"Meet Me in St. Louis" is more than just a movie and a Judy Garland tune in St. Louis. The world traveled to St. Louis for the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, more commonly referred to as the 1904 World's Fair, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Thomas Jefferson's vision of a continental United States through the purchase of the Louisiana Territory and to honor Lewis and Clark's journey to the west.
The 1,300-acre park was the site of the fabled 1904 World's Fair and is home to the only remaining structures built for the event.
Bounded by I-64, Kingshighway, Lindell and Skinker Blvd.
Serving as the Fine Arts Palace during the fair, it was the only permanent building built for the 1904 event. Today, the museum houses masterpieces and ancient artifacts from around the world and its collection of modern art includes many outstanding examples of German Expressionist art. Other major works on display are by Cezanne, Degas, Matisse, Picasso, van Gogh and Monet and African and Oceanic arts collections.
Fine Arts Drive, Forest Park, 314-721-0072.
Another spectacular Fair structure is the massive walk-through birdcage that served as the Smithsonian Flight Cage exhibit. Today, it’s part of the Saint Louis Zoo’s Bird Garden. You can walk through the domed structure, which also includes a cypress swamp environment.
1 Government Drive, 314-781-0900.
World's Fair Pavilion
Located on a hilltop across from the Zoo’s Flight Cage, the World's Fair Pavilion was built on the site of the fair’s Missouri Building. It is the site of public and private events and features a catering kitchen.
Forest Park, off the Hampton Ave. exit at I-64
In 1904, a popular mode of transportation through the fairgrounds was a boat ride through the miles of canals that wound through Forest Park. Modern day visitors can enjoy a paddleboat ride or a meal at the Boathouse.
Forest Park, west of The Muny Theatre.
The Muny in St. Louis, one of America's oldest and largest outdoor musical theatres, offers professionally-mounted Broadway musicals each season. The Muny presents its shows in a setting framed by the majestic oaks of Forest Park.
1 Theatre Drive, Forest Park, 314-361-1900.
The museum offers exhibitions and interactive galleries plus lectures, theater, special programs and concerts. From Lewis and Clark to Lindbergh, Scott Joplin to Miles Davis, breweries to baseball, the Civil War to the World's Fair, the museum invites you to participate in the past, present and future.
5700 Lindell Boulevard, 314-746-4599.
Drive by for a look at Brookings Hall, the official reception hall for dignitaries and other fair-going VIPs. Francis Field and Francis Gymnasium, still in use today, were used for the 1904 Olympic Games, the first Olympiad held in the Western Hemisphere.
Located on the Danforth Campus at 1 Brookings Drive.
A featured performer at the World’s Fair, Scott Joplin wrote the famous Rag “Cascades” that was inspired by the fountains that welcomed visitors to the fair. This antebellum structure was home to the "King of Ragtime" during some of his most productive years. Furnishings reflect the era when Joplin lived in the house; also features a display on the 1904 World's Fair.
2658 Delmar Blvd., 314-340-5790.
Photographs and souvenirs are among the more than 1,200 pieces of 1904 World’s Fair memorabilia featured at this 1848 home. A National Historic Landmark, this antebellum Greek Revival home is furnished with authentic period furnishings.
3352 DeMenil Place, 314-771-5828.
This National Historic Landmark has been dramatically restored and redeveloped as a dynamic mixed-use project that includes great shopping, delicious dining and fabulous entertainment. Enjoy self-guided exhibits on the fair and the station’s history since opening in 1894, historic memorabilia and the free "Memories Museum."
Market St. between 18th and 20th streets, 314-421-6655.