Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take pictures in the Museum?
Flash photography is prohibited in all of our galleries. Non-flash photography is allowed in all FREE exhibitions. Unless otherwise specified, photography is prohibited in exhibitions that have an admission fee.

Is the History Museum the same as the Jefferson Memorial? As the Historical Society?
The Missouri Historical Society operates both the Missouri History Museum in Forest Park and the Missouri History Museum Library and Research Center on Skinker Boulevard. The Missouri History Museum is composed of the Jefferson Memorial Building and the 92,000-square-foot Emerson Center expansion, designed by Hellmuth, Obata + Kassabaum Inc. of St. Louis, an internationally recognized architectural firm.

Was the Jefferson Memorial Building built for the 1904 World’s Fair?
No. The neoclassical building was built with proceeds from the World's Fair to honor President Thomas Jefferson’s role in the Louisiana Purchase. It was dedicated in 1913. It was built on the site of the main entrance to the 1904 World's Fair and was designed by Isaac S. Taylor, who was also the chief architect of the Fair. In 1913 the Jefferson Memorial Building was the only monument of national stature honoring Thomas Jefferson, preceding the more famous domed structure in Washington, D.C., by 25 years.

How much does it cost to visit the Museum?
General admission to the Museum is always free. Admission is charged for some special exhibitions.

The Missouri History Museum is a member of the Metropolitan Zoological Park and Museum District and receives funding through the Missouri History Museum Subdistrict. The Museum is also generously supported by memberships, gifts, and grants. 

Is the plane suspended from the ceiling in the Grand Hall the original plane Lindbergh flew over the Atlantic Ocean?
No. The original plane is in the Smithsonian’s Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. Our plane is a sister ship that was created by the same manufacturer — Ryan Airlines Corporation—a year later than the original Spirit of St. Louis. This plane was modified to match the Spirit’s exact dimensions for the 1957 movie, The Spirit of St. Louis, starring Jimmy Stewart. Oral histories claim that this plane was flown both by Stewart (a decorated WWII pilot) and by Lindbergh, who served as an advisor for the film. Acquired by the Museum in 1962, the plane was displayed at Lambert-St. Louis International Airport for many years until our 2000 addition created a space for it to be installed at the History Museum.  

Are you open on Mondays? What are your hours? Are you open on holidays?
The Museum is open seven days a week. Our regular hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day but Tuesday, when we are open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. We are open every holiday except Thanksgiving and Christmas.

This summer we will be open until 6 p.m. every day but Tuesday, when we are open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., starting May 28 and running through September 3.

You can find hours and directions online.

Do you have a restaurant? Do you take reservations?
The Museum has a restaurant, Meriwether's, which enjoys a reputation for excellent food, attentive service, and a spectacular view of Forest Park. It serves a lunch menu daily from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Saturday, with a 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. brunch on Sundays (buffet only; a la carte menu not available on Sundays). During Museum hours, Meriwether’s always has cold food (sandwiches, fruit, salads), snacks, and drinks available in its "Grab and Go" section. The restaurant does not serve dinner. The menu changes regularly but always includes an eclectic selection of appetizers, sandwiches, salads, entrées, and desserts. You can make reservations for lunch or brunch by calling (314) 361-7313.

Can I have my wedding and reception in the Museum? Can I have a private party at the Museum?
Yes. The Missouri History Museum is the perfect place to book your wedding, corporate dinner, or meeting. The Museum can be rented after hours for private parties, weddings, and receptions. Catering and facilities rental requests can be answered by calling (314) 454-3154.

Can I rent space in the Museum for a meeting? Can I rent your auditorium to have an event?
The Museum rents classrooms and its auditorium. For rates and more information call (314) 454-3121.

Do you have a free day for special exhibitions?
Yes, Tuesdays are free for our special exhibitions on a first-come, first-served basis. No advanced tickets are available for our free days.

Where do I park? Is it free?
The Museum has free parking on both sides of the building. There is also additional street parking behind the Museum, and a parking lot next to the tennis courts that is about a 4-minute walk to the Museum.

What events are going on? When do the Twilight Tuesdays start?
Our events are listed on our Web site Event Calendar. You can also pick up an event brochure when you're at the Museum, or you can join the Historical Society and have a monthly event e-newsletter sent to your email address and a bi-monthly event magazine sent to you by mail. The remaining Twilight Tuesdays for the 2007 season will be held May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 — June 5, 12, 19, and 26.

What kind of information does the Library have?
The Library has extensive materials related to St. Louis history, Missouri history, the history of the American West, genealogy and family history, neighborhood histories, urban history, Native American ethnology, letters, diaries, and works by St. Louis authors. The Library houses more than 80,000 cataloged volumes, pamphlets, and periodicals, rare 17th- and 18th-century maps of North America, more than 5,000 pieces of sheet music, 500 bound volumes of published music, and theater programs dating from the early 19th century.

The Archival Collection consists of more than 1,800 separate collections, with such rare items as the elk-skin journal of William Clark's 1804 expedition of the West and papers of Thomas Jefferson. The Photographs and Prints Collection consists of more than 430,000 images, with more than 600 daguerreotypes made by Thomas Easterly between 1840 and 1880 that document the development of St. Louis and its early residents.

The Broadcast Media Collection contains more than 10,000 videotapes and 5,000 reels of film that document early St. Louis radio and television. The Objects Collection contains more than 125,000 items that include more than 10,000 items of historic clothing and textiles.

Where is the Library located? What are the Library’s hours? Where do you park?
The Library is located at 225 S. Skinker between Wydown Boulevard and Clayton Road, just west of Forest Park. The Library and Research Center hours are noon to 5 p.m. from Tuesday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. Parking is available in a parking lot on the Library's south side, or you can park on the street in front of the building.

Do you have exhibits and events that kids would enjoy?
Yes. Many of our exhibits include interactive activities such as puzzles, touchable items, listening and video stations, games, and even a smelling station! The Museum also offers many events for children year-round such as storytelling and puppet shows.