Apotheosis of St. Louis

The "Apotheosis of St. Louis" is an impressive statue of King Louis IX of France, majestically positioned in front of the Saint Louis Art Museum in Forest Park, St. Louis, Missouri. This iconic statue has been an integral part of the city since 1906, serving as a significant symbol of St. Louis until the construction of the Gateway Arch in the mid-1960s.

The bronze statue was generously donated by the Louisiana Purchase Exposition Company following the 1904 World's Fair. It is a replica of an original plaster statue that welcomed fairgoers at the event's main entrance. Initially, the renowned sculptor Charles Henry Niehaus proposed creating the bronze version for $90,000. However, a local artist named W. R. Hodges was commissioned instead, having submitted a lower bid of $37,500. Niehaus was displeased by this decision and sued for infringement of his rights, ultimately winning $3,000 in damages.

Inscribed on the statue are dedications commemorating the 1904 Universal Exposition, firmly embedding it in St. Louis history. Over the years, the statue has been featured in various contexts, ranging from military insignia to sports team logos. Notably, the statue's sword has been broken or stolen multiple times, necessitating several replacements.

In 1999, the statue underwent a much-needed restoration by Russell-Marti Conservation Services, ensuring its continued prominence and preservation for future generations to admire.