Soldiers' Memorial Military Museum, Saint Louis

The Soldiers Memorial Military Museum in Saint Louis is a beautiful and solemn tribute to the soldiers who fought for the United States in various wars, especially World War I. It is owned by the City of St. Louis, but operated by the Missouri Historical Society.

The building was designed by the St. Louis architectural firm Mauran, Russell & Crowell in a stripped Classical style, which means that it has a simplified form and limited ornamentation. The Soldiers Memorial Military Museum was dedicated by Franklin Delano Roosevelt in 1936 and officially opened to the public on Memorial Day in 1938.

The interior of the museum features east and west wings with display cases filled with military displays and memorabilia from World War I and subsequent American wars. Visitors can see artifacts, uniforms, weapons, and photographs from various conflicts that helped shape the nation.

The most striking feature of the museum is the open-air central breezeway, which contains a massive black marble cenotaph. This cenotaph is engraved with the names of all of St. Louis' war dead from the first world war. It is a solemn and moving tribute to those who gave their lives in service to their country.

Outside the museum, visitors can see four monumental sculptural groups representing figures of Loyalty, Vision, Courage, and Sacrifice. These sculptures were created by sculptor Walker Hancock and feature figures on horseback. There are also other architectural sculptures completed by Hillis Arnold.

Why You Should Visit:
An amazing military museum housing every imaginable weapon. Most exhibits are presented in outdated glass display cases, but if you overlook that, there's plenty to see.