St. Louis Gateway Arch

About the Gateway Arch

St. Louis is symbolized by the Gateway Arch, a 630-foot stainless steel monument that stands as the tallest arch in the world and an iconic symbol of America's westward expansion. Designed by Eero Saarinen, this architectural marvel represents St. Louis's role as the 'Gateway to the West' and serves as a monument to the pioneers who shaped the nation.

Eero Saarinen won the 1947–48 design competition for the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, a federal project authorized in 1935 to commemorate the Louisiana Purchase and westward expansion from St. Louis. Construction of the stainless steel catenary curve began in February 1963, and the final keystone section was set on October 28, 1965, producing a structure 630 feet tall and 630 feet wide. Visitors have ridden tram capsules to the observation deck since 1967. Renamed Gateway Arch National Park in 2018, the monument anchors the riverfront skyline, appears on the Missouri state quarter issued in 2003, and serves as shorthand for the city in photographs, logos, and broadcasts.