Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis, Missouri — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Stephen and Peter Sachs Museum
Constructed between 1859 and 1860, this neoclassical building is one of only five original structures at the Garden built by Henry Shaw. While the exterior was designed by George I. Barnett, the interior resembles Museum No. 2, the Economic Botany Museum at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
During Shaw's lifetime, this building served as a library, herbarium, and natural history museum. The library was located in the south room on the main floor with more than 60,000 herbarium specimens stored upstairs. The building was a visible reminder to all visitors that this Garden was more than a place of lovely plants.
Made of Missouri limestone and locally made bricks, many of the original features remain, including tile floors, built-in bookcases, and woodwork. The original ceiling mural painted by Leon Pomarede, restored in 1930, has been recreated to incorporate identifiable plants, some of which are found in the Garden. Uses for the building during the 20th century include research, meeting space, office space, and a restaurant. Today, the Sachs Museum exhibits the stories of Garden collections, research, and conservation work here and around the world.
Erected by Missouri Botanical Garden.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture
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Location. 38° 36.74′ N, 90° 15.453′ W. Marker is in St. Louis, Missouri. It is in Missouri Botanical Garden. Marker can be reached from Tower Grove Avenue north of Magnolia Avenue, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4344 Shaw Boulevard, Saint Louis MO 63110, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Museum Building (here, next to this marker); Herring House (a few steps from this marker); Golden Larch (a few steps from this marker); In Honor of American Science (within shouting distance of this marker); Victory of Science (within shouting distance of this marker); Botanical Museum & Library (within shouting distance of this marker); A Toast to Sassafras (within shouting distance of this marker); Erected by Henry Shaw in 1859 as a museum and library (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in St. Louis.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. An identical marker stands nearby.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 18, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 12, 2018. This page has been viewed 427 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 30, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
