Looking for something different to do on a rainy day in St. Louis? Any list of indoor activities should include a trip to the City Museum,
the brainchild of Bob Cassilly started 20 years ago in an abandoned shoe factory and warehouse, that’s since been converted into a nail-biting, four-story jungle gym and rooftop amusement park created from repurposed mechanical and architectural relics.
During our visit, parents were either on the sidelines watching their kids wear themselves out, or trying to keep pace with them, as they maneuvered through a zany, life-size Chutes and Ladders game board, extending through multiple levels.
The bottom floor hosts a nautical and woodlands theme of crawl spaces…
with several points of access to a mezzanine food court,
while higher floors highlight an intricate cave system, ramps with rope swings, and warped walls to exploit one’s inner American Ninja Warrior.
Collections abound, with floor to ceiling showcases of pinned insects, and walls of archaeological finds;
architectural assemblages of friezes, cornices, and gargoyles;
Otto’s Robotorium of whimsical futurama;
and assorted oddities and eccentricities that defy classification…
Despite its 20-year run, the City Museum is a work-in-progress, with new and imaginative play environments under construction.
Protected by a Serpentine Wall outside the museum space,
the MonstroCity rises into a winding array of caged ladders and walkways that meanders through a jet fuselage,
a castle turret,
and so much more, before leading to a pit of dodgeballs.
Unfortunately, the rooftop, replete with a Ferris wheel, an enormous praying mantis, a domed rope swing, a pond and a dangling yellow school bus was closed due to inclement weather.
There is so much to explore at City Museum (including a flying circus), that it’s impossible to be bored. In fact, the interactive experience is so profound, that critics might consider it overload.
As a retired special educator who’s embraced the Vark model, I salute the City Museum for challenging children of all ages through a rich diversity of visual, auditory, and kinesthetic stimuli. However, nervous parents may wish to protect their kids with knee pads, elbow pads, and a helmet.
For more information, go to City Museum
This looks INSANE!!!! I’ve never been to St. Louis, but you just gave me a great reason to go!
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Wow! Maybe I should claim a job at the St. Louis Chamber of Commerce. City Museum really is a crazy place…and crazy fun! Check out more of St. Louis at: https://streamingthruamerica.com/2017/11/03/arch-n-bunker/
and
https://streamingthruamerica.com/2017/11/01/supreme-ruler-of-beers/
Thanks for the follow. I hope you enjoy the ride–what was, and what’s to come!
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Several years ago, someone stole the giant underwear! I don’t remember now if they were returned or if the pair in your picture are a replacement! So glad you visited the museum and enjoyed it. It’s definitely a St Louis must see.
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It should have been easy to catch the suspect. After all, there aren’t many who can wear something that size. 🤣
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What a place! Going to add that to my list for the next time I visit my brother in St Louis…I love things like this
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Well worth a look-see. I would have liked to spend more time playing outside. There’s a lot going on in these parts!
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How fabulously eccentric and cool!
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Right?! Unlike any museum I’ve ever seen!
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