Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis
Discover cutting-edge contemporary art at this free museum, featuring rotating exhibits and inclusive spaces for all ages.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more contemplative
Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more contemplative
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover cutting-edge contemporary art at this free museum, featuring rotating exhibits and inclusive spaces for all ages.
"Admission is FREE. Art museums are good for the soul. I just bumble often backtracking to compare. Worth the visit!"
🎯 Check Website for Exhibits
Exhibits rotate often! See what's on view before you go.
💰 Free Admission!
Enjoy incredible art without an entry fee.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Rotating Contemporary Exhibits
Discover new and emerging artists with thought-provoking, constantly changing exhibitions.
River Confluence Installation
Upstairs
A layered and soothing installation exploring the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers.
Children's Artwork Features
An inclusive space that often showcases artwork created by children.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Admission & Exhibit Rotation
Parking & Nearby Attractions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check Website for Exhibits
Exhibits rotate often! See what's on view before you go.
💰 Free Admission!
Enjoy incredible art without an entry fee.
🅿️ Metered Street Parking
Bring coins for parking meters on surrounding streets.
☕ Cafe with City Views
Grab a bite or coffee with serene art and skyline views.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check Website for Exhibits
Exhibits rotate often! See what's on view before you go.
💰 Free Admission!
Enjoy incredible art without an entry fee.
🅿️ Metered Street Parking
Bring coins for parking meters on surrounding streets.
☕ Cafe with City Views
Grab a bite or coffee with serene art and skyline views.
🤝 Combine with Pulitzer
Visit the adjacent Pulitzer Arts Foundation for a double dose of art.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis for its free admission and engaging, rotating exhibits featuring new and emerging artists. The cafe is a pleasant spot with good food and views, and the museum's inclusive design makes it welcoming for all ages. Some guests have noted that security presence could be more relaxed to enhance the overall welcoming atmosphere.
"You can keep your pricey therapy; I just need a good art museum! I went to the Contemporary Art Museum and felt like a whole new woman. The current exhibit is called Like Water! The features illustrate how water is necessary for life but sometimes destructive. Upstairs, there’s this layered and soothing installation about the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers. Don’t worry guys, I am now a river scholar. Admission to this museum is FREE. Art museums are good for the soul. I just bumble often backtracking to compare. Worth the visit! You should check it out."
Sara Govero
"This is a wonderful museum! We were greeted warmly at the entrance. Two floors of exhibits with an elevator. Included children's artwork."
Sarah Spillman
"Perfect place to take a break. Artists are featured and rotate frequently. Check out website to see who is on view. Small giftshop offers original piece to purchase. Parking on the street, bring coins for meter."
Cindi James
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located in the Grand Center Arts District. Public transportation options are available, and ride-sharing services are convenient. Street parking is available nearby, but be prepared to pay meters.
Parking is primarily available on the street and is metered. Remember to bring coins for the parking meters.
Yes, if you are in the Grand Center Arts District, it's easily walkable. It's also a pleasant walk from some surrounding neighborhoods.
Several MetroBus routes serve the Grand Center area. Check the Metro Transit website for the most up-to-date route information and schedules.
The museum is designed to be inclusive, with elevators available to access all floors.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, admission to the Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis is completely free!
Museum hours can vary, and exhibits rotate frequently. It's best to check the official Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis website for the most current operating hours and exhibition schedules.
Since admission is free, advance booking is generally not required. However, for special events or group visits, it's always a good idea to check the museum's website or contact them directly.
Typically, all exhibits at the Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis are included with free general admission.
The museum may have altered hours or be closed on certain holidays. Always confirm holiday hours on their official website before your visit.
🎫 🖼️ Onsite Experience
The museum focuses on new and emerging artists, showcasing a diverse range of contemporary art forms. Exhibits rotate frequently, offering fresh perspectives.
Most visitors spend 1-2 hours exploring the exhibits. You might want to allocate more time if you plan to visit the cafe or combine it with the Pulitzer Arts Foundation.
Yes, the museum is designed to be inclusive for all ages and often features children's artwork.
Information on guided tours can usually be found on the museum's website. They may offer scheduled tours or options for group bookings.
Photography policies can vary by exhibit. Generally, non-flash photography for personal use is permitted, but it's always best to check signage or ask staff.
🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining
Yes, the museum has a cafe that offers breakfast sandwiches, muffins, and lattes, with serene views of the art and city skyline.
The cafe serves light fare, including breakfast items and coffee. Reviewers have praised the quality of the food.
Typically, outside food and beverages are not allowed inside the galleries. It's best to consume them in designated areas or before entering.
The Grand Center Arts District has several restaurants and cafes within walking distance, offering a variety of cuisines.
While not explicitly stated, cafes within museums are often accessible to the public, though it's best to confirm.
📸 📸 Photography
The art installations themselves often make for striking photos. The cafe also offers nice views. Look for unique angles and lighting within the exhibits.
Generally, flash photography is not permitted to protect the artwork. Always check for signage or ask museum staff.
One TikTok creator mentioned past augmented reality filters related to art in St. Louis, though their current availability at CAM specifically isn't confirmed.
A camera with good low-light performance is beneficial, as museum lighting can be subdued. A smartphone camera is usually sufficient for personal photos.
Drone usage is typically restricted in urban areas and around public institutions. It's best to avoid flying drones near the museum.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during weekday mornings to avoid larger crowds and allow children more space to explore. The museum's cafe offers a convenient spot for a snack or light meal, and the adjacent Pulitzer Arts Foundation can be a great addition for a longer family outing.
💰 Budget Travelers
Combine your visit with a walk around the Grand Center Arts District and pack your own snacks or enjoy an affordable coffee at the museum's cafe. Remember to bring coins for metered street parking if you're driving, or utilize the public transportation options available.
🎨 Art Enthusiasts & Creatives
Take advantage of the free admission to spend ample time with each installation. Consider visiting during First Fridays for potential extended hours or special programming. Don't forget to check the museum's website beforehand to see which artists are currently being featured.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Contemporary Art
Visitors often praise the museum for its ability to foster a sense of wonder and introspection. The installations are frequently designed to be immersive, encouraging viewers to interact with the art on multiple sensory levels. Whether it's a piece that plays with light and shadow, sound, or even scent, CAM aims to create a memorable and engaging experience.
For those interested in the local art scene, CAM also plays a vital role in supporting artists and fostering community engagement. Their programs, like the 'New Art in the Neighborhood' initiative, highlight their dedication to making art accessible and relevant to a wider audience.
The CAM Experience: Beyond the Art
The museum's cafe is a notable amenity, offering a pleasant spot to relax and refuel. Visitors have highlighted the quality of the food and the serene views of both the art and the city skyline, making it a perfect place for a leisurely breakfast or coffee break.
Furthermore, the museum's location in the Grand Center Arts District allows for easy integration with other cultural institutions. Many visitors recommend combining a trip to CAM with a visit to the adjacent Pulitzer Arts Foundation, creating a comprehensive art-focused outing.
Navigating Your Visit: Practicalities
When it comes to parking, metered street parking is the primary option. Visitors should be prepared with coins for the meters. For those using public transport, several MetroBus routes serve the Grand Center area, offering an alternative to driving.
While the museum strives to be welcoming, some visitors have noted that the security presence can sometimes feel a bit too close, impacting the overall atmosphere. Balancing security with a friendly, welcoming environment is key to ensuring all visitors feel comfortable and can fully enjoy the art.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit