The renovation of the Muny’s upper plaza...
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Soldiers Memorial Exhibit & Renovation Plans Unveiled
Public Forums Throughout Feb. and March
The Missouri Historical Society unveiled its latest plans for renovations and exhibit design for Soldiers Memorial Military Museum, a downtown St. Louis landmark that opened in 1938. The organization shared the plans during the first in a series of community forums being held to engage the public in a dialogue about the project.
“We are so honored to revitalize Soldiers Memorial for the St. Louis community and the veteran community,” said Dr. Frances Levine, president of the Missouri Historical Society. “And we want the community to truly feel a part of the process.” The $30 million renovation of Soldiers Memorial is on schedule to be completed in November 2018, in time for Veteran’s Day.
The St. Louis Soldier’s Story
For the first time since the Missouri Historical Society took the helm of Soldiers Memorial in November 2015, they shared their plans for exhibitions. Soldiers Memorial Military Museum will set itself apart from other war memorials across the country because St. Louis is central to the story. Soldiers Memorial will tell the stories of service men and women from St. Louis and their families, as well as St. Louis’ contributions to the war effort.
The core galleries on the main floor of Soldiers Memorial will feature a long-term exhibition in four sections: Pre WWI, WWI, WWII, and Post WWII. Between 250 and 300 artifacts will be on display, ranging from the earliest artifacts in the collection from the War of 1812 all the way up to the War on Terror. Although these galleries will take a chronological interpretive approach, beginning with the American Revolution, the exhibition
will not be telling the story of every single American war and conflict. It will tell the story of major US conflicts through the lens of St. Louis.
The lower level of Soldiers Memorial is being renovated for use as an exhibition gallery, more than doubling the amount of exhibit space. This will be home to the Museum’s rotating exhibitions. The first temporary exhibit planned will commemorate St. Louis’ involvement in World War I, titled World War I: St. Louis and the Great War. It will be in place for three to five years.
Renovation of a City Landmark
Overall the building is receiving a face-lift. The renovations include the addition of a museum-quality HVAC system, a first for the building, as well as new electrical wiring and a fire sprinkler system. The building is also being brought up to ADA compliance. The organization is adding a second elevator to the east wing, bringing the elevator in the west wing up to code, adding a wheelchair lift to the upper floor, and more. A second exterior wheelchair ramp is being added to allow access to the building from Chestnut Street.
A New Life for The Court of Honor
The Court of Honor will be revitalized with the addition of fountains to represent the five branches of military; a reflecting pool; and monuments to those who lost their lives in Korea and Vietnam will be moved to their own spaces along the walkway between the Museum and the Court of Honor.
The public is invited to attend any of these forums:
Wednesday, February 22, 2017 at 2 pm
AT&T Foundation Multipurpose Room
Missouri History Museum
Lindell and DeBaliviere in Forest Park
Thursday, February 23, 2017 at 7 pm
AT&T Foundation Multipurpose Room
Missouri History Museum
Lindell and DeBaliviere in Forest Park
Monday, March 6, 2017 at 5:30 pm
Atrium
Old Post Office – St. Louis
815 Olive Street
Saturday March 18, 2017 at 9 am
Soulard American Legion, BK Post 422
2601 S. 11thStreet
For more information visit mohistory.org/soldiersmemorial.
