Top Museum Tours In St. Louis

It isn't enough to just visit St. Louis' premier museums. While their content is spectacular and informative, the delight is in the back story. It's the human element that makes the museum displays come alive. And what better way to get the back story than to take a guided tour of your favorite museum? Spend an hour or two getting the details that make the history and creativity come to life. Take a museum tour.
St. Louis Art Museum
1 Fine Arts Drive
St. Louis, MO 63110
(314) 721-0072
www.slam.org

While most of us love to walk through the galleries of the St. Louis Art Museum and gaze upon the masterpieces that adorn their halls, few of us know that we can enhance the experience by enjoying a guided tour. Get this specialized attention, daily, as tours are available Tuesdays through Fridays, beginning at 10:30 a.m., and weekends at 1:30 p.m., and they are free to the public. School groups of 10 or more can prearrange for a tour and specified times and preferred galleries for the day's excursion. There is no reason not to take advantage of this jewel of an opportunity. SLAM is a St. Louis treasure and you can experience it more on a more intimate level with a personal guided tour.

Museum Of Westward Expansion At The Gateway Arch
11 N. 4th St.
St. Louis, MO 63102
(314) 655-1700
www.gatewayarch.com

Experience the taming of the west, west of the Mississippi River. Step out of modern day life and walk through exhibits that outline the great history of America as it was discovered, tamed and settled. And don't miss the opportunity to get an illuminating perspective of the glorious growth of our nation. Get a guided tour through the museum. The museum is open between the hours of 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. through the summer and 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. during the winter. And admission to the museum and tours is always free to the public. Large group tours reservations should be made at least 30 days in advance.

Related: Top Museums For Dates In St. Louis

Missouri History Museum
5700 Lindell Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63112
(314) 746-4599
www.mohistory.org

St. Lousians have long enjoyed the splendor and historical reference afforded by the wonderful exhibits at the Missouri History Museum. Besides the wonderfully enjoyable and educational experiences to be had strolling through the historical showcases, the Missouri History Museum has been a leader in community building by reaching out to groups and educational circles. And while groups and individuals have enjoyed the museums offerings, they are made even more rich by a guided tour. Self-guided and guided tours are available to individuals and groups. The cost for group tours is $3 per person, but individual tours are free to the public.

Contemporary Art Museum
3750 Washington Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63108
(314) 535-4660
www.camstl.org

The Contemporary Art Museum is one of St. Louis' premier galleries for art lovers to partake in the enjoyment of this era's premier artists' works. Since 1980, the CAM has been a growing influence in the St. Louis art world and always a flutter of activity with new art displayed by the latest artists. Understanding contemporary art is talent that can be further developed by enjoying a guided tour of the latest exhibits. Bring the kids for Wednesday Stroller tours, at 9 a.m. before gallery hours, a self-guided tour or a private group tour during regular gallery hours. However you decide to enjoy the museum, you will certainly come away with a grander appreciation for contemporary art.

The Griot Museum Of Black History
2505 St. Louis Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63106
(314) 241-7075
www.thegriotmuseum.com

St. Louis has a fabulous resource, one of only two in the United States, for its residents to learn and experience African-American history and culture at The Griot Museum of Black History. Wax figures, art and memorabilia outline the story of its history from slavery to present day. Self-guided tours are available, daily, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and docent-guided tours are available for an additional fee. Admission is $3.75 for children and $7.50 for adults. The Griot Museum should be an absolute on your museum tour list.

Related: Best Museums In St. Louis 

Lisa Payne-Naeger, a native of the St. Louis area, is a freelance writer, blogger, political activist and a homeschooling mother of two children. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.