For the past seven years I have watched thousands of people visit your Missouri History Museum. All I see seem to have had a wonderful experience.
Looking around however, I realize that there is much most visitors do not know about their museum … basic things. I’m going to offer a refresher course in those basics. You can find a lot of the information on the Missouri History Museum website (www.mohistory.org); however, the technological revolution notwithstanding, not everyone owns or has access to a computer, so I will offer this primer.
The most basic question is often asked by people new to St. Louis or who have never been to your Missouri History Museum. “How much does it cost?”
The answer is “nothing”. Special exhibits, such as Katherine Dunham: Beyond the Dance often have a reasonable admission fee, but general admission is always free. And on Tuesdays, even those exhibits with a fee are free to residents of St. Louis City and St. Louis County.
Knowledge of the free general admission is usually followed by an amazed look – and, then, “How can that be?”
The answer begins with an organization known as the Metropolitan Zoological Park and Museum District. Your Missouri History Museum is a member along with the Art Museum, the Zoo, The Science Center, and the Missouri Botanical Garden. It funds the MHM through the Missouri History Museum Sub-district.
Memberships, gifts and grants also help pay salaries, pay for maintenance, pay for the wonderful exhibits and programs you enjoy, and pay for security, which not only protects the museum, but also protects you.
Almost everyone comes to the Missouri History Museum with a camera. Some carry camera-phones; others carry those one-shot deals, while others come armed with sophisticated, professional cameras that have all the whistles and bells. Visitors are encouraged to bring cameras to record their visits, but with the proviso that the photography be done without flash.
Why? Because the sudden bursts of light generated by camera flashes can damage the sensitive artifacts on display. Non-flash photography is allowed in all the exhibitions that are free. All photography is prohibited in exhibitions that have an admission fee, unless otherwise specified. So feel free to bring your camera and take pictures at your Missouri History Museum, just obey the rules. When in doubt, follow the directions on the signs posted outside each gallery or ask a volunteer, staff member or security person. They are there to help you and they are glad to do it.
Sometimes there is confusion over when the museum is open. It is open seven days a week. It is closed on only two days of the year, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Occasionally, the museum may close early for a special event, but when that happens, a notice is usually posted on the museum entrances and inside the museum. Regular hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day but Tuesday when the hours are 10 a. m. to 8 p.m. Summer hours, which begin on Memorial Day and last through Labor Day, are from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Many visitors are curious about the building itself. “I grew up going to the Jefferson Memorial. Is the Missouri History Museum the same place?”
Yes, it is. The Missouri History Museum is housed in the Jefferson Memorial Building. The name is officially changed to the Missouri History Museum. It was not built for the 1904 World’s Fair, but it was built with funds from the World’s Fair to honor President Thomas Jefferson’s role in the Louisiana Purchase. It was the first structure to honor America’s third president, and when it was dedicated in 1913 it was the only monument to the great man, preceding the Washington, D.C. monument by a quarter century.
Your Missouri History Museum offers a luncheon restaurant as well as a gift shop. The restaurant, Meriwether’s, is open 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Sunday features a delicious brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The gift shop, The Louisiana Purchase, offers a wide array of historical books, DVDs, CDs and exhibit related souvenirs as well as jewelry and other unique gifts, many tied to historical events or exhibits.
These are just some of the basic facts about your Missouri History Museum.
You can also book weddings, big or small meetings, corporate dinners, discussion groups and other gatherings by simply calling (314) 454-3154 or visiting the Room Rentals page on the Missouri History Museum website.
Obviously, there are many other amenities available at one of St. Louis’ Forest Park jewels. And you can get more detailed information at the website.
Last Take
Time is running out for a visit to the All-Star baseball exhibit at your Missouri History Museum. It will close Sunday August 3.