Missouri History Museum

Missouri History Museum
5700 Lindell Boulevard
St. Louis, MO 63112
Directions: At intersection of Lindell and DeBaliviere in Forest Park
Admission: Free
http://www.mohistory.org/home/


The Missouri History Museum sits on what was the main entrance to the 1904 World's Fair - Louisiana Purchase Exposition. It is very difficult to discuss the Museum without the World's Fair. The fair, which lasted eight months, was an exhibition of the world and its progress at the beginning of the twentieth century. During the fair, the games of the third Olympiad were also held at the fair and Washington University's Francis Field. To think, the third rendition of the revived Olympics occurred a full decade before World War 1 in St. Louis is amazing. Truth be told the Olympics was viewed by many visitors as a sideshow to the Fair itself ... but I digress. Back to the MO History Museum.

The original structure was built in 1913 as the Jefferson Memorial Building, 25 years before the Washington D.C. dome. The museum features continuing exhibits on both Missouri and St. Louis history as well as special exhibits that are for available for a limited time. There are three continuing exhibits at the museum. First is "Seeking St. Louis," showcasing the city's past and present. The next, "Lindbergh" is a gallery honoring and highlighting Charles Lindbergh's life and monumental solo transatlantic flight. Suspended from the ceiling is a sister plane of Lindbergh's "Spirit of St. Louis". The plane at the museum is believed to be flown by both Lindberg and Jimmy Stewart for the 1957 movie "The Spirit of St. Louis." Interesting fact, the only windows on the plane are the ones on the side as the front windows are covered with gas tanks. Last, the "1904 World's Fair: Looking Back at Looking Forward," detailing the origination and effects of the fair.

I hope this brief description of the Missouri History Museum encourages you to visit in the future.