City Museum, St. Louis

The City Museum in St. Louis, United States, is an eclectic wonderland that defies traditional museum conventions. Housed in a 600,000-square-foot former shoe factory, this dynamic destination offers a surrealistic adventure through repurposed architectural and industrial objects. Opened to the public in 1997, the museum was the brainchild of artist Bob Cassilly, who envisioned a space where play, creativity, and history converge.

Unlike typical museums that display artifacts behind glass, the City Museum invites visitors to interact with the exhibits. The museum features a multi-level enchanted forest, caves, a giant aquarium, and a circus. One of the most striking installations is "MonstroCity," an outdoor playground with suspended airplanes, fire trucks, and towering castle turrets, all interconnected by a series of bridges and slides.

The museum's 10-story slide spirals down through the building, offering a thrilling descent. The rooftop houses a Ferris wheel and a school bus teetering on the edge of the roof, providing a panoramic view of the St. Louis skyline. The City Museum also includes an extensive collection of architectural relics, ranging from old chimneys and salvaged bridges to bank facades and opera house facings.

Open year-round, the City Museum caters to the curious and adventurous of all ages. It's a place where imagination runs wild, and the line between art and play is beautifully blurred. The museum encourages exploration and hands-on interaction, making it a unique and unforgettable experience for families, tourists, and locals alike.