Soldiers Memorial officially opened on Memorial Day in 1938. The building was designed by St. Louis architecture firm Mauran, Russell & Crowell in a classical style with art deco flourishes. It features four monumental groups of sculptures by artisan Walker Hancock that represent courage, loyalty, sacrifice, and vision. Hancock, a native St. Louisan, served in the US Army in World War II but is perhaps best known for being one of the Monuments Men, the group tasked with protecting and recovering cultural and historical artifacts from wartime damage.
By the end of the 1940s the Court of Honor had been established across the street from Soldiers Memorial. It memorializes the St. Louisans who lost their lives during World War II. (Missouri History)
In 2016 it closed for a much needed renovation by the Missouri History Museum, the new caretakers of the property and collections.
The St. Louis flag being lowered on Sunday February 28, 2016
After it closed for renovations I posted some of the pics I took on that last pre-renovation day. It reopened last Fall, here are some before pics along with the after renovation pics.
2016: The east & west galleries hadn’t changed in decades. Sunshine was damaging some artifacts, neither was air conditioned.Blinds now cover the historic windows, protecting the artifacts. Lots of new displays for the vast collection.2016: upstairs meeting room had fixed seating, no air conditioningWith the seating removed the room can host many different types of functions. Lighting is improved, and air conditioning was added here and the rest of the building.2016: Obviously built before the ADA, getting to most of the 2nd floor required steps or a non-compliant ramp.Most lifts are very cheap looking/feeling, but this one is in such a prominent location it had to look good.From up topAbout to enter2016: no ramp existed until the 21st century. This ramp is located on the NW corner, near Pine & 14th.A 2nd ramp was added on the opposite corner, 13th & Chestnut.2010 photo: The WWII Court of Honor looked very much the same since built.A few slight changes were made, the most dramatic was replacing the grass with a raised pool/fountain.
Now for some more pics.
2016: The original elevator remains, but a new elevator was added on the opposite end. It travels to the higher level of the 2nd floor, so the lift can be avoided.The basement level is now set up for additional exhibition space.The lighting inside & out is greatly improved, now LED
If you haven’t checked it out I suggest you do so.
AARP Livibility Index
The Livability Index scores neighborhoods and communities across the U.S. for the services and amenities that impact your life the most
Built St. Louis
historic architecture of St. Louis, Missouri – mourning the losses, celebrating the survivors.
Geo St. Louis
a guide to geospatial data about the City of St. Louis
