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Eero Saarinen Travel: Meet Me in St. Louis

July 21, 2008 at 11:45 AM | 1 Comment

After you've seen the exhibit at the National Building Museum, check out these Eero Saarinen masterpieces.

Everyone has seen the Gateway Arch, at least in pictures, but few realize that it's part of the larger Jefferson National Expansion Memorial. Designed by Saarinen, the structure raises 630 feet above the ground and is also 630 feet wide at its base. Besides being instantly recognizable, it's also the largest memorial in the United States.

Although Saarinen passed away four years before the arch was completed, it stands today as probably his most famous achievement. After his death, designer Richard Bowser incorporated a tram to take guests to the top of the arch, something that Saarinen felt was important to add. We're glad he did: Without the unique elevators, the only option to get to the top would be 1,000-plus stairs.

Related Stories:
· Jefferson National Expansion Memorial [Official Site]
· Architecture Travel coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: Wikimedia]

Where: St. Louis, MO, United States

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Author Photo: kjb by kjb

1 Comment

Return to » Eero Saarinen Travel: Meet Me in St. Louis

  1. rdmcgeorge

    Jaunted Member
    July 21, 2008 at 1:09 PM




    Nice story

    As a native St. Louisan I am a little ashamed that I did not know it was the largest memorial in the United States, so thanks for the info.  I have always thought of it simply as the "Gateway to the West" - never knew it had a fancy memorial name.

    Also, as a die-hard St. Louis Cardinals fan, I think it is worth noting that the Arch is beautifully incorporated into the Cardinals new stadium, which is a must-visit for any baseball fan.  The relatively unobstructed view of the Arch in the outfield really adds to the sense of St. Louis that you get from being among the best fans in baseball and drinking a frosty Budweiser.

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