"Dedicated to art and free to all" is the famous motto of the St. Louis Art Museum. SLAM, an acronym for the museum that is familiar to locals, is considered by most to be the crown jewel of St. Louis' Forest Park. The museum, with it's ancient Greco-Roman columns and statue of Louis on his steed overlooking the azure waters of the Grand Basin, is arguably the best publicly supported museum in the country. Located in its current home at the top of Art Hill since the 1904 world's fair in St. Louis, it has housed some of the finest classic and contemporary art that has ever been produced. Monet's "Water Lilies", as well as works by Van Gogh, Degas and Matisse have drawn visitors from all over the world.
The European galleries are majestic and awe-inspiring in their presentations of such works as Panini's perspective masterpiece, "The Interior of St. Peter's Rome". Other popular exhibits include the Egyptian mummy and artifacts, as well as the Oceanic and African tribal pieces, some of which may send a shiver up your spine. The more contemporary galleries are in constant rotation, but the emotionally charged paint splatterings of the notorious Jackson Pollock are always a crowd pleaser.
Special Exhibitions that travel the nation and the globe are always on hand at the museum. These special engagements usually do charge an admission to see, except on free Fridays and audio tours are usually available. Ask the reception areas about the knowledgeable docent tours for the rest of the museum.
Should you work up an appetite during your visit, the museum also houses the critically acclaimed Wolfgang Puck's restaurant Puck's, an upscale dining experience. If you just need a quick beverage or an easy lunch, Puck's Cafe has your solution. Across from the cafe is the museum gift shop, which offers everything from handcrafted jewelry to art reproductions and souvenirs. Even if you leave the museum without a trinket in hand, you'll carry the experience with you forever.
