If you haven’t yet visited the newly renovated Old Courthouse at Gateway Arch National Park, be sure to add it to your ‘must see’ list. The grand old building reopened to the public on May 3 after being closed for several years, both to accommodate extensive structural improvements and to install new exhibits.
The Courthouse has played a seminal role in St. Louis history, and in the national struggle for civil rights. Slave auctions were held on its steps. Inside its walls more than 300 enslaved African Americans filed suit for their freedom. Among the most prominent cases were the first two trials of Dred and Harriet Scott’s bid for freedom from enslavement. The building was also the scene of Virginia Minor’s efforts to secure women’s right to vote.
“The Old Courthouse has been the site of some of the most pivotal moments in American history, and now it will offer visitors an even deeper connection to its past,” said Jeremy Sweat, Superintendent of Gateway Arch National Park. “With the new exhibits, enhanced accessibility, and structural updates, the Old Courthouse will continue to be a vital educational and cultural resource for generations to come.”
The Old Courthouse renovation marks the final phase of the $380 million CityArchRiver project—the largest public-private partnership in National Park Service history. The building’s updates enhance visitors’ experiences while preserving its architectural beauty:
All-New Exhibits: Compelling galleries that delve into the stories of Dred and Harriet Scott, African American life in St. Louis, the continued struggle for civil rights, and the courthouse’s architectural and legal legacy.
New Accessibility Features: Installation of the first elevator in the building’s history, which allows all visitors access to the second floor to tour the historic courtrooms.
Structural and System Improvements: Renovated ceilings and flooring, a state-of-the-art fire suppression system, upgraded heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, and general restoration and improvements.
The renovations included major updates to JNPA’s gift shop inside the Courthouse. The 1,400-square-foot space was carefully designed to complement the historic architecture of the building. From custom fixtures to interpretive banners, every detail was chosen to reflect the building’s distinctive character and storied past. In addition to the thoughtfully curated book collection, the shop offers Old Courthouse-inspired apparel, accessories, drinkware and memorabilia. We invite you to stop in during your visit, or order from our online store.
JNPA Blog 