About City Museum
A ten-story former shoe factory in downtown St. Louis has become a sprawling playground made from pieces of the city itself. Artist Bob Cassilly and collaborators opened City Museum in 1997, combining salvaged bridges, industrial machinery, stonework, and architectural fragments into a place that invites visitors to climb through art rather than simply observe it.
Indoor passages twist past caves, slides, mosaics, and unexpected openings. Outside, the elevated MonstroCity structure links wire tunnels, suspended aircraft, and climbing routes several stories above the sidewalk. The roof has its own attractions when weather and seasonal operations allow, making even the building’s silhouette part of the experience.
The museum rewards sturdy shoes and a willingness to explore; some passages are narrow or physically demanding, but visitors can choose easier routes. General admission tickets for 2026 start at $20, while rooftop access and some activities cost extra. Check hours and ticket options before arrival. This is an unusually hands-on museum where getting lost is part of the design.