In 2000, the Emerson Center, a significant building addition was completed, boosting attendance and exhibition capacity. The Emerson Center, featuring a ground-to-roof southern glass facade, was designed by Hellmuth, Obata & Kassabaum, and included substantially more exhibition space, as well as an auditorium, classrooms, a restaurant and gift shop.[2] The Emerson Center was selected by the American Institute of Architects's Committee on the Environment as an example of architectural design that protects and enhances the environment.[3] It is an example of a green museum.
Collections and exhibits
Carriage on exhibit.
The museums signature collection includes both national artifacts, as well as Missouri and St. Louis related materials, such as local colonial and native artifacts, Louisiana Purchase Exposition artifacts, and items relating to Charles Lindbergh and his trans-Atlantic flight in the Spirit of St. Louis.[4] A replica of the Spirit of St. Louis can be found in the museum.[5] A large number of artifacts from the 1804-1806 Lewis and Clark Expedition are also housed in the permanent collection, as St. Louis was the starting point for that venture.[6]
Recent travelling exhibits and events have included items related to the Fox Theatre's restoration and renovation,[7] the Road to Freedom tour (celebrating the Americans with Disabilities Act),[8] and, prominently, the Lewis and Clark National Bicentennial Exhibition.[9]
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