When you take a stroll through St. Louis University, you'll often stumble across a number of interesting and smartly-designed buildings; many of them with their own unique history. Two stand out in my mind as being exceptionally beautiful; with a long and interesting history that will last for ages to come.



The Historic Samuel Cupples House is a St. Louis landmark??well not officially. The Cupples House is far and away the most beautiful mansion on the St. Louis University campus, and if you get the chance to spend an evening on its historic patio, drinking from a fine selection of wines by the glass, you'll be a more enriched person for it! The Cupples House is a Romanesque Revival building from the late-nineteenth century. The Romanesque style is quite interesting; refuting the more intricate and complicated style of Victorian architecture, with its winding turns, great arches, and flashy style. The Cupples House, on the contrary, is built in the style of stability, strength, and simplicity.

To this day, the Romanesque revival style is best exemplified by Union Station, built in 1890 in St. Louis, not to mention H. H. Richardson's Trinity Church in Boston, which is simply a masterpiece of architecture from any style. All in all, the Romanesque revival style was mostly used for public buildings, and that's why the style works so beautifully on the Historic Samuel Cupples House at St. Louis University.

And, of course, no discussion of St. Louis University's historic buildings would be complete without a closer look at the historic home of SLU's Museum of Art. Walk through the long halls of the 4-story French revival mansion that has been transformed in the St. Louis University museum of Art (SLUMA) and you're in for a treat. After a total restoration, the 55,000 square foot building now houses the University's stunning art collection within its hallowed walls.

The renovation of the stunning building took one year and transformed the 102-year old building into an art space, while still maintaining the original design of the building. There is soon to be a sculpture garden behind the building as well.

The original museum building was built in 1900 to be the home of the prestigious St. Louis Club at the price of $320,000. It was following a great architectural competition where the winner was chosen to design the final building, and in the style of their choice. Arthur Dillon of Friedlander in New York was eventually chosen.

These are just a couple of the must-see historical buildings on the campus of St. Louis University; however, the University isn't the only place to see exceptional architecture. Venture-off through St. Louis to see a great variety of styles and masterpieces of architecture in the 19th and 20th century styles. You may find something that surprises you, like Art Deco buildings that stimulate the imagination, and even old Spanish Mission Deco buildings like the one found in Grand Center, St. Louis, designed by P.T. Barnett. With its rich Spanish style and unique feel, this building always turns heads.