pads for your trip to City Museum. It’s a fun place, but you’ll want to be prepared for all the crawling and climbing!
What’s the best time to visit City Museum?
The ideal time to check out City Museum is during spring or fall to dodge the heat and crowds. Just make sure it hasn’t rained recently, or you might miss out on the outdoor climber.
Are there any unique experiences at City Museum?
Absolutely! At City Museum, you can explore tunnels and crawl spaces, catch a Circus Harmony show, and enjoy fun events like Halloween or Christmas celebrations. It’s all about adventure and creativity!
What is the history behind City Museum?
City Museum was started by Bob Cassilly and Gail in 1993, transforming an old shoe factory into a playground of creativity. It officially opened its doors to the public in 1997. It’s now a must-visit spot for anyone looking to explore unique art and fun experiences!
Is City Museum in St. Louis MO good for children?
Yes! There are tons of tunnels and areas that are good for children, while some other areas may be difficult for children to climb through.
