Buildings Tour
- John S. Lehmann Building
- Shoenberg Administration Building
- Tower Grove House
- Museum Building
- Cleveland Gate House
- Monsanto Center (1 1/2 blocks from the Garden)
- Spink Pavilion
- Ridgway Center
John S. Lehmann building
The John S. Lehmann building, which opened in 1972, was built to house the Garden's research programs as well as its scientific and library collections. A majority of this material was moved to the Monsanto Center when it opened in 1997. The Lehmann building is still home to some of the Garden's research programs and the archives division of the library. This building is not open to the public.
Shoenberg Administration Building
Henry Shaw's 1849 townhouse comprises the first two sections of the Shoenberg Administration Building . The house originally stood at 7th and Locust streets in downtown St. Louis. Mr. Shaw left provisions in his will that the house be dismantled and rebuilt where it stands today. The extensive wing to the south was added in 1909 to house a library and herbarium. This wing now contains administrative offices.
Tower Grove House
Tower Grove House, Henry Shaw's 1849 Victorian country home, was named for its significant tower overlooking a grove of oak and sassafras trees. The house was renovated in 1953 and furniture and materials once belonging to Shaw were located and returned. Tower Grove House was rededicated on October 29, 2005 after another extensive renovation. The house has been restored to reflect Shaw's original country home as he lived in it. This historic home is not wheelchair accessible.Admission is included with Garden admission.
Monday: Closed
Tuesday through Saturday: open 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Guided tours at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Sunday: Open 1 - 4 p.m., Guided tour at 1:30p.m.
Closed January, February, March, Thanksgiving, & Christmas
Tours are also available by appointment - 314-577-5150.
Hours subject to change.
Museum Building
Built in 1859, the same year the Garden opened to the public, the Museum Building originally housed Henry Shaw's library and herbarium. The Museum Building is not open to the public.
Cleveland Gate House
The Cleveland Gate House was once a stage coach way station. The house is not open to the public.
Spink Pavilion
Spink Pavilion, originally known as the Flora Gate, was built by Henry Shaw to serve as the main entrance to the Garden. It served that purpose until 1982, when the Ridgway Center was built. Today, Spink Pavilion is used as a private rental facility for meetings, receptions, and parties.
Ridgway Center
The Ridgway Center is the main visitors' center and entrance to the Garden. This magnificent gateway is located at 4344 Shaw Boulevard, a short distance from the Kingshighway and Vandeventer interchanges on Interstate 44. The Ridgway Center contains the Garden Gate Shop, the Sassafras Cafe, educational facilities, art exhibits, and the Spink Gallery, which features a beautiful display of ceramics.
Monsanto Center
The Monsanto Center, which opened in 1997, is home to the Garden's botanical research staff, the herbarium, and the library. An engineering masterpiece and model of "green architecture," the Monsanto Center sets a new standard for construction and operations that are cost effective and have the least possible impact on natural resources. In addition to being designed with environmentally friendly architecture and technology, the building is earthquake-proof, resting on base isolators placed on pillars that reach to bedrock. It is occasionally open for tours. Call 1 (800) 332-1286.