Wainwright Building
A pioneering skyscraper by Louis Sullivan, the Wainwright Building revolutionized architecture with its expressed steel frame and intricate terra cott...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best light for architecture
Wainwright Building
Best Time
Best light for architecture
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A pioneering skyscraper by Louis Sullivan, the Wainwright Building revolutionized architecture with its expressed steel frame and intricate terra cotta details.
"One of the first modern skyscrapers, its design is a testament to Louis Sullivan's genius."
Admire from the Street
As an office building, interior access is limited. Enjoy the architectural marvel from the surrounding sidewalks. :camerawithflash:
Learn its History
Research Louis Sullivan and the Wainwright Building's place in architectural history before your visit. :books:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Louis Sullivan's Vision
Exterior
Witness the groundbreaking design by Louis Sullivan, a pioneer of modern skyscraper architecture. Its steel frame expresses its structure, a radical departure from heavy masonry.
Early Skyscraper Innovation
Exterior
Marvel at one of the first buildings to use its steel structure to express its architectural style, a key element in early skyscraper development.
Intricate Terra Cotta Details
Exterior Facade
Observe the detailed terra cotta ornamentation that adorns the building's facade, showcasing Sullivan's signature style.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
A Glimpse into Architectural History
Understanding Visitor Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
The Wainwright building downtown
Admire from the Street
As an office building, interior access is limited. Enjoy the architectural marvel from the surrounding sidewalks. :camerawithflash:
Learn its History
Research Louis Sullivan and the Wainwright Building's place in architectural history before your visit. :books:
Wainwright Building. St. Louis, Missouri
One of the original skyscraper, Wainwright Building to be redeveloped
Capture the Details
Focus on the intricate terra cotta and the building's verticality for stunning architectural photos. :iphone:
Wainwright, the building not Adam, sold for $8.4m
Tips
from all over the internet
Admire from the Street
As an office building, interior access is limited. Enjoy the architectural marvel from the surrounding sidewalks. :camerawithflash:
Learn its History
Research Louis Sullivan and the Wainwright Building's place in architectural history before your visit. :books:
Capture the Details
Focus on the intricate terra cotta and the building's verticality for stunning architectural photos. :iphone:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Wainwright Building is celebrated for its immense architectural significance as an early skyscraper designed by Louis Sullivan. Visitors praise its groundbreaking design and intricate details. However, the primary drawback is the limited public access to the interior, as it functions as an office building.
"The Wainwright Building is the only building in St Louis designed by the renowned Louis H Sullivan, a Chicago architect and mentor to Frank Lloyd Wright. Some say this building is one of the first modern skyscrapers to use the lightness of the steel structure to express the structural style. He also used details from other masonry buildings that he had designed. The heavy concrete buildings with very little interior light were prominent and still being built at that time. This was such a radical departure from that design."
Victor M
"We drove by this building because we heard that it is one of the oldest buildings with this many stories. Considering the history, it does seem to be impressive, but of course in no comparison with modern skyscrapers."
Evgeniya Bozhko (KoriAndrTheCat)
"The security guards here are wildly unprofessional and the staff do nothing about it. I hope there is eventually some accountability. The only good reviews of this place are about the building and it's history."
Ian Blain
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Wainwright Building is located in downtown St. Louis. It's accessible by car, with nearby parking garages, or via public transportation. Several bus routes stop within walking distance of the building. :bus:
Yes, there are several parking garages and street parking options available in the downtown St. Louis area near the Wainwright Building. :parking:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Wainwright Building is primarily an office building, so public interior access is generally not permitted. Visitors typically admire its architecture from the exterior. :noentrysign:
Official public tours of the Wainwright Building's interior are rare. It's best to check with local St. Louis historical societies or architectural tour groups for any potential organized visits. :informationdeskperson:
As an active office building, there are no set 'visiting hours' for the public to enter. The exterior can be viewed at any time. :clock1:
📸 📸 Photography
For the best exterior shots, try capturing the building's full verticality from across the street. Details of the terra cotta ornamentation can be appreciated up close. :camerawithflash:
Yes, photography of the exterior of the Wainwright Building is generally allowed from public spaces. Be mindful of any private property signs if you venture too close to entrances. :iphone:
🎫 🏛️ History & Architecture
The Wainwright Building was designed by the renowned architect Louis Sullivan, a pivotal figure in the Chicago School of architecture. :architect:
It's considered one of the first skyscrapers to express its steel frame structure externally, a revolutionary concept that influenced future skyscraper design. Its intricate terra cotta details are also highly celebrated. :star2:
Construction of the Wainwright Building was completed in 1891. :calendar:
The Wainwright Building's construction primarily utilized steel framing, with a facade clad in brick and detailed terra cotta ornamentation. :brick:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
Architecture Enthusiasts
Consider visiting during daylight hours for the best natural light to capture the building's form and ornamentation. While interior access is limited, the exterior alone provides a profound glimpse into a transformative period in architectural history.
History Buffs
While you can't tour the inside, learning about its historical significance and the architect's vision from external resources will provide a fulfilling experience. It's a chance to see a building that shaped the future of urban landscapes.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architectural Genius of Louis Sullivan
Sullivan's signature style is also visible in the intricate terra cotta ornamentation that adorns the Wainwright Building's facade. These decorative elements, often inspired by nature, add a unique character and visual richness to the structure. Unlike the heavy, monolithic buildings of the past, Sullivan's designs aimed for lightness and verticality, a stark contrast that made the Wainwright Building a groundbreaking achievement in its era. The building's design was a radical departure, moving away from the traditional masonry styles and embracing the possibilities of new construction methods.
While direct interior access to the Wainwright Building is limited as it functions as an office space, its exterior stands as a powerful symbol of architectural innovation. Appreciating its form from the street allows visitors to grasp its historical importance and Sullivan's lasting impact on the evolution of the skyscraper. The building's significance is recognized by its designation as a National Historic Landmark, solidifying its place in architectural history.
Wainwright Building: A Pioneer in Skyscraper Design
This innovative approach to skyscraper architecture was not just about aesthetics; it was a functional advancement. By expressing the steel structure, Sullivan created a visual language that communicated the building's construction and its upward aspiration. This method influenced countless architects and became a foundational element in the design of tall buildings worldwide. The Wainwright Building's construction materials, including its steel frame and decorative terra cotta, were cutting-edge for their time, contributing to its status as an architectural marvel.
While the building's historical and architectural importance is undeniable, it's important for visitors to understand its current function. As an active office building, tours are not regularly available, and access is typically restricted to tenants and their guests. However, the exterior alone is a powerful experience, offering a tangible connection to a pivotal moment in architectural history.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit