Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis, Missouri — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Central Axis
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), March 26, 2023
Bald cypress trees frame this majestic vista, further accented by seasonal borders and sensational summer displays. Built in 1917, the unheated pools feature tropical water lilies and giant Victoria water lilies when the water is a consistent 72 degrees. Water lilies have been a major Garden attraction since before the famed 1904 St. Louis World's Fair. On average, the Garden produces 250 aquatic plants a year, including more than 50 different cultivars of nymphaea with six or seven spectacular Victorias. The lilies bloom from July through October, depending or St. Louis weather.
In 1988, the pools were renovated to include works by the late Swedish sculptor Carl Milles. In the east pool are the two Orpheus Fountain figures and a sea nymph, Sunglitter. Three Angel Musician sculptures grace the center pool, and the west pool features Two Girls Dancing. These pieces were acquired by The Gateway Foundation and are on extended loan. Added in 2007, Dale Chihuly's Walla Walla Onions are a flotilla of onion-shaped glass pieces which adorn the center pool spring through fall. The installation was made possible by the collective contributions of nearly 200 donors.
Erected by Missouri Botanical Garden.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Horticulture & Forestry • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1917.
Location. 38° 36.844′ N, 90° 15.505′ W. Marker is in St. Louis, Missouri. It is in Missouri Botanical Garden. Marker can be reached from Shaw Boulevard west of Tower Grove Avenue, on the left when traveling west. 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. Capturing Rhythm (within shouting distance of this marker); Water Lilies at the Garden (within shouting distance of this marker); Capturing a Feeling (within shouting distance of this marker); Milles Sculpture (within shouting distance of this marker); Joyous Music (within shouting distance of this marker); Changes Over Time (within shouting distance of this marker); Pring Hybrids (within shouting distance of this marker); Frank Y. and Katherine Graves Gladney Rose Garden (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.
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), March 26, 2023
Credits. This page was last revised on July 18, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 30, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 49 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 30, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.