St Louis: City Museum General Admission Ticket

Experience the Unexpected at St. Louis’ City Museum with a General Admission Ticket

If you’re seeking a place that combines art, adventure, and a touch of the bizarre, the City Museum in St. Louis might just be your perfect destination. Priced at $22 per person, this ticket grants you access to a 100-year-old building packed with inventive exhibits crafted from re-purposed architectural objects. Think old city remnants turned into tunnels, castles, and slides that will keep kids and adults alike entertained for a full day.

What we really love about this experience is how it encourages imagination and active exploration. The museum’s interactive exhibits and outdoor climbing spaces make it more than just a walk-through attraction — it’s a playground for creative minds. Plus, the fact that several slides snake through the old building’s spiral chutes adds a fun, gravity-powered thrill. On the downside, visitors should prepare for some stairs and tunnels that might be tricky for those with mobility concerns, and parking can be costly at $45.

This tour suits families with kids, adventurous adults, or anyone looking to experience a quirky side of St. Louis. From the outdoor sculptures to the tiny train rides, there’s enough variety to keep everyone engaged. Be ready for a day of surprises and plenty of photo opportunities.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Creative Space: The museum is built with re-purposed materials, making every corner a visual and tactile delight.
• Interactive Fun: From slides to tunnels, your visit will be filled with active attractions, especially appealing to kids.
• Unique Exhibits: See the world’s largest pencil and explore collections like taxidermy insects and historic architectural remnants.
• Outdoor Art: MonstroCity and Skateless Park offer outdoor sculptures and slides that expand the experience beyond the indoor exhibits.
• Family-Friendly: Toddler Town and miniature train rides are perfect for young children.
• Practical Info: Includes both indoor and outdoor access, with optional rooftop admission available on-site.

A Deep Dive into the City Museum Experience

Location and Accessibility

Located in a historic warehouse in downtown St. Louis, the City Museum is an innovative reuse of a 100-year-old building. Its central location makes it easy to combine with other city sights or explore nearby downtown eateries. Upon arrival, guests receive a wristband for same-day re-entry, which is handy if you want to step outside for a break or grab a meal.

The museum is wheelchair accessible, ensuring that most visitors can enjoy the exhibits, though some attractions involving stairs or tunnels may require assistance.

The Building and Its Unique Layout

What sets the City Museum apart is how it’s designed around the original spiral chutes of the old shoe warehouse. These chutes now serve as slides, winding through multiple floors and adding a lively, almost labyrinthine feel to the space. The architecture is a patchwork of old city remnants — bridges, tunnels, and castles — all reimagined as part of the indoor playground.

One visitor noted, “We loved the way the old structures are repurposed into such creative, interactive spaces.” Expect to navigate miles of tunnels and climbing structures—some inspired by mythical creatures or cityscapes—that encourage active participation.

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Indoor Attractions

The core appeal is the interactive exhibits that invite exploration and play. Highlights include:

• Slides: Nearly every installation incorporates a slide, making gravity your best friend as you zip through the building.
• Caves and tunnels: Man-made chambers wind through the museum, featuring sculptures and the 1925 Wurlitzer organ.
• Treehouse and tunnels: Large tree trunks and slides connect the second and third floors, leading to tunnels underneath the building.
• Collections: You can browse George Dehils’ taxidermy collection of insects, or see thousands of art slides from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, adding an educational aspect amid the fun.
• Miniature train: Kids can ride through tunnels and even into the solar system — a hit with families.

Outdoor and Special Areas

The outdoor MonstroCity sculpture is a standout, made from re-purposed technology, with castles, bridges, and even fire engines. It’s a fantastic spot for photos and outdoor play. The Skateless Park features slides and ramps built around the world’s largest working pencil — a whimsical feature that delights young and old.

Family and Kid-Friendly Features

For families, Toddler Town offers scaled-down slides and climbers designed specifically for kids under six, making it a safe and engaging environment for the littlest visitors. One reviewer mentioned, “Knee pads are available to get through tunnels,” which is a nice touch for parents worried about the little ones bumping into walls or crawling through tight spots.

Pricing and Value

At $22, the general admission ticket offers good value considering the variety of experiences packed into one day. Plus, access to both indoor and outdoor areas, including MonstroCity, is included. However, note that food, drinks, parking (which costs around $45), and rooftop access are extra. If you’re planning to stay longer, you might want to budget for parking or consider public transportation if available.

Visitor Experience and Tips

While most visitors rave about the museum’s creativity, some mention less positive experiences, especially regarding staff attitudes. A recent review pointed out that staff could be rude or indifferent, which might affect your overall enjoyment. It’s worth keeping in mind if you prefer a smooth, hassle-free visit.

To maximize your experience, arrive early, wear comfortable shoes, and bring kneepads or headlamps if you want to get the most out of the tunnels and caves. Also, check the weather forecast — outdoor attractions like MonstroCity are best enjoyed on a clear day.

Who Should Visit?

This museum is ideal for families with kids, especially those who enjoy active, hands-on environments. It’s also great for adventurous adults who love quirky attractions and artistic spaces. If you’re traveling with young children, you’ll appreciate the dedicated toddler area and train rides. For those interested in art, the collections, like the taxidermy insects and historic remnants, add an educational layer.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth Your Time?

Visiting the City Museum in St. Louis is like stepping into a giant playground that celebrates creativity, repurposing, and active exploration. For $22, you get access to a rich mix of indoor tunnels, outdoor sculptures, and interactive exhibits that cater to all ages. It’s a place that sparks the imagination, making it a worthwhile stop if you’re in the area.

In terms of value, the museum offers a lot — fun, artistry, physical activity, and photo opportunities. However, be prepared for some logistical considerations like parking and potential staff variability. It’s a place where you’ll want to set aside a full day to truly enjoy all that’s on offer and go with the flow.

If you’re traveling with kids or if you’re a kid at heart, this quirky, creative space will likely be a highlight of your trip. For those seeking more traditional museum experiences, it might feel a bit chaotic, but for most visitors, the fun outweighs the hustle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the City Museum suitable for all ages?
Yes, the museum offers attractions for children and adults. There’s a dedicated toddler area, but the outdoor sculptures and tunnels appeal to all age groups.

How much does parking cost?
Parking is approximately $45, so consider this when budgeting your visit.

Can I re-enter the museum on the same day?
Yes, after entering, you’ll receive a wristband that allows for same-day re-entry, perfect for taking breaks outside or grabbing a meal.

Are there any extra costs for outdoor attractions?
Access to outdoor areas like MonstroCity is included in your ticket, but rooftop access is optional and available for purchase.

Is the museum accessible for visitors with mobility issues?
Yes, it is wheelchair accessible. However, some attractions involving stairs or tunnels may require assistance.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes are essential, and kneepads or headlamps are available on-site if you want to get into tunnels or caves.

Is photography allowed?
Yes! The exhibits and outdoor sculptures offer plenty of photo opportunities.

Can I buy food or drinks inside?
Food and drinks are not included in the ticket price, and there are no details about onsite dining, so plan to bring your own or eat outside.

Is the experience suitable for a rainy day?
Absolutely. Most attractions are indoors, making it a good rainy day option.

Do I need to book in advance?
While you can purchase tickets in advance, the museum accepts walk-ins as well. Booking ahead is recommended during peak times to avoid disappointment.

Visiting the City Museum in St. Louis is a playful, inspiring adventure that appeals equally to the creatively inclined and the physically active. Its unique blend of art, architecture, and hands-on fun makes it a standout attraction that’s worth considering for your next trip to Missouri.

You can check availability for your dates here: