The National Blues Museum is a downtown museum devoted to the blues, the music that its own site calls the foundation of all modern American music. It stands at 615 Washington Avenue in the downtown entertainment district, a short walk from the Arch and the ballpark, and it is a good choice for anyone who wants to understand why St. Louis matters so much in American music. The city sits at a crossroads of the Mississippi, where the music of the Delta and of the migrants who followed the river north met the clubs, theatres and recording studios of the Midwest, and that story helps explain the careers of Chuck Berry, Ike and Tina Turner and many others associated with the region. The museum is built around interactive exhibits and artifacts rather than static panels, so you can listen, play along and watch the music move from the field and the church into the electric guitar era. Everything is on a single floor with no stairs, and the building is wheelchair accessible, which makes it easy for older visitors. The Legends Room, a small venue with a bar, hosts frequent live performances, and outside food is permitted there though not in the galleries. A gift shop is open daily and does not require a museum ticket. Opening days are limited, so plan around them: from March to December the museum is open Wednesday to Sunday from 11:00 to 15:00, and in January and February it is open Friday to Sunday only.
How to visit
The museum is at 615 Washington Avenue, about ten minutes on foot from the Gateway Arch and close to MetroLink. Tickets are bought at the box office, with discounts for seniors, military, college students and children, and children five and under enter free with an adult; groups of fifteen or more must reserve in advance by email. Because the standard hours are short, 11:00 to 15:00 on open days, it is worth confirming times on the museum's own site before you set out, and the winter schedule is thinner than the rest of the year.
What to expect
A self-paced visit of about one and a half to two hours, with listening stations, instruments and film. It does a good job of connecting the musical lineage, from early blues to rock and roll, so even visitors who know little about the music leave with a clearer picture. Check the museum calendar for live shows in the Legends Room, which can turn a daytime visit into an evening. Food and drinks from outside are allowed only in that room.
Making the most of it
Combine the museum with an evening of live music elsewhere in the city, a walk through the Delmar Loop's Walk of Fame, where Chuck Berry has a star outside Blueberry Hill, or a Cardinals game at the nearby ballpark. For a first visit to St. Louis it sits well alongside the Arch and the Old Courthouse, since all three are downtown and within walking distance.
If you are in town on a Monday or Tuesday, it will be closed, so plan the visit for later in the week. Rely on the museum's site for current prices, since they may change.
What to expect
The experience
A single-floor museum of interactive exhibits and artifacts telling the story of the blues, with live music in the Legends Room.
Best time
Wednesday to Sunday between March and December, or Friday to Sunday in January and February.
How long
About one and a half to two hours.
Tips
Check hours first because they are short, look at the calendar for live shows and note that outside food is allowed only in the Legends Room.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Music lovers, history buffs and anyone who wants a rainy-day downtown stop.
- Families
- Suitable for older children and teenagers; the youngest enter free with an adult.
- Couples
- A good pre-dinner stop, especially when there is live music in the Legends Room.
- Pair with
- The Gateway Arch and Old Courthouse, or the Delmar Loop Walk of Fame.
- Time needed
- Allow one and a half to two hours.
Good questions
Where is the National Blues Museum?+
It is at 615 Washington Avenue in downtown St. Louis, a short walk from the Gateway Arch.
When is it open?+
From March to December it is open Wednesday to Sunday from 11:00 to 15:00, and in January and February Friday to Sunday. It is closed on the other days.
Is there live music?+
Yes. The Legends Room hosts frequent live performances, so check the museum calendar.
Is it accessible?+
Yes. The museum is on one floor with no stairs and is wheelchair accessible.
Can I buy tickets in advance?+
Tickets are sold at the box office according to the museum's visit page. Confirm current options on the museum's own site.
