Fun, accessible AND free? Yes, please. Make no mistake – we are 100%, unambiguously in favor of purchasing a ticket and paying to support local artists and arts institutions. That’s money well spent that buys you cherished memories, leaves you uplifted, and is an investment in the vibrancy of a community. But also, who doesn’t like a free thing to do? Especially when they’re this incredible. Enjoy discovering these free arts-related activities in St. Louis.
Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis
CAM works to enrich lives and inspire curiosity, creativity, and learning through experiences with contemporary art. Their mission is to create meaningful engagement with the most relevant and innovative art being made today. They are a welcome space, free to all.
3750 Washington Ave, St. Louis, MO 63108
www.camstl.org
Pulitzer Arts Foundation
When you visit the museum, you can expect to see art in a unique and dynamic setting in the museum’s celebrated building designed by Tadao Ando, featuring abundant natural light and a central reflecting pool. Exhibitions include contemporary and historic art from around the world along with a wide range of free public programs, including music, literary arts, dance, wellness, and cultural discussions.
3716 Washington Ave, St. Louis, MO 63108
www.pulitzerarts.org
Sheldon Concert Hall and Art Galleries
A gathering place at heart, The Sheldon invites you to revere and participate in a diverse legacy of live music, arts, events and culture. Our local community is a colorful and eclectic collection of people and ideas. It’s why they’re proud to present a curated roster of our world’s musical and visual icons in St. Louis, and in turn, give St. Louis the world.
3648 Washington Ave, St. Louis, MO 63108
www.thesheldon.org
Laumeier Sculpture Park
Founded in 1976, Laumeier is one of the first and largest dedicated sculpture parks in the country. They present more than 70 works of large-scale outdoor sculpture in a 105-acre park located in the heart of St. Louis County. Free and open daily, Laumeier serves 300,000 visitors of all ages each year through sculpture conservation, education programs, temporary exhibitions and public events.
12580 Rott Rd, Sappington, MO 63127
www.laumeiersculpturepark.org
Saint Louis Art Museum
The Saint Louis Art Museum collects, presents, interprets, and conserves works of art of the highest quality across time and cultures; educates, inspires discovery, and elevates the human spirit; preserves a legacy of artistic achievement for the people of St. Louis and the world; and engages, includes, and represents the full diversity of the St. Louis community supporting it. Admission to the Museum is free every day. Admission to main exhibitions is free on Friday.
1 Fine Arts Dr, St. Louis, MO 63110
www.slam.org
Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum
The Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum is one of the oldest teaching museums in the country. The Museum has continued the legacy of acquiring leading contemporary artworks that represent major international aesthetic positions into the 21st century. Free and open to the public, the only day the museum is closed is Tuesday.
1 Brookings Dr, St. Louis, MO 63130
www.kemperartmuseum.wustl.edu
Citygarden Sculpture Park
Citygarden, a project of the City of St. Louis, has carved out three acres in the heart of downtown and transformed them into an exhilarating urban oasis featuring modern and contemporary sculptures, lush landscape, reflecting pools, a café, and a playful spray plaza. You won’t find walls, fences, admissions fees, or “do not touch” signs. Citygarden is always free.
801 Market St, St. Louis, MO 63101
www.citygardenstl.org
The Muny
What began as a grassy spot between two oak trees has grown into the nation’s oldest and largest outdoor musical theatre. The Muny’s storied history is one of vision, perseverance and commitment to culture and community.
While not completely free, The Muny thinks that everyone deserves to experience the thrill of live theatre. That’s why the last nine rows of The Muny (more than 1,400 seats!) are always free to the public. Come early, though! Free seats are claimed on a first come, first served basis. The gates open at 7:00 p.m. each evening of a performance in Lichtenstein Plaza.
1 Theatre Dr, St. Louis, MO 63112
www.muny.org
Mural Mile
The Mural Mile is located along the Riverfront between Victor and Chouteau Avenues, south of the Gateway Arch. Started in 1997, the project became an annual event held every labor day weekend. Organized by the organization Paint Louis, more than 250 graffiti artists from around the country and world come to St. Louis to add to this mural on the Mississippi River floodwall.
Chouteau Ave & S Leonor K Sullivan Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63102
www.racstl.org/public-art/the-mural-mile-floodwall
Missouri History Museum
The Missouri Historical Society serves as the confluence of historical perspectives and contemporary issues to inspire and engage audiences in the St. Louis region and beyond. They offer both continuing long-term exhibits as well as short-term special exhibits that reflect a commitment to explore the histories of those who call the metropolitan St. Louis region home. Admission to the Missouri History Museum and its exhibits is free.
5700 Lindell Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63112
www.mohistory.org/museum
Gateway Arch National Park
The Gateway Arch is 630 feet high, making it the tallest monument in the United States. It is as wide as it is tall. While taking a trip to the of the Arch and visiting the museum costs money, strolling around the grounds of the National Park with amazing views of the city and the Mississippi river won’t cost you a dime. It’s a memorable place to picnic.
11 North 4th Street, St. Louis, MO 63102
www.gatewayarch.com
St. Louis Zoo
One of the finest zoos and conservation institutions in the U.S., the zoo is always free. What do animals have to do with art? Sprinkled throughout the zoo you’ll find fantastic sculptures and creative exhibits that enhance the visitor experience, including Animals Always, an impressive, gigantic sculpture at the southeast corner of the zoo where Hampton Ave. meets Wells Dr. at the roundabout.
1 Government Dr, St. Louis, MO 63110
www.stlzoo.org