The Saint Louis Art Museum, or SLAM - A Wonderful Art Museum Worth Visiting

Recently, I had the pleasure of visiting the Saint Louis Art Museum once again. This art museum is just amazing, and what is most amazing is that the cost is FREE! You can't beat that, and I love that it is available to all people of all ages for free. You can truly get some art education just in going, or just a pleasurable time observing what many have done throughout the ages.

The Saint Louis Art Museum has been around for over 125 years now. It has become a sort of cultural cornerstone in that community, and I can definitely see why. One can't help but feel a sense of awe when observing any of the many collections there. It has been a source of inspiration as well, as you can imagine. There is so much beauty, but also realism about life and its hardships expressed there.

Because it is one of the top ten comprehensive art collections in America, it has generated a great sense of civic pride for that community, and rightly so. It also has changing exhibitions all the time, and you wouldn't believe some of the things that have come through there! When I was there before, there was a quilt art show of sorts, showing some of the most amazing art done in quilts, that just blew me away. Often during these exhibits, there is no photography because they are not holding copyright to those things. The public can still come and see them.

Currently, there is a Mayan Inspired Exhibit on display. The name of this exhibit is Fiery Pool:  The Maya and the Mythic Sea.  Doesn't that sound awesome?  I have to go back to see this one, but from what I can tell, it is simply wonderful. This is the only thing that costs some money, so if you are going, and don't want to be disappointed, make sure to take a little bit of extra money. They don't allow you to take pictures in this one exhibit, which is such a bummer! I think I understand why, as it is a copyright issue, but if you think about it, the Maya that created the art in the first place, would want it to be seen and appreciated throughout the world. Perhaps this is the inspiration for sharing it in the first place at the Museum. There are copyright laws on art, that expires after a certain time, and I am not sure how that comes into play there, but I wish it did so I could share here with you all some of the Mayan Art when I do go and see it.

You have to respect the fact that Saint Louis Art Museum is trying to do right by the owners of the art, and I am sure they are thankful for being able to share it at all.

Later this Year, the newer exhibit on display will be Monet's Water Lilies, and I would love to see that. They do have a huge painting of Monet's Water Lilies already in the museum, it literally takes up one whole wall, but this collection is going to far outweigh it.

I wanted to comment on some of the pictures that I am sharing here in this hub. In the museum, they graciously let us take pictures of the art they own, with one condition. You cannot use a flash. As many of you know, light is everything for photography, so when you don't have natural outdoor light available, and a lot of glass as well, your photography is limited. So its not the best, but you can get a feel for what is at the museum all the same. I hope you enjoy and can begin to get a small feel for what this massive museum has to offer.

I would highly recommend going there if you ever can. It is located in beautiful Forest Park, along with many other wonderful things, like the Zoo, the Muny, huge parks and much more.

Next time I will try a higher ISO option for the pictures, it may help with things.

Let me say, it is incredibly difficult to try to capture the awesomeness of the art contained in this museum. As you look at these pictures, just know that they are nothing compared to the real thing. I am so thankful that generous donors over the years, try to make a difference in the lives of others, by donating their own collections of art, or giving money so the museum can continue to buy some art as opportunities arise. Its good to appreciate the generous gifts of those that are more fortunate, and how they make a lasting impact on their societies for a long time after they are gone. It makes a great impact on the world as well, over time. Without that, a lot of this wouldn't be possible, so thank you!

To call Saint Louis Art Museum for directions or to plan a visit :  314-721-0072