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Forest Park is home to some of the premier cultural and research institutions of St. Louis and the nation. Most of the institutions have educational and outreach programs, both at their respective locations and as traveling exhibits; call the information lines of the respective organizations for further information.
Missouri History Museum
Jefferson Memorial Building
Lindell Boulevard at DeBaliviere
P.O. Box 11940
St. Louis, MO 63112-0040
314-746-4599
www.mohistory.org
Operated by the Missouri Historical Society, the MISSOURI HISTORY MUSEUM'S collections include artifacts and decorative items from St. Louis' colonial days, objects representative of the Plains Indian cultures, the 1904 World's Fair, and many items connected with Charles Lindbergh's trans-Atlantic "Spirit of St. Louis" flight. History comes to life through performances by the HISTORYonics Theater, concerts by the Laclede Quartet, artists-in-residence, and special exhibits such as "St. Louis in the Gilded Age." The Jefferson Memorial Building, which houses the Museum, was constructed in 1913 with proceeds from the Louisiana Purchase Exposition -- more commonly referred to as the 1904 World's Fair. A recent expansion includes a cafe, meeting space and new exhibit halls. A gift shop features everything from books on the history of the region to children's items. If your interests include historical and genealogical research, the Missouri Historical Society also maintains a Library and Research Center at 225 South Skinker Blvd., open Monday-Saturday from 10 AM-5 PM.
St. Louis Science Center
5050 Oakland Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63110
314-289-4444
www.slsc.org
ST. LOUIS SCIENCE CENTER offers hours of fun and learning at its Planetarium in Forest Park, which is surrounded by a Dinosaur Park, a Science Playground, and hands-on outdoor exhibits. The OMNIMAX Theater is located in the recently completed Center on Oakland. Enjoy identifying speeders with radar guns on the walkway above the highway that joins the two facilities.
The Muny
Forest Park
St. Louis, MO 63112-1098
314-361-1900
www.muny.com
THE MUNY (The Municipal Theatre) has offered musical theater in an outdoor setting since 1919, and is a favorite St. Louis attraction. Stars such as Debbie Reynolds and St. Louis native Vincent Price have brought the best of Broadway to St. Louis under the stars at the Muny. Appoximately 1,500 free seats are available to every Muny Performance on a first-come basis starting at 7:00 pm.
Open to the public: The season runs from mid-June through mid-August.
Ticket and performance information: (314) 361-1900
Saint Louis Art Museum
One Fine Arts Drive
St. Louis, MO 63110
314-721-0072
www.slam.org
SAINT LOUIS ART MUSEUM occupies one of the few remaining structures from the 1904 World's Fair. The Museum has splendid collections of fine and decorative arts, representing a broad variety of the world's cultures. The Oceanic, Pre-Columbian, and German Expressionist collections are especially noteworthy, and the mummy display is a perennial favorite with very young visitors. You may also enjoy a fine meal at the at the Museum's restaurant "Pucks" while in Forest Park.
Open to the public: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday &, Sunday: 10:00 AM-5:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM-9:00 PM (All exhibitions free on Friday)
(Closed Mondays, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day)
Admission: free, paid tickets required for special exhibits
Information: 314-721-0072
Saint Louis Zoo
One Government Drive
St. Louis, MO 63110
314-781-0900
www.stlzoo.org
As home to more than 3,600 animals, many of them endangered species, the SAINT LOUIS ZOO is making a world of difference through captive breeding, research, and education. Its Living World facility houses highly acclaimed, interactive exhibits of the biological world; a newly redesigned and expanded Emerson Electric Children's Zoo features face-to-face encounters with animals and an activity area. Also new: The Penguin and Puffin Coast and the Mary Ann Lee Conservation Carousel. On the Zoo grounds you'll find snack stands, dining facilities, two gift shops, and a Guest Services booth with stroller and wheelchair rentals.
Open to the public: year-round, 9 AM-5 PM (except December 25 and January 1)
From Memorial Day through Labor Day, the Zoo is open on Tuesdays until 9 PM.
Admission: free; nominal fees for some attractions and parking on the Zoo lot.
Information: 314-781-0900
The Jewel Box
314-535-1503
Intersection of Wells and McKinley Drives
Located just South of Central Fields , THE JEWEL BOX has enchanted visitors since 1936. Designed by William Becker, an engineer with the City's Board of Public Service, the art deco-style conservatory has been widely hailed for its radical engineering and its design quality. The building is surrounded by rose gardens, lily ponds, statuary and monuments, and seasonal floral displays. A $4 million gift from Bank of America provided for the facility's restoration in 2002. The Jewel Box re-opened in November 2002 with heating and cooling systems to provide for year-round use. A bride's room and catering room were added, as well as a new arching fountain.
*Open to the public: Monday-Friday, 9 AM-4:00 PM, Saturday 9 AM-11:00 pm, Sunday 9am-2pm.
Admission: $2, except on Mondays and Tuesdays from 9 AM-Noon, when it is free
Information, Facility Rentals, Schedule of Display Shows: 314-289-5300
*Due to high volume of facility rentals, schedules for public admission are subject to change.
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