The City Museum St. Louis, MO
A genius died on September 26, 2011. His name was Bob Cassilly and he created St. Louis' most beloved wonderland, The City Museum. Bob Cassilly was a sculptor and his (often cement) work is displayed throughout St. Louis, in NYC's Central Park, the Dallas zoo, Bush Gardens in Virginia, and other locations. It seemed that anything he created was imbued with delight and playfulness. The City Museum, with its three to ten story high slides, tunnels, craft center, circus, Ferris wheel, and seemingly endless caves, tree structures, and outdoor suspended "playground" that he designed throughout, is the epitome of delight.
As a St. Louisan, I have enjoyed playing at the City Museum as a high schooler, college student, and now as a grown woman. The place never gets old. My best friend held her reception there and the wedding party and guests had a blast exploring the place together after a hearty breakfast. (By far the best reception I've ever attended.) When my sister, brother-in-law and three year old nephew visited me for Thanksgiving, we spent most of a day at the City Museum ad could have returned for more if time had allowed. I was impressed by my pregnant sister's adventurous spirit as she tackled more of the climbs than I was even able to bear. My little nephew couldn't wait to return after his nap. Even after trying to describe the City Museum to him in great detail, after experiencing it for himself, my brother in law was blown away and said, "It's nothing like I imagined." His stunned expression showed that that was a good thing.
Judging by the sheer wonder people feel when playing at and exploring The City Museum, I think I would have liked Bob Cassilly. He has left us a legacy of play, beauty, wonder, and adventure for all ages, which is an indelible and glorious legacy indeed.
As a St. Louisan, I have enjoyed playing at the City Museum as a high schooler, college student, and now as a grown woman. The place never gets old. My best friend held her reception there and the wedding party and guests had a blast exploring the place together after a hearty breakfast. (By far the best reception I've ever attended.) When my sister, brother-in-law and three year old nephew visited me for Thanksgiving, we spent most of a day at the City Museum ad could have returned for more if time had allowed. I was impressed by my pregnant sister's adventurous spirit as she tackled more of the climbs than I was even able to bear. My little nephew couldn't wait to return after his nap. Even after trying to describe the City Museum to him in great detail, after experiencing it for himself, my brother in law was blown away and said, "It's nothing like I imagined." His stunned expression showed that that was a good thing.
Judging by the sheer wonder people feel when playing at and exploring The City Museum, I think I would have liked Bob Cassilly. He has left us a legacy of play, beauty, wonder, and adventure for all ages, which is an indelible and glorious legacy indeed.
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