Eads Bridge crossing the Mississippi

At the Missouri State Capitol, looking across a balcony, onto another parallel hallway is a mural of the St. Louis river front and Eads Bridge. At the end of the 19th Century, St. Louis was in the forefront of commerce in the United States. Riverboats on the Mississippi and the railway enhanced its status asContinue reading “Eads Bridge crossing the Mississippi”

Rotunda Murals

Here is another photo of the rotunda at the Missouri State Capitol. The paintings of Frank Brangwyn on the eye, panels and pendentive of the dome are visible from the ground floor. Art throughout the building vividly depicts scenes of Missouri’s history, countryside and people. Click on the photo for more information. Click here forContinue reading “Rotunda Murals”

Speaker’s Lounge

One of the most important rooms in Missouri’s State Capitol is the Speaker’s Lounge (or House Lounge). In 1936, Thomas Hart Benton was commissioned by Missouri to paint this mural, representing the social history of Missouri. It took Benton just six months to complete the incredible 40-foot mural. Now, the mural remains in the MissouriContinue reading “Speaker’s Lounge”

Governor’s Ball

A stunning photo of  Missouri’s Capitol rotunda during the Governor’s Ball. People watch from above while people dance on the main floor below. From this view you see the window from the previous post, hallways disappearing into the capitol’s vastness, fabulous murals and people enjoying the festivities. During this event I enjoyed exploring the nooksContinue reading “Governor’s Ball”

Window

This is a stunning window in Missouri’s State Capitol. Situated in the upper part of the rotunda, it allows a large amount of light into the great hall. Note the phrase “NOT TO BE SERVED BUT TO SERVE.” These phrases are all overthe rotunda pointing out the elements of good citizenship and a free society.Continue reading “Window”

Missouri State Capitol

Why go to an art museum when you can go to the Missouri State Capitol? In addition to politicians scurrying around the halls, you will see fantastic architecture, artwork and Missouri history. New York architects Egerton Swartwout and Evarts Tracy were selected to design the new building, which was officially dedicated on Oct. 6, 1924.Continue reading “Missouri State Capitol”

Gateway Arch National Park

Founded by the National Park Service in 1935 to commemorate Thomas Jefferson’s vision of a transcontinental United States, the Gateway Arch National Park (formerly known as the “Jefferson National Expansion Memorial”) stretches from the Old Courthouse to the steps overlooking the Mississippi River. In between, the Gateway Arch rises high, a bold monument to theContinue reading “Gateway Arch National Park”

Power Station

Recently one of our riverfront bridges was closed to automobile traffic allowing pedestrian traffic and spectaular views. Here we a looking north from the MLK Bridge on the St. Louis Riverfront. In the forground is the old Union Electric Power Plant and the Stan Musial Bridge, spanning the Mississippi River. Click on photo to fullContinue reading “Power Station”

Shaking it off

The ducks and geese in Forest Park were vey active recently. Walking by one of the streams I noticed the ducks were busy diving for dinner. I knew that eventually they would want to dry off by flapping their wings so I waited and got this photo of a duck shaking off the water. InContinue reading “Shaking it off”

Egrets in Forest Park in St. Louis

Forest Park is a great place to see wild ducks and egrets. They hang out just east of the Grand Basin. See more photos of Forest Park from this visit and and others: Click Here.