Forest Park in St. Louis, Missouri — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Elegance and Beauty through the Years
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), April 24, 2019
1. Elegance and Beauty through the Years Marker
The serpentine wall and Kiener Memorial Entrance to the Zoo were designed by William Bernoudy in 1966.
William Bernoudy was a St. Louis-born architect who studied under Frank Lloyd Wright in the 1930s. He played a vital role in the architecture of St. Louis, and his work represents a major contribution to the history of modern architecture.
The Zoo's brick serpentine wall design is similar to Thomas Jefferson's early neoclassical garden at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. The origin of serpentine walls dates to 16th century England.
The Saint Louis Zoo is proud to have had William Bernoudy design this wall, along with the Kiener Memorial Entrance. William Bernoudy's name will be forever linked to these features of the Zoo and Forest Park.
In 2014, the Bernoudy Foundation endowed the Saint Louis Zoo position of the William Bernoudy Vice President of Architecture and Planning.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Parks & Recreational Areas. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #03 Thomas Jefferson, and the Frank Lloyd Wright
this page online
Location. 38° 38.238′ N, 90° 17.332′ W. Marker is in St. Louis, Missouri. It is in Forest Park. It is on Government Drive south of Government Drive, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 68 Government Drive, Saint Louis MO 63112, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the American Midwest, in the Lewis & Clark Corridor, in the Corn Belt, and in the Great River Road Region. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, the Louisiana Purchase, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Why Are These Rocks Important? (about 500 feet away); Grizzly Bear (about 600 feet away); Swan Goose (about 600 feet away); Our Endangered Gorrillas (about 600 feet away); Now and Then: Where You Can Find Bears (about 600 feet away); A Century of Free Flight (about 600 feet away);
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), April 24, 2019
2. Elegance and Beauty through the Years Marker
Other markers no longer nearby. Two Species - One Fate (was about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line but has been confirmed missing); Threats and Solutions (was about 600 feet away but has been confirmed missing); Gorilla (was about 600 feet away but has been confirmed missing).
Photographed by Garrett Koch, June 2, 2026
3. Elegance and Beauty through the Years Marker
Even wider context photo showing Zoo name on serpentine wall
Credits. This page was last revised on July 9, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 3, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 663 times since then and 50 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 3, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 3. submitted on June 3, 2026, by Garrett Koch of Saint Louis, Missouri.
