St. Louis Public Library’s Central Library boasts some of the finest examples of Beaux-Arts and Neo-Classical Architecture in the United States. Designed by renowned architect Cass Gilbert and completed in 1912, the structure which occupies a full city block is a historic treasure. Exquisite replicas of features from the Pantheon, Vatican and Michelangelo’s Laurentian Library bring the Italian Renaissance to life in the heart of downtown St. Louis.
An extensive $70 million award-winning renovation of Central Library was completed in 2012, and showcases a masterful blend of classical and modern architectural styles while preserving Central Library’s unparalleled beauty for generations to come.
Free tours:
Docent-led tours are available for individuals and groups under 10 people, on Mondays and Saturdays on a walk-in basis.
Mondays 11 a.m. & 12:30 p.m.
Saturdays 11 a.m., Noon and 1 p.m.