Citygarden Sculpture Park, Saint Louis (must see)
Since its opening in 2009, Citygarden has drawn countless visitors to downtown Saint Louis. Beyond boosting the city鈥檚 economy, its popularity has also sparked renewed interest in revitalizing the 16-block Gateway Mall.
It鈥檚 hard to believe that before becoming a vibrant urban park and sculpture garden, this site was nothing more than two empty blocks of grass. The vision was to create open lawns for large-scale artworks while reserving smaller spaces for more intimate experiences鈥攁 concept that has proven highly successful.
Today, Citygarden showcases 24 sculptures valued at over $12 million. Highlights include a massive bronze head lying on its side by Igor Mitoraj, digital screens of walking figures by Julian Opie, and Erwin Wurm鈥檚 whimsical Big Suit, a bodiless pink suit. Visitors are encouraged to touch, walk through, and even interact with the works, though this means some require frequent maintenance, such as re-waxing. Materials range from bronze, stainless steel, and cast aluminum to fiberglass and polyester.
Guests can enhance their visit with an audio tour narrated by more than 20 prominent locals, among them former St. Louis Cardinals star Ozzie Smith, St. Louis Symphony Orchestra director David Robertson, Olympic champion Jackie Joyner-Kersee, and actors Jenna Fischer and Kurt Warner.
Nature plays just as important a role here as art. The garden features ginkgo trees, native plants, and broad walkways, divided into three sections that echo the natural landscapes of the Saint Louis region. A northern limestone wall represents the Mississippi River bluffs, while a southern meandering wall mirrors the region鈥檚 waterways. Between them lies a floodplain-inspired zone with rain gardens, large trees, and major sculptures.
Citygarden also delights with water features, a welcome escape on hot summer days. Unlike many sculpture parks, it invites visitors to fully immerse themselves鈥攆ree of charge.
Tip: Visit at night to enjoy a beautifully lit stroll, then stop by the caf茅 with patio seating or grab a bite from a nearby food truck.
It鈥檚 hard to believe that before becoming a vibrant urban park and sculpture garden, this site was nothing more than two empty blocks of grass. The vision was to create open lawns for large-scale artworks while reserving smaller spaces for more intimate experiences鈥攁 concept that has proven highly successful.
Today, Citygarden showcases 24 sculptures valued at over $12 million. Highlights include a massive bronze head lying on its side by Igor Mitoraj, digital screens of walking figures by Julian Opie, and Erwin Wurm鈥檚 whimsical Big Suit, a bodiless pink suit. Visitors are encouraged to touch, walk through, and even interact with the works, though this means some require frequent maintenance, such as re-waxing. Materials range from bronze, stainless steel, and cast aluminum to fiberglass and polyester.
Guests can enhance their visit with an audio tour narrated by more than 20 prominent locals, among them former St. Louis Cardinals star Ozzie Smith, St. Louis Symphony Orchestra director David Robertson, Olympic champion Jackie Joyner-Kersee, and actors Jenna Fischer and Kurt Warner.
Nature plays just as important a role here as art. The garden features ginkgo trees, native plants, and broad walkways, divided into three sections that echo the natural landscapes of the Saint Louis region. A northern limestone wall represents the Mississippi River bluffs, while a southern meandering wall mirrors the region鈥檚 waterways. Between them lies a floodplain-inspired zone with rain gardens, large trees, and major sculptures.
Citygarden also delights with water features, a welcome escape on hot summer days. Unlike many sculpture parks, it invites visitors to fully immerse themselves鈥攆ree of charge.
Tip: Visit at night to enjoy a beautifully lit stroll, then stop by the caf茅 with patio seating or grab a bite from a nearby food truck.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Saint Louis. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Citygarden Sculpture Park on Map
Sight Name: Citygarden Sculpture Park
Sight Location: Saint Louis, USA (See walking tours in Saint Louis)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Saint Louis, USA (See walking tours in Saint Louis)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Saint Louis, Missouri
Create Your Own Walk in Saint Louis
Creating your own self-guided walk in Saint Louis is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Historical Religious Buildings Walking Tour
Saint Louis, Missouri, is a perfect destination for those with a taste for great architecture, especially if it is associated with an important spiritual value. Indeed, this city features some of the most famous and interesting churches in the USA.
One such landmark is the Saint Mary of Victories Catholic Church. A stunning example of Mannerism architecture, it has been a spiritual hub for the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.4 Km or 2.7 Miles
One such landmark is the Saint Mary of Victories Catholic Church. A stunning example of Mannerism architecture, it has been a spiritual hub for the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.4 Km or 2.7 Miles
Forest Park Walking Tour
Forest Park, a massive urban park in Saint Louis, offers a wide range of attractions and activities for visitors of all ages. Renowned for its multiple entertaining and educational facilities, such as museums, zoo, and green areas, it is often and quite deservedly regarded as one of the city's crown jewels 鈥� an ideal location for a great time out! Let's see what you can find on the... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.9 Km or 3.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.9 Km or 3.7 Miles
Saint Louis Downtown Walking Tour
Missouri鈥檚 main city, Saint Louis, is a vibrant metropolis, alive with culture, music, and art. But before the French fur traders ever showed up, this land was home to the Mississippian tribes, who had already built thriving communities along the river.
Fast forward to 1764: two French fur traders plant their flag and name the place after King Louis IX of France. Ironically, that very year,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
Fast forward to 1764: two French fur traders plant their flag and name the place after King Louis IX of France. Ironically, that very year,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles