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Saint Louis Gateway Arch Jefferson National Expansion Memorial 11 North 4th Street 314-655-1600 314-982-1410 "When you think Saint Louis, think Saint Louis Front Page," a weekly publication covering the news and events in the greater St. Louis area. St. Louis Front Page P.O. Box 1354 St. Louis, MO 63188 To submit news, contact: editor@slfp.com To advertise, contact: advertising@slfp.com |
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ST. LOUIS, MO, (SLFP.com), June 17, 2009 - It's time to rediscover the national park right in your own backyard. As a way to help visitors cope with the current economical climate, the National Park Service (NPS) will waive entrance fees at many national parks on June 20 and 21, 2009. At the Gateway Arch, adults will receive $3 off an Arch tram ride, movie viewing or riverboat sightseeing cruise. The offer is imited to one $3 per adult. Visitors can inquire at the Ticket Center for details. St. Louis Gateway Arch The Jefferson National Expansion Memorial Park was established on the banks of the Mississippi River, on December 21, 1935, to commemorate the westward growth of the United States between 1803 and 1890. Cost for the $30 million national monument was shared by the federal government and the City of St. Louis. The park features the Gateway Arch, designed by architect Eero Saarinen who won the design competition in 1947. The stainless steel structure rises 630 feet high from a 60-foot foundation and spans 630 feet at ground level. Its classic weighted catenary curve sways 1/2" - 1" in 20 mph wind. Construction on the nation's tallest memorial began in 1961 with the "topping out" in 1965 and dedication in 1966. The floor plan of the Underground Visitor Center follows a circular pattern with galleries depicting a 100-year span of westward expansion and the Tucker Theatre. Additional attractions include two passenger trams to the observation room at the top and the Museum of Westward Expansion. Visitors to the Gateway Arch can step back in time and savor the past at Levee Mercantile. The 1870s style riverfront general store is located in the Visitor Center beneath the Arch. Many food products selected for Levee Mercantile feature Missouri artisans who use traditional recipes and time-honored production methods. Films: Monument to the Dream - A documentary film by Charles Guggenheim on the construction of the Arch is shown daily in the Tucker Theatre. Large screen movies are shown on the Arch's Odyssey Theatre's four story high screen featuring a 70 mm projection system and THX Sound. Summer hours - 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week from 5/24/08 - 9/2/08. Arch trams will run daily starting at 8:30 a.m. and ending at 9:10 p.m. Trams to the top of the Arch leave at least every 10 minutes. Winter hours - 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week from Labor Day through Memorial Day. Arch trams will run daily starting at 9:20 am and ending at 5:10 pm. Trams to the top of the Arch leave at least every 10 minutes. The Arch is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Accessibility at Gateway Arch - The Arch lobby and Museum of Westward Expansion are accessible by ramps located throughout the building. The Tucker Theater and Odyssey Theatre are both accessible to visitors using wheelchairs. Wheelchairs are available for loan on a first-come, first-served basis (inquire at information desk). Wheelchairs or strollers are not allowed at the top of the Gateway Arch. Tram tickets: $10 adults (16 & older), $7 youth (13 - 15), $3 children (3 - 12) Movie Tickets: $7 adults (16 & older), $4 youth (13 - 15), $2.50 children (3 - 12). Each adult tram ticket includes a $3.00 National Park entrance fee. For more information or reservations, call 314-982-1410. Historic Old Cathedral The St. Louis' historic Old Cathedral, known officially as the Basilica of Saint Louis, King of France, is one of the world's most honored churches. It stands on a tiny plot on the downtown riverfront near the south leg of the Gateway Arch. The original log chapel was dedicated over 200 years ago in 1770. In 1961, the most important honor ever afforded any American church was handed down by His Holiness, the late Pope John XXIII, who decreed Basilican status upon the church. An intensive rehabilitation program on the appearance of the Old Cathedral was completed in 1963. Visitors can see the tomb of Bishop Joseph Rosati, builder of the present Old Cathedral building, paintings dating back to the late 1700's and a dramatic series of Arteaga photos at the Old Cathedral Museum. For more information, call 314-231-3250. |
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![]() Stay the weekend at a Renaissance and get a $50 Nordstrom Gift Card.
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