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Visitors Guide to
the
Museum of Westward Expansion
11
N. 4th Street
St. Louis, MO
314-655-1700
 
Located beneath the
Gateway Arch the Museum of Westward Expansion is as large as a football
field. The museum follows a circular pattern with
galleries that tell the story of the
United States' nineteenth century expansion from the Mississippi River to
the Pacific Ocean and interprets 100 years of American history. The museum
contains an extensive collection of artifacts, mounted animal specimens, an
authentic American Indian tipi, and an overview of the Lewis and Clark
expedition. Artifacts, quotes and photographs fill the Museum and provide an
excellent atmosphere for learning about this period of American history.
Exhibits include African Americans of the West, American Indians of the
Great Plains, Animals of the West, the Lewis and Clark Expedition, and
Pioneers on the Trail.
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 The
Lewis and Clark Connection
The Three Flags Day Ceremony, a two-day ceremony
marking the official transfer of the Upper Louisiana Territory from Spain to
France and then to the United States, was held in St. Louis on March 9-10,
1804. After the ceremony, Lewis reportedly stayed at the home of Pierre
Chouteau in St. Louis. While it is believed Clark attended the ceremony, no
details of his presence have been recorded.
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The Museum of Westward
Expansion houses a permanent exhibit of 33 large format photo murals
depicting the campsites and significant places visited by Meriwether Lewis
and William Clark during their exploration of the interior of North America.
The Museum displays these magnificent 15-foot high photomurals extending 500
feet along the back wall of the Museum of Westward Expansion. Along with the
33 large format photomurals are 198 small photos of various scenes, flora,
and fauna pertaining to the mural scenes.
The
American Indian Peace Medal Exhibit features animated figures
telling the story of Peace Medal Diplomacy in the U.S. during the nineteenth
century. Listen as history unfolds through the voices of life-like animatronic historical figures of William Clark, an Indian Agent; Red Cloud,
Chief of the Oglala Sioux; Sergeant Banks of the 10th U.S. Cavalry; and
Charles Barber, Chief Engraver for the U.S. Mint during the latter years of
the 1800s.
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 Visit our special Lewis
and Clark Section to learn more about the Corps of Discovery’s
experience during their stay in the Middle Mississippi River Valley. greatriverroad.com’s
special coverage includes information on all of the region’s sites and
events as well as supplemental articles relating to the expedition’s
experience during the winter of 1803-04. |
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The
Museum of Westward Expansion is part of the Jefferson
National Expansion Memorial, which also includes the Gateway Arch and the
Old Courthouse National Historic Site.
Audio
enhancement is available during tours given by National Park Rangers. Tours
include a variety of educational topics and a question-and-answer period. To
set up a ranger led tour please contact the National Park Service at
314-655-1700.
Visiting the Museum
of Westward Expansion
Visiting Hours
Memorial Day -
Labor Day: 8 am to 10 pm daily
Winter Hours: 9 am - 6 pm
There is no charge to visit to visit the Museum of
Westward Expansion.
Location: The Museum of Westward Expansion is
located along the riverfront beneath the Gateway Arch in downtown St. Louis. The
Museum of Westward Expansion is a short distance from the Laclede Landing MetroLink station.
 Learn more about the
St. Louis area.
Museum
of Westward Expansion
- Use the official site of the Museum
of Westward Expansion
- Use the official site of the Museum of Westward Expansion
for answers to all
the questions you may have.
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