When the free museum inside the Gateway Arch reopens on July 3, visitors will see some old favorites, such as the statue of Thomas Jefferson. There are also new artifacts, including a resin version of a much-loved taxidermy buffalo that was showing too much wear and tear.
The new museum has six galleries, including “Colonial St. Louis,” explores the founding of St. Louis and the indigenous and Creole culture before the Louisiana Purchase; “Jefferson’s Vision,” which documents how St. Louis shaped the West; and “Manifest Destiny,” which follows the trails, the settlers and the conflicts for those heading west.
Galleries like “The Riverfront Era” and New Frontiers” illustrate the history of steamboats, railroads and other industrial western powerhouse industries.
