There’s something magical about winter the city. Colorful holiday decorations and streetlamps softly illuminating the sky create a picturesque streetscape. Winter is the perfect time of year to enjoy an art-filled weekend in Missouri’s largest cities. Plan a getaway in St. Louis or Kansas City to explore museums, attend a concert or catch a play – and bask in the beauty of the season.
St. Louis
Saint Louis Art Museum
Admire a collection of art and artifacts spanning 5,000 years at the Saint Louis Art Museum, located in Forest Park – one of the largest urban parks in the United States. The Grace Taylor Broughton Sculpture Garden brings art, nature and design together with sculptures installed in garden “rooms” created by 450 hornbeam and serviceberry trees.
The Fabulous Fox Theatre
A 1920s-era movie palace designed by William Fox is a longtime favorite entertainment venue in St. Louis. The Fabulous Fox Theatre is ornately decorated in the “Siamese Byzantine” style, which borrows from Moorish, Egyptian, Babylonian and Indian themes. The theater features a lineup of world-class performances, including the U.S. Bank Broadway Series.
Brasserie by Niche
Dine at Brasserie by Niche, a bistro-style restaurant that specializes in French cuisine. From to coq au vin blanc to chocolate mousse, Brasserie provides a taste of Paris in the Gateway City. Choose from an extensive selection of wines at the Brass Bar.
Angad Arts Hotel
The Angad Arts Hotel immerses guests in a creative environment that embraces the visual arts, fashion and fine dining. It’s the first hotel in the world where you can reserve luxury accommodations based on the colors of the rainbow. Located in the heart of St. Louis’ Grand Center Arts District, the hotel offers rooms bathed in saturated colors – red, blue, yellow or green.
Kansas City
Nelson-Atkins Art Museum of Art
The Nelson-Atkins Art Museum of Art is recognized internationally as one of the finest art museums in the United States. The collection of nearly 40,000 works includes African, American, American Indian, Chinese, Japanese and modern art. The Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park features more than 35 sculptures, including the iconic giant shuttlecocks on the museum’s vast lawn.
Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
A stunning architectural complex, the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts houses two separate venues: The Muriel Kauffman Theatre and Helzberg Hall. The resident Kansas City Ballet, Lyric Opera of Kansas City and Kansas City Symphony frequently perform here. The schedule also includes special appearances by top national and international entertainers, artists and troupes, including Broadway production companies.
Jack Stack Barbecue – Freight House
What’s a trip to Kansas City without barbecue? Jack Stack Barbecue – Freight House serves up award-winning dishes, including Kansas City’s specialty – burnt ends. The restaurant’s soaring ceilings, fireplace lounge, indoor and outdoor seating, and a full-service bar add to the dining experience.
21c Museum Hotel
Top off the day with a stay at 21c Museum Hotel, part of North America’s only multi-venue museum dedicated to collecting and exhibiting 21st century art. From rotating, curated exhibits to site-specific displays and cultural programming, the hotel showcases the work of today’s emerging artists. The hotel museums are free and open to the public year-round. Guided tours are offered on a regular basis.