Discover the Gateway Arch
There's something wonderfully ambitious about building a 630-foot monument that looks as though someone simply drew an enormous silver curve across the sky.
Rising above the Mississippi River in St. Louis, Missouri, the Gateway Arch is America's tallest human-built monument and one of its most recognizable architectural landmarks.
Known as the Gateway to the West, it commemorates the nation's westward expansion while inviting visitors to explore the complicated history of the American frontier.
An Architectural Wonder: The Vision of Eero Saarinen
Designed by Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen, the Gateway Arch was selected through a national design competition in 1947–1948.
Construction began in 1963 and was completed on October 28, 1965.
Its extraordinary stainless steel structure rises 630 feet above the ground and spans an equally impressive 630 feet between its legs.
The result is a masterpiece of modern architecture that seems almost impossibly graceful for something so enormous.
The Tram Ride: A Journey to the Top
Ever wondered what the world looks like from inside a giant arch?
A unique tram system carries visitors through the monument's curved legs to an observation area near the summit.
From 630 feet above the ground, small windows reveal spectacular views of downtown St. Louis, the Mississippi River, and the surrounding landscape.
It's an unforgettable experience, particularly for anyone who appreciates extraordinary engineering.
The Museum at the Gateway Arch: Discovering American History
Beneath the monument lies a fascinating museum exploring the history of St. Louis and America's westward expansion.
Through exhibits and historical artifacts, visitors can discover stories involving explorers, settlers, Indigenous peoples, and the changing American frontier.
It's an opportunity to appreciate the ambitions, achievements, conflicts, and consequences associated with this important chapter of American history.
The Old Courthouse: A Landmark of Justice and Change
Just west of the Arch stands the historic Old Courthouse, another important part of Gateway Arch National Park.
This beautiful nineteenth-century building played a significant role in American legal history, including the freedom suits brought by Dred and Harriet Scott.
Today, visitors can explore exhibits examining these events and their lasting significance in America's struggle over slavery and civil rights.
Keep Your St. Louis Memories Close
Perhaps your favorite memory is a family photograph beneath the Arch, a breathtaking view from the top, or a wonderful afternoon exploring the Mississippi riverfront.
A GTK QR Tile connects a physical keepsake to your existing online photographs, travel stories, and favorite experiences, or brings them together on your complimentary GTK QR Page.
A little keepsake for memories that reach new heights.
Get To Know People & What They Know About the Gateway Arch
GTK® is an independent editorial initiative celebrating individuality, expression, connection, and the things people know.
From architects and engineers to historians, photographers, and people whose lives are connected to St. Louis, the Gateway Arch inspires fascinating knowledge and human experiences.
We believe their stories and perspectives deserve to be discovered, shared, and remembered.
Visit GTK.us to discover more about people and what they know.
