Art galleries and museums are so ingrained into the fabric of the city that you can likely find one in any of St. Louis’ vibrant neighborhoods. For a mid-sized city, the art to population ratio is astounding and the city’s Grand Center Arts District was named “the most exciting emerging arts district in America” by Forbes in 2023. From quirky hole-in-the-wall galleries and dedicated hotels where you can sleep immersed in art, to nationally acclaimed art museums featuring the works of Norman Lewis and Alice Rahon, the Gateway city offers inspiration for anyone who seeks it.
Tucked into the city’s Northampton neighborhood, this contemporary art space features rotating exhibitions of 10 or more St. Louis-based artists each year, showcasing a wide range of mediums and styles.
Location: 3520 Hampton Ave, St. Louis, MO 63139
Hours: Exhibit hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays
Cost: Free
In addition to serving as a hotel, community meeting place and wedding venue, 21c Museum Hotel provides free access to a museum dedicated to curating unique contemporary art installations. With the motto “contemporary art for all” and the mission of making modern art accessible, the museum is typically open 24 hours a day.
Location: 1528 Locust Street, St. Louis, MO 63103
Hours: Open 24 hours seven days a week
Cost: Free
Photo courtesy of St. Louis Art Museum
Photo courtesy of St. Louis Art Museum
Located in Forest Park within one of the few structures remaining from the city’s 1904 World’s Fair, the St. Louis Art Museum is home to internationally acclaimed artists and sculptors. Inside you will find a wide range of visual art, artifacts, and rotating curated exhibits.
Location: 1 Fine Arts Dr, St. Louis, MO 63110
Hours: Closed Monday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday & Saturday & Sunday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday.
Cost: Free (For ticketed exhibitions: Adults $20, Students and Seniors 65+ $16.00)
The Griot Black History Museum is St. Louis’ first museum and gallery solely dedicated to Black history and culture. Exhibits include life-sized wax figures of Black heroes of history, art, artifacts, documentary videos, and an interactive program that allows visitors to walk through history.
Location: 2505 St Louis Ave, St. Louis, MO 63106
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, Closed Sunday & Monday
Cost: $5 for children 5-12 and $10 for those 13 and older
Built into, around, and on top of an old shoe factory, this museum is an immersive, interactive playground featuring mosaics, sculptures, and metalwork by renowned sculptors Bob and Gail Cassilly alongside other artists. A large indoor cave system, a five-story slide, and a rooftop Ferris wheel are just a few of the attractions the museum offers. And yes, they sell knee pads in the gift shop.
Location: 750 N 16th St, St. Louis, MO 63103
Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday & Saturday
Tickets: Single day admission starts at $20, the rooftop and pinball hall cost an additional fee.
Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum
Part of Washington University’s Sam Fox School, this university museum is home to more than 8,700 works of art, and it frequently hosts new, thought-provoking exhibitions and artist talks.
Location: Washington University in St. Louis One Brookings Drive
St. Louis, MO 63130
Hours: Closed on Tuesdays, Monday & Wednesday-Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: Free
Conveniently located next to the city’s Contemporary Art Museum, the Pulitzer Arts Foundation displays a mix of contemporary and historic international art, located in a unique structure designed by architect Tadao Ando.
Location: 3716 Washington Ave, St. Louis, MO 63108
Hours: Outdoor Campus – open daily from sunrise to sunset. Galleries: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday.
Cost: Free
Contemporary Art Museum
Contemporary Art Museum
This airy museum hosts unique installations of contemporary art from local and nationally acclaimed artists. It also frequently hosts workshops, artist presentations, film screenings, and events.
Location: 3750 Washington Boulevard St. Louis, MO 63108
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday- Sunday
Cost: Free
St. Louis is one of the stomping grounds of many legendary blues musicians and home to the beloved annual Blues at the Arch Festival. The National Blues Museum highlights this rich history, showing exhibits ranging from the birth of blues all the way to its present-day influence.
Location: 615 Washington Ave. St Louis, MO 63101
Hours: Daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: Admission is $15 for adults and $10 for children ages 5-17
Located in a cozy space on Cherokee Street, Fifteen Windows Gallery is home to a small collection of local artists and regularly hosts curated exhibitions. It specializes in contemporary art and includes paintings, drawings, and illustrations.
Location: 3155 Cherokee St, St. Louis, MO 63118
Hours: Thursday-Saturday 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. or by appointment
Cost: Free
The Missouri History Museum features permanent and rotating exhibitions showcasing the state’s rich history through artifacts, art, writing, and more. In addition to its exhibits, they frequently host events, concerts, and discussions with local historians.
Location: 5700 Lindell Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63112
Hours: Closed Monday, open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. every Thursday, open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Wednesday & Friday-Sunday
Cost: Free
This home to contemporary art features the cutting edge of culture through its installations and performances. A few of its past exhibitions highlight the intersection of art and activism and have included: Black Quantum Futurism, Sick Time, Sleepy Time, Crip Time: Against Capitalism’s Temporal Bullying, and Freedom in A Platform.
Location: 2701 Cherokee Street St. Louis, MO 63118
Hours: Wednesday-Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday & Sunday 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., Closed Monday and Tuesday
Cost: Free
Located in the city’s Dutchtown neighborhood, this art, imagination, and project space is queer-led with a focus on exhibitions and events.
Location: 4704 Virginia Ave St. Louis, MO 63111
Hours: By appointment only except for public events
Cost: Free
Craft Alliance’s rotating exhibitions feature a multitude of styles and techniques, from ironwork and tapestries to prints and mixed-medium visual art. In addition to exhibits, they serve as a learning hub for artists through classes and workshops that celebrate craft in all its forms.
Location: 5080 Delmar Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63108
Hours: Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday-Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Cost: Free
Central West End galleries
The Central West End is home to several independent art galleries within walking distance from each other, including Duane Reed (photography, sculptures, & paintings), Houska (contemporary and pop art), Philip Slein (paintings), and Square One Galleries (contemporary art).
Locations & More Info:
Duane Reed 4729 McPherson Ave, St. Louis, MO 63108
Houska 4728 McPherson Ave, St. Louis, MO 63108
Philip Slein 4735 McPherson Ave, St. Louis, MO 63108
Square One Galleries 4814 Washington Ave #312, St. Louis, MO 63108
Awarded the best gallery by St. Louis Magazine from 2021 to 2024, this co-op art gallery features artwork by 12 resident artists and hosts a group exhibition each month.
Location: 2028 S 12th St, St. Louis, MO 63104
Hours: Closed Monday-Wednesday, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday & Saturday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday
Cost: Free
This gallery showcases contemporary art and alternative visual culture in St. Louis, with a strong focus on emerging and established artists from diverse backgrounds and disciplines.
Location: 513 Forsyth Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63105
Hours: Open 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Closed Sunday & Monday.
Cost: Free
Third Degree Glass Factory is the only publicly accessible glass art studio, education center, and gallery in the city. Every third Friday, it hosts demonstrations and hands-on glass blowing activities and live music alongside other members of the Delmar Maker District.
Location: 5200 Delmar Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63108
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday Noon to 4 p.m.
Cost: Free
The guild provides exhibitions, education, and outreach that encourage community members to engage with art and show the city’s diverse, creative voices.
Location: 12 North Jackson Ave. St. Louis, MO 63105
Hours: Tuesday – Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed Sunday & Monday
Cost: Free
World Chess Hall of Fame & Galleries
This museum is an international hub for chess knowledge, art and history. Its exhibitions explore the rich history of the game and its remarkable impact on culture.
Location: 4652 Maryland Ave, St. Louis, MO 63108
Hours: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday & Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday & Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday
Cost: Free (Donations welcome)
Stephen and Peter Sachs Museum at MOBOT
Admission to the museum is included in a standard ticket to the Missouri Botanical Garden, and its current exhibit focuses on the smells of bouquets and the unique scents of plants, as well as the science behind the phenomenon.
Location: 4344 Shaw Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63110
Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily
Cost: Free with admission to the Garden ($16 general admission and seniors, $6 St. Louis residents (proof of residency required), free for members and children ages 12 and younger)
This list is just the beginning — St. Louis is full of hidden neighborhood gems to nationally acclaimed institutions ready to be explored. Whether you’re planning a road trip or just looking for a reason to visit, St. Louis promises music, food, art, and unforgettable memories. Want more ideas? Explore your vibe and start planning.
How do we fill this list? Great question! The short answer—it’s not easy. StLouisArts.org is powered by the Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis, and we aim to lift up all the artists, arts programs, and arts organizations that make this city shine. If you think something is missing, we may have simply overlooked it—feel free to reach out.
