STL on a Budget: The Best Free Things to Do in St. Louis
Saint Louis Art Museum (SLAM)
Perched atop the Art Hill in Forest Park, the Saint Louis Art Museum is one of the nation's best art museums. Best of all, admission is free every day (although the main exhibition is only free on Fridays).
Missouri History Museum
St. Louis has a lot of history to share, and the best place to learn about the city is at the Missouri History Museum. From the earliest indigenous tribes to America's gateway to the west, this history showcases all of St. Louis' rich and vibrant history. The building itself, the Jefferson Memorial Building, is quite historic on its own, as it is the first national monument dedicated to Thomas Jefferson. Admission to this museum is free every day.
Museum at the Gateway Arch
St. Louis is well known for its world-famous arch. But did you know there is a free museum located below the arch? After taking some photographs at the arch, be sure to visit the Museum at Gateway Arch for free. The museum focuses on the city's 200-year history, which includes Thomas Jefferson's vision of the arch itself. The interactive displays explore colonial St. Louis, westward expansion, and the design and construction of the actual arch.
Citygarden
Tucked in the heart of downtown between skyscrapers, Citygarden is a two-block green sanctuary. Citygarden is part park, part art installation. The landscape architecture is gorgeous, and it is complemented well by dynamic sculptures and aquatic art installations. The park is open year-round and is entirely free for visitors. Patrons are encouraged to interact with the art pieces.Pulitzer Arts Foundation
The Pulitzer Arts Foundation is a small museum that features both historic and contemporary art, and it is completely free for visitors. The building itself is a piece of art, as it was designed by famed minimalist architect Tadao Ando. Most exhibits are on a rotating basis, ensuring a unique experience with each visit.The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis
Who says you need to go to Europe to see a beautiful basilica? The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis covers 83,000 square feet and took over 80 years to construct. Today, the Basilica is known for having one of the largest collections of mosaic art in the world. The interior delightfully shimmers with light across millions of glass tesserae, depicting scenes from the bible and early catholic history in St. Louis. Perhaps the biggest claim to fame at this basilica is the west wing chapels, which were designed by Tiffany and Company.While the church is free to visit, many weddings and funerals are hosted in the basilica year-round. Be sure to call in advance to ensure your visit. Sunday visits are welcome after the noon mass.
World Chess Hall of Fame
Tucked away in the Central West End neighborhood, the World Chess Hall of Fame is a delight for everyone, even for non-chess fans. In addition to immortalizing the greatest chess players in human history, this installation also features artistic renderings of chess pieces, historical art pieces, and interactive exhibits designed both for chess masters and beginners. The exhibits take a clever take on the game of chess, which covers its strategic, cultural, and geopolitical relevance.The World Chess Hall of Fame is free to visit, but there are some special events throughout the year that require a purchased ticket.