I was born and raised in St. Louis and I love my hometown. I’m partial and I fully admit it. Sure it has a reputation for having a lot of crime (rated #4 this year instead of #1), but if you know the city (and surrounding areas) you know what areas to stay away from. I lived in St. Louis City, but somehow I never managed to visit the City Museum downtown (701 N 15th Street; Zip 63103). I had heard about it, was told it was ‘neat’, etc., but no one sold me on going until I read a blog about it that finally shed some light on why it was so fascinating.
So, yesterday (Friday) my husband, daughter and myself finally caved in and left the house around 3:30pm (City Museum is open until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays). Fortunately they have parking available ($5) right there at the museum so you don’t have to hassle with parking on the street or paying a higher rate at another parking lot.
After we found a spot on the parking lot, we got out of the car and my breath was taken away. It was just like the pictures that I had viewed on that blog — there really was a bus half hanging off of the corner of the building! There were also 2 airplanes and a host of other structures that drew my eyes in a 100 different directions. I was completely fascinated and anticipating what was yet to be revealed once we walked through the doors.
Before I go on any further, I want to mention the founder, Mr. Bob Cassilly. While I never met Bob, nor knew of the work he created throughout our city (he also completed work in New York and Dallas) I have read many an article about him on the internet after visiting the museum. My interest was piqued because my husband had mentioned, while eating dinner at Samwiches (on the Mezzanine level), that he had been killed during an accident at Cementland. I found it odd how I instantly became saddened to hear that news because after only spending a couple of hours there (at that point) I was in awe of what had been created and curious about the person with so much vision and risk-taking. St. Louis Magazine has a great write up about him that will take you into the mind and career of a St. Louis legend. Take a few minutes to read it; it’s worth it.
When we entered the building I once again found myself just searching the room and only allowing my eyes to stay focused on one thing for a few moments before scanning it for even more eye candy.
The details, the color, the textures, the curiosity of ‘what is that?’ were almost overwhelming. Yet, they left me wanting more. So without further hesitation we stepped up to the ticket window to purchase wristbands for the museum ($12 plus tax for 3+; $10 on Friday & Saturday’s after 5pm). If you want to visit the rooftop attraction that is an additional $5, but worth every single penny. I’ll explain why here in a bit. Once we put our wristbands on we headed off to explore.
The first room that we entered was beautiful. There were these crystal-type decorations hanging from the ceiling, structures all around with various entrances, metal hanging from the ceiling in tubular shapes that kids were crawling through and that was just in the first 5 seconds.
As we walked in a little further I noticed a tree sculpture with a bird’s nest being inhaled by a dragon (here’s for sentences that you never thought you’d type) so I aimed my camera at my daughter, snapped a picture and said, “Go explore! Have FUN!“. She didn’t hesitate and off inside the tree she went with my husband fast behind her. I declined to follow suit as I’m not the overly-adventurous type and there’s the fact that I’m semi-moderately claustrophobic.
Beings that this was our first experience there I had no idea that one trip up a faux tree would mean that 20 minutes later I would be wondering if that tree was actually some modern day black hole because they were nowhere to be found. So instead of worrying about it I went off to explore the surrounding areas. I ended up walking into this large fish that conveniently guided me up to the mezzanine area. This is where I was informally introduced to the ‘puking pig’. The puking pig is a large, metal canister that fills with water and then tips over to release it in one loud splash. If you know me and my love for water then you’ll understand why I found it fascinating enough to stand there and watch for 10 minutes.
Fortunately my fascination of watching the puking pig led to discovering my husband who just so happened to walk by on the lower level; I spotted him by his Chicago Blackhawks hat — go figure. I called out to him and told him how to get to me. Within a minute he, my daughter and I were reunited. I was making a mental note not to let that happen again and then wondering how I would do that without climbing through the same passages that they were. No worries, there are ways — once you get to know your way around. What’s interesting is they say the best way to have a good time at the City Museum is to literally…get lost. There are no maps available to help guide you through. It is literally your sense of direction and childlike curiosity that will be your personal tour guide; what an adventure!
I watched my husband turn into a big kid as we entered the door that read, “10 story slide”, where the surrounding areas turned into caves. Caves that you climb (or walk up the stairs), in almost total darkness (some were carrying flashlights), 10 stories up. While there is a minimal sense of fear you really didn’t notice it because of the suspense of what was to come next.
In the background there was an organ playing haunting music that just seemed to change the dynamic of that section of the building into a full blown mystery. It sort of reminds me of those characters in scary movies who for whatever reason keep walking around the house, checking for the scary murderer instead of running out yelling, “Someone help me — call 911!” — the intrigue was alluring; to say the least.
We only went about half-way up because I realized that there was no way I was going to let my daughter go down a 10 story slide on her own. Particularly when I know nothing about it and it clearly stated that you had to ride down it one at a time. When she’s a little older, we’ll see how that goes…or after my husband tests it out. Whichever comes first 😉
From there we decided to step outside for some cooler air (even though it was 90 degrees outside, there was still airflow) as the inside of those caves while very authentic looking don’t feel authentic when it comes to the temperature; caves are suppose to be cool. We were all hot, sweaty and a break was in order after the climb.
As luck would have it, that is perfectly acceptable as once you purchase the wristbands you can come & go as you please, until the museum closes. We found this to be a great opportunity to pose in front of the City Museum sign for the family photo album. Well, that and it gives me reason to take yet another picture. With that said, there was a ton of opportunity for pictures on our next escapade…the rooftop.
We found our way to the elevators — there was no way we were walking up 10+ flights of stairs. Once we got up there, the first thing that I noticed was the bus. This is the same bus that is hanging off of the corner of the building. And yes, you can actually walk on to it…all the way to the front (you know, where the end of the bus is hanging off a 10 story building). Kiddo didn’t seem to enjoy the heights of that particular part, but my husband thought it was pretty neat. It was impressive to see just how many people were standing in it and I wondered to myself, “What’s the weight limit on this thing?”
I opted not to worry about that part and just enjoy the moment because, quite frankly, there was a ton more on the rooftop that I wanted to see and the obvious…’if it weren’t safe, they wouldn’t allow it’ part.
As soon as Alexis was off of the bus, she walked right over to the next section which just so happens to be a 14 foot whale sculpture, in a pond, with stepping stones. I’m not sure there are many who could so easily ignore the option of walking across those. It may seem simple, but the curiosity of whether or not you can get across there without falling in, is pretty enticing in itself. With that said, I caught myself wanting to automatically tell her, “You can’t do that. Don’t climb on those” before I stopped myself with the realization that, that is what they want you to do.
My daughter didn’t hesitate…she jumped right up there and within no time was walking across it with a look of extreme concentration written on her face. She is a daredevil, a fearless and brave little girl. I raised her this way for a reason, but there are times that I question that decision because she’ll just go take on the most risky attraction at a theme park…or roof of a 10 story building. You know, like enormous slides…
Slides that are at least another 2 stories up on an already 10 story high building. See photo to the right for the look of sheer thrill all over her face. Yeah, that look? That look makes me proud and scares me to no end all at once.
They climbed the stairs to get to the top and would slide down. They would climb the rope (to the right, on the slide) and would slide back down. She would run off and race back up there, even without her Daddy, and slide down again. I never thought I would get her off of there until she finally spotted it…the large, purchased in Illinois from a man who was keeping it in a barn, recently added and just had new lights installed…ferris wheel.
Yes, a ferris wheel on the rooftop of a 10 story building, and by my count was actually sitting on the 12th floor because of the different levels on the rooftop.
At first she went to ride it alone because in the realm of keeping things completely honest… I’m too old for this stuff and Steve just wasn’t feeling it. We’re not afraid of heights, we’re afraid of the fall. With that said, we won’t let that deter her from having fun during her youth. We remember what it was like.
However, the attendant said that she had to have one of us tell him it was okay to ride without us. We didn’t hesitate in giving him our permission, but I was certain to school her on, “Sit still and don’t rock it. Got it?” while hoping all along that she would follow my slightly concerned instructions. There’s no way I was going to tell her no. So he let her on and all we heard after that was “I’m going to die!!!” being yelled through bursts of laughter. She absolutely loved it and can’t wait to go back to ride it again.
From there she decides that she’s going to slide down the even bigger slide on the rooftop…yes, there’s an even bigger one. The same slide that you see children crawling on top of (the slide is right under it) in the picture to the right.
You can get a pretty clear idea of just how high up the slide is by the background. I would have never let her use it had it not had the metal tubing for protection. Still, there was a small part of me that was questioning, “Is this structurally sound?“, but I placed the parental concern to the side and allowed her to enjoy it. Again, she was elated.
Off to even more daredevil sky high climbing apparatuses. Behind the slide (in the picture above) you can see the two people sitting in the structure behind it. This is what Alexis & Steve were off to conquer and mark off the mental (and future bragging rights) list of, “I climbed that on the rooftop of the City Museum“.
It was funny how she seemed content just to climb this, pose for a picture, and get back down. It occurred to me that perhaps she didn’t see these as a challenge, at all, and in fact some sort of skill level that she felt she had surpassed. Whatever it was, it was either going to prove to be a blessing or a curse in the future. Let’s hope she never envisions the Arch in the same way.
After all of the climbing, exploring, fear-seeking thrills we decided that it was time to get a bite to eat so we went back to the mezzanine level and ordered some sandwiches from Sanwiches (slightly redundant). Steve & I ordered their meatball subs ($8.00 each) and Alexis ordered their grilled cheese ($3.99). They were pretty good. Nothing over the top and not overly-flavorful nor dull to the taste. This is an individually owned (not owned or operated by City Museum) restaurant just in case you’re curious. They also have pizza and salads available. Do try their chocolate chip cookies — they are really tasty! You can save your large paper cup for 50 cent refills to boot.
Once lunch was over we knew it was time to visit the World Aquarium. While it’s on the 2nd floor of the City Museum building it’s important to note that they are not affiliated. There is an additional charge ($7.95 plus tax; $6 if you go after 5pm on Friday or Saturday) if you wish to enter it. It’s not a large area, but it’s pretty neat to walk through and see the varying animals (more than just aquatic life) on display. These animals are rescues from different places that the World Aquarium (a non-profit) has taken in. To see pictures from there, please visit the photo album I have on Facebook by clicking here (it also includes more pictures from City Museum that I haven’t posted here); it is open for public viewing.
We wrapped up our visit by letting Alexis play in Monstro City.
Located in front of the building, MonstroCity features two Saber 40 aircraft fuselages suspended high in the air, a fire engine, a castle turret, a 25-foot (7.6 m) cupola, four-foot-wide Slinkies that can be crawled through, and two ball pits, one for young children and one for older ones, each pit being filled with large, rubber dodge balls.[6]
The Cabin Inn is an early-19th-century log cabin located beneath MonstroCity. Originally the home of the son of Daniel Boone, it was owned by the Hezel family for more than a century and is now a bar and entertainment venue.[7]
– Source: Wikipedia
To give you an idea of how large the building is, and all that it has to see, from the 6 hour time frame that we were there…we still have more to explore. We never made it to the 3rd floor and the 4th floor is still under construction (they are adding things all the time!). So this gives us new reason to plan another visit — as if we needed another reason to go back. I can’t wait.
The City Museum is like a fountain of youth, gym, playground (for adults & children alike), meccano and family fun center all rolled into one. Visit their website by clicking here: citymuseum.org
Tips: If you have long hair, wear a ponytail. Wear pants or capris (the slides demand it). Don’t drag around a purse; just bring your ID, money, credit card. Don’t be afraid to explore. Let your inner child take over. Rinse. Repeat.
What Bob Cassilly left for St. Louis is something that will live on in the hearts & memories of countless people for the remainder of their lives; including mine. What a phenomenal mind he had for art — useable art — and architecture. He has several other pieces around St. Louis to explore as well. In fact, the next time that you’re at the St. Louis Zoo and you see the Sea Lion structures, or the butterfly sculpture at the Butterfly House (Faust Park) — you can thank Bob Cassilly for those as well. In all that I witnessed, touched, explored and admired yesterday I have an appreciation & respect for his talent.
Hopefully my post will inspire you to visit the City Museum. I rarely say this about many places, but everyone should visit at least once during their lifetime. I’m certainly glad that I did.
Thank you, Bob!
