The Gateway Arch is the most iconic structure in the city of St. Louis and is the tallest monument in the United States. Designed by world-famous architect, Eero Saarinen, the stainless steel arch was completed in 1965. Not only was the monument meant to be the “Gateway to the West,” it was also, “a living memorial to (Thomas) Jefferson’s ‘vision of greater opportunities for men of all races and creeds.’”

160 visitors can be inside the Arch at the same time and there is a tram you can ride to the top. I’ve learned that on clear days, you can actually see 30 miles to both the east and west!

The area where the Arch is situated is a national monument. In fact, long before construction began, President Franklin D. Roosevelt designated that property on the St. Louis riverfront as the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial. The city also deeded the Old Courthouse to the National Park Service as well. The two structures are often photographed together — the 1839 Old Courthouse is a beautiful piece of mid-19th century Federal architecture, and the Arch is mid-century modern style. You can see the courthouse underneath the Arch in my painting. I also wanted to celebrate the entire city skyline in the piece.

Original artwork is mixed media on watercolor paper | 11 x 14”