Permanent exhibition of the Missouri Historical Society's 150-year collection of photographs, textiles, machinery and instruments on the history of St. Louis.
Collected is the permanent exhibition at the Missouri History Museum, located at 5700 Lindell Blvd. in Forest Park. It's a broad look at St. Louis from its founding in 1764 through to the present day, and it draws on more than 150 years of artifacts gathered by the Missouri Historical Society. The collection pulls together photographs, textiles, machinery, and instruments to offer a new perspective on the city's history.
Within the museum, you'll find a few specific highlights that stand out from the general timeline. There's a look at the magnitude of the 1904 World's Fair, which put the city on the map on a global scale, and a Mexican wolf who helped save her species. The museum itself has its own history: it was originally built as the first national monument to Thomas Jefferson.
If you're bringing kids, there's also the History Clubhouse, a free family gallery where children can pilot a steamboat, learn about life in Cahokia, and build a downtown skyscraper. It's a good way to let the younger ones engage with the city's past while you spend time with the main galleries.
Every week we pick 🏆 the 5 best 🏆 things to do in St. Louis and send them to your inbox. Just one weekly email, no spam.
By submitting your email, you accept our Privacy Policy
Planning a visit is straightforward. The museum is open Sunday, Tuesday through Thursday, and Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM, and on Friday from 10 AM to 8 PM, so you have a late window on Fridays if that works better for your schedule. It's closed on Mondays. You'll find it at 5700 Lindell Blvd. in Forest Park.
