Coral Court Motel Exhibit

A new feature of the museum is a semi-permanent exhibit about the famous (or infamous) landmark Coral Court Motel, which was very popular with travelers on U.S. Route 66 as they passed through St. Louis on "the mother road."  This features the Streamline Moderne facade of one of the motel units, built in 1941 of glazed brick and glass blocks, using original materials removed when the motel site was redeveloped in 1995.  The exhibit covers the impact of "car culture" on the nation, using the Coral Court and other landmarks on U.S. Route 66 for its examples.

The "Memories Museum" at St. Louis Union Station 

Visit our new exhibit at St. Louis Union Station, downtown at 1820 Market Street.  It presents a rotating selection of materials on Union Station and the railroads that served St. Louis.  See railroad lamps and lanterns, uniform caps, dining car china and silver, "O" scale model trains, Pullman conductor's and porter's uniforms, timetables and other items from the glory days of the railroads and Union Station.  This Romanesque-style building was designed to proclaim the splendor of St. Louis and opened in 1894.  Photos of St. Louis Union Station from when it was new in 1894 are now on exhibit.  The exhibit is located on the upper level, under the train shed.

First Friday 

of every month

"Thomas" Friday

9:00 - 5:00

Members get 20% off on all "Thomas the Tank Engine" items in the museum gift shop.  If you have children who are in love with this character you should become a member.

July 17, 2004

What is it?  How does it work?

9:00 - 3:30

Calling all young hobos.  Come join us for a Saturday and learn why the railroad is efficient.  Learn what makes steam, diesel and electric engines work, what the various kinds of rail cars carry, what the passenger cars of the past were like, how trains are coupled, how they stop, and what steers them.  This day is designed for ages 7 -10 (finished first grade to going into fifth).  A hobo stew lunch will be served, and all hobos are asked to contribute a can of food (donation to a food bank).  Cost is $15 per child and $9 for each adult who chooses to stay for the day and lunch.  Contact Museum Educator Richard Owings at (314)965-7998, ext 13 or rowings@stlouisco.com for reservations or information.  Registration in advance is required before July 4. 

Sept. 11 - 12, 2004

11th Annual Transportation Celebration

9:00 - 5:00

Our biggest event of the year features special exhibits of old cars, trucks, fire trucks, model railroads, music, streetcar and double-deck bus rides.  Admission is free for these two days only, parking $2 per vehicle.

Dec. 4, 2004

Santa Arrives at the  Museum of Transportation

10:00 - 4:00

Welcome Santa Claus as he arrives by streetcar at 10:00 am sharp.  Santa will stay until 4:00 pm and will greet his fans in a caboose.  Polaroid photos with Santa will be available at a nominal cost, or you can bring your own camera.  Get your gift list ready and join us for a day of seasonal fun. 

Other Sites You May Enjoy Visiting:

St. Louis Steam Train Association