ST. LOUIS MUSEUM OF FINE ART

What is now the St. Louis Art Museum was the only permanent building constructed for the Saint Louis World Fair of 1904. At that time it was the central structure of the Palace Of Fine Art. After the Fair closed all the wood and plaster buildings that surrounded it were demolished.  And last week I was able to take these close up photos of the grand old (112 years) building.

In order to take this detailed photo of uppermost part of the structure, I had to go across Fine Art Drive and brace myself against the base of the Statue of Saint Louis.                               In case you’re wondering, there are four female and two male figures in the group.

As you can see from the close-ups of the sculptures, each one represents some aspect of art. Yes, I think the first naked guy is holding a small sculpture of the Sphinx.

The dedication inscription right below the six sculptures reads … DEDICATED TO ART AND FREE TO ALL … which has been the guiding motto of the museum for 112 years … so come visit.  It’s free!

And right next to the grand old building is the new modern addition. While it has the art, it doesn’t have the charm. It does have a great restaurant with good food and ceiling to floor windows that overlook Art Hill and the Grand Basin.