Saint Louis Art Museum
A free, world-class art museum in St. Louis, housing 30,000+ works from ancient to modern eras in a stunning Beaux-Arts building.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Special exhibits often free
Saint Louis Art Museum
Best Time
Special exhibits often free
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A free, world-class art museum in St. Louis, housing 30,000+ works from ancient to modern eras in a stunning Beaux-Arts building.
"The Saint Louis Art Museum truly feels like a gift to the city. It’s free, open to everyone, and filled with art."
🎯 Free General Admission!
Enjoy world-class art without breaking the bank. General admission is always free!
📅 Check Special Exhibits
Some exhibits have a fee, but Fridays often waive these costs. Plan ahead!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Monet's Water Lilies
Galleries
Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of Monet's iconic Water Lilies series. A must-see for Impressionism lovers.
Egyptian Collection
Galleries
Journey back in time with ancient artifacts, including captivating mummies and intricate tomb details.
Picasso Collection
Galleries
Explore a significant collection of works by the revolutionary artist Pablo Picasso, showcasing his diverse styles.
Art in Bloom
Galleries
Experience the magic of floral arrangements inspired by masterpieces during this special annual event.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Free Admission
Plan Your Visit Time
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free General Admission!
Enjoy world-class art without breaking the bank. General admission is always free!
📅 Check Special Exhibits
Some exhibits have a fee, but Fridays often waive these costs. Plan ahead!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking across multiple levels.
📸 Photography Allowed (Mostly)
Capture your favorite pieces, but check for any 'no photo' signs.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free General Admission!
Enjoy world-class art without breaking the bank. General admission is always free!
📅 Check Special Exhibits
Some exhibits have a fee, but Fridays often waive these costs. Plan ahead!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking across multiple levels.
📸 Photography Allowed (Mostly)
Capture your favorite pieces, but check for any 'no photo' signs.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
There's so much to see, you might need more than an hour.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Saint Louis Art Museum for its free admission, vast and diverse collections, and stunning architecture. Many highlight the Egyptian and Picasso galleries as favorites, and appreciate the calm, welcoming atmosphere. Some wish for more time to see everything or express disappointment missing temporary exhibits due to time constraints.
"The Saint Louis Art Museum truly feels like a gift to the city. It’s free, open to everyone, and filled with art that spans centuries and cultures. Walking through the galleries, you can sense both history and creativity all around you. The building itself is beautiful, blending classic architecture with modern touches, and the whole atmosphere feels calm and welcoming. It’s the kind of place where you can slow down, wander, and just take it all in."
Farrukh Bashir
"This museum is 3 levels of incredible pieces . It’s completely FREE to the public . My favorite were the mummies & the large Picasso collections . The building is absolutely gorgeous. You’ll want to stop and enjoy the view outside too. Plan at least an hour or so for this stop .Don’t forget to grab a goodie at the cafe & gift shops on lower level."
JP Pena
"Our first visit was wonderful! Clean and Spacious with great art everywhere, separated by type. Only regret that we missed out on Roaring Auto display. They were offering us tickets for the following day but we were only in St Louis for one day. Would have felt SPECIAL for my birthday if they had let me slip in and take a quick look at the cars, even if they had said they could limit me to 10-15 minutes."
Janice Walters
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Saint Louis Art Museum is located in Forest Park. You can reach it by car, with parking available. Public transportation options, including buses, also serve the museum.
Yes, there is parking available at the museum. It can get busy, especially during peak times or special events.
Absolutely! Several MetroBus routes stop near the museum, making it an accessible option for visitors. Check the Metro website for specific routes and schedules.
Yes, the Saint Louis Art Museum is fully accessible for visitors with disabilities, including wheelchair access throughout the building.
The museum is situated in Forest Park, St. Louis, Missouri, a beautiful urban park known for its cultural institutions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General admission to the Saint Louis Art Museum is always free for everyone. Special exhibitions may have a separate admission fee.
No, general admission is free. You only need to purchase tickets if you wish to see a special, temporary exhibition.
The museum is typically open Tuesday through Sunday. It's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date hours, as they can vary.
While general admission is free, special exhibits may have a fee. However, these fees are often waived on Fridays, making it a great day to visit.
Yes, general admission is free and does not require a ticket. You only need a ticket for specific, ticketed exhibitions.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Highlights include Monet's Water Lilies, the Egyptian collection with mummies, and the extensive Picasso collection. Many visitors also love the Egyptian room.
Most visitors recommend at least an hour, but to truly explore the vast collections, you might need several hours or even multiple visits.
Photography is generally permitted for personal use in the galleries, but always look for signage indicating 'no photo' areas.
Yes, the museum often offers guided tours. Check their schedule upon arrival or on their website for times and availability.
SLAM Underground is a special evening event that often features music, drinks, and themed activities, offering a different way to experience the museum.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the museum has a cafe and gift shop on the lower level where you can grab a bite to eat or a coffee.
The cafe typically offers a selection of sandwiches, salads, snacks, and beverages, suitable for a quick meal or refreshment.
Outside food and drinks are generally not permitted inside the galleries. It's best to utilize the cafe or designated areas.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, personal photography is usually allowed in the galleries. However, flash photography and tripods are typically prohibited to protect the artworks.
Always be mindful of 'no photography' signs, especially for special exhibitions or specific artworks. Avoid using flash, as it can damage delicate pieces.
The grand Beaux-Arts building itself, the Egyptian collection, and the modern extension offer striking architectural and artistic backdrops for photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Look for interactive elements or family guides that might be available to enhance the experience. The spacious galleries also provide room for little ones to explore without feeling too confined. Consider focusing on specific galleries that might be more engaging for kids, like the Egyptian or ancient art sections. The museum's free admission makes it an ideal choice for a budget-friendly family day out in St. Louis.
💰 Budget Travelers
While special exhibitions might have a fee, taking advantage of free Fridays or focusing on the permanent collections ensures a rich cultural experience that costs nothing. Pack a picnic to enjoy in Forest Park before or after your visit to save on food costs.
🎨 Art Enthusiasts & Connoisseurs
The museum's significant collections of Picasso, Monet, and Max Beckmann are particularly noteworthy. Keep an eye on their schedule for temporary exhibitions, which often feature unique and thought-provoking works. The museum's commitment to free admission allows for repeat visits to delve deeper into specific collections or revisit favorite pieces.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Legacy of Free Access
The museum's funding model, partly supported by a special tax district, allows it to maintain this free admission policy. This unique system is often cited as an example of how cities can support their cultural institutions and provide public benefits.
Exploring Diverse Collections
Popular sections include the extensive collection of Picasso works and the serene Monet Water Lilies paintings, which are frequently mentioned by visitors. The museum is also known for its Egyptian collection, featuring mummies and tomb artifacts that transport visitors to another era.
The layout, spread across multiple levels, allows for a chronological or thematic exploration of art history. Architectural Grandeur and Modernity
The interplay between the historic and the contemporary architecture creates a dynamic visitor experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit