Saint Louis Art Museum

The basics

SLAM showcases a 35,000 strong collection of artworks, representing cultures and mediums the world over. Audio guides are available by exhibition, detailing the works of Matisse, ancient Japanese silks, and more. There are three levels visitors can explore, each with a series of thematic rooms that seem to move through time and space.

The museum is a masterpiece on the outside, too—it’s housed in one of the city’s most fabulous structures, in one of the city’s most fabulous neighborhoods: Forest Park. Trolley tours and walking tours put this spot on many visitors’ radars, and since admission is free, there’s no reason not to come back for more.

Things to know before you go

• The majority of the museum is free, though special exhibitions are ticketed. On Fridays, the entire museum is free.

• The museum offers free exhibition audio guides—remember to bring your phone and headphones if you may like to listen to one.

• The grounds include a sculpture garden.

• The museum has an on-site café and a full-service restaurant with excellent views.

How to get there

Many visitors travel to The Saint Louis Art Museum by private vehicle—free parking is available in two lots across from the museum, while paid parking is available in the museum’s underground parking garage. To skip the parking hassle, the Skinker MetroLink Station is about a 15-minute walk from the museum. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, the museum is also served by the Forest Park Trolley.

When to get there

The Saint Louis Art Museum is typically open every day of the week except Mondays. Hours are usually 10am to 5pm, with extended hours on Fridays; last admission is an hour before closing. To get the most bang for your buck, visit on Fridays when the ticketed exhibitions are free.

What’s inside

Visitors might be surprised by the amount of names they recognize—European masters like Matisse, Gauguin, Monet, Picasso, and Van Gogh are all on display at the Saint Louis Art Museum. There are also spectacular Turkish rugs, pieces once stolen by Nazis, and even real Egyptian mummies. In other words, SLAM has something to entertain your whole crew.