St. Louis
A mid-size city with an outsize creative scene, St. Louis is a confluence of rivers, people, and ideas.
Beloved for its distinctive red brick and its incredible urban parks, our city has deep, historic roots. This is a place that reveres its designers, artists, thinkers, and makers, and our students are lively contributors to its culture. The city is sophisticated, approachable, affordable, vibrant, and down to earth. Most of all, St. Louis is a place for you to make an impact.
Arts and Culture in St. Louis
With four major art museums, two sculpture parks, 14 National Historic Landmarks, dozens of galleries and artist-run spaces, a world-renowned symphony orchestra, and a thriving literary scene, your only question will be: How can I see it all??
Located atop Forest Park’s Art Hill—and boasting a world-class art collection from ancient to contemporary—SLAM is our favorite next-door neighbor. Founded in 1879. Best place to spend the day sketching.
The nation’s oldest botanical garden in continuous operation and a National Historic Landmark. 79 acres of horticultural wonder, including a 14-acre Japanese garden. Don’t miss the peonies in mid-spring.
This stunning campus designed by Tadao Ando presents contemporary and historic art exhibitions. Home of site-specific works by Ellsworth Kelly (Blue Black) and Richard Serra (Joe). Also one of our regular community partners.
Celebrated as one of today’s most exciting and enduring orchestras, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra is the second-oldest in the country. The Grammy® Award-winning SLSO performs out of recently renovated Powell Hall just a few miles from campus in the Jack C. Taylor Music Center designed by international design firm Snøhetta.
Founded in 1976, this 105-acre gem is one of the first and largest dedicated sculpture parks in the country. Perfect for picnicking.
CAMSTL exhibits work from the most innovative artists practicing today. It also hosts the Great Rivers Biennial, which showcases the work of exceptional artists from the greater St. Louis area (including many Sam Fox School faculty and alumni!).
Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum
An integral part of the Sam Fox School, the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum is one of the nation’s leading university art museums, serving as a center of cultural and intellectual life for Washington University and the broader community.
An architectural playground for all ages, explore tunnels, caves, slides, and rides at the City Museum in Downtown St. Louis.
Founded by the National Park Service in 1935 to commemorate Thomas Jefferson’s vision of a transcontinental United States, the Gateway Arch National Park includes the iconic monument designed by Eero Saarinen, the Old Courthouse, and more.
Community Engagement in St. Louis
We believe that art, design, and architecture are uniquely positioned to effect change. Each semester, through our Office of Socially Engaged Practice, we offer projects and courses that engage the St. Louis community. We put our skills to work for good.
Open to Sam Fox School faculty, Design Openings is a collaboration with the Pulitzer Arts Foundation that supports art and design projects and installations in the Grand Center Arts District.
The Engaged City initiative focuses on reclaiming St. Louis’ cultural legacy through interrelated projects such as a cultural asset map, community fellowship program, and seed grant opportunities.
Sumner StudioLab offers space for Sumner High School students, WashU students, and local residents to come together to discuss and design the future of the historic high school and surrounding neighborhood.
Careers in St. Louis
St. Louis is one of the most affordable, culturally exciting cities in which to launch your career. Our graduates have gotten their first public commissions here, opened their own galleries, and founded businesses from furniture design to fashion. This is where they got their start. You can go anywhere from here.
Select alumni-founded businesses + organizations in St. Louis
- HOK
- DDUGOFF
- Monaco
- Trivers
- Cheree Berry Paper
- Perennial
- Arbolope
Living in St. Louis
St. Louis is a city with dynamic, lively neighborhoods, vibrant cultural experiences, and a friendly atmosphere — all with a cost of living significantly lower than the national average.
Each neighborhood in St. Louis has its own personality. Near campus, you will find University City, the Central West End, Skinker-DeBaliviere, and Clayton, but there is so much to explore with an option that will fit you.
St. Louis is also home to some seriously great restaurants. From BBQ to Dim Sum to Ted Drewes Frozen Custard, there’s always something new to try.
