Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum - Title: Massachusetts WPA Art Project exhibition, Jordan Marsh Company, "This Work Pays Your Community" Week, May 20 to May 25 Contributor: Federal Art Project Sponsor: United States. Works Progress Administration Sponsor: United States. Work Projects Administration Date: [1940] https://www.digitalcommonwealth.org/search/commonwealth:5d86rq04w
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Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum

4.7
·206 reviews·St. Louis, United States

A free teaching museum on WashU's campus, showcasing European & American art from the 1800s to now, with a strong contemporary focus.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Afternoons

Fewer crowds, more contemplative

CrowdLow
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Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum - Title: Massachusetts WPA Art Project exhibition, Jordan Marsh Company, "This Work Pays Your Community" Week, May 20 to May 25 Contributor: Federal Art Project Sponsor: United States. Works Progress Administration Sponsor: United States. Work Projects Administration Date: [1940] https://www.digitalcommonwealth.org/search/commonwealth:5d86rq04w

Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum

Best Time

Weekday Afternoons

Fewer crowds, more contemplative

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A free teaching museum on WashU's campus, showcasing European & American art from the 1800s to now, with a strong contemporary focus.

4.7
(206 reviews)

"The building itself is a work of art and is probably the best part of the museum experience."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Free Admission!

Entry to the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum is completely free.

🚗 Parking Made Easy

Use the underground East End Parking Garage, accessible from Forsyth Blvd.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Adam Pendleton: To Divide By

Adam Pendleton: To Divide By

Main Galleries

Explore thought-provoking works by contemporary artist Adam Pendleton, known for his 'Black Dada' style.

Instagram
Katharina Grosse Studio Paintings

Katharina Grosse Studio Paintings

Special Exhibition Space

Immerse yourself in vibrant, large-scale paintings by Katharina Grosse, showcasing her dynamic artistic process.

Instagram
De Kooning Collection

De Kooning Collection

Permanent Collection

Discover significant works by Willem de Kooning, a pivotal figure in abstract expressionism.

Reddit
Student Exhibitions

Student Exhibitions

Student Gallery Spaces

Experience innovative and often socially conscious art created by Washington University students.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Free Admission & Campus Exploration

Enjoy free entry to the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum, a gem on Washington University's campus. Plan to explore the beautiful grounds before or after your visit, as many visitors find the campus itself a highlight. TikTok

Exhibit Focus & Timing

Exhibits often lean towards contemporary themes and social justice issues. Check the museum's schedule for current exhibitions, as the collection is diverse and can be explored in about 2 hours. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday Afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, more contemplative
Crowd
Low
When
Weekend Mornings
Why
Enjoy art before lunch
Crowd
Medium
When
Hot Summer Days
Why
Cool escape from the heat
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Hope Gangloff #hopegangloff #kemperartmuseum #nationalportraitgallery #art #arttok #artreview #artlessons #artlessons #contemporaryart #portraiture #femaleartist #greenscreen
@theartrevival
12.5K likes • 122.2K views

🎯 Free Admission!

Entry to the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum is completely free. Instagram

🚗 Parking Made Easy

Use the underground East End Parking Garage, accessible from Forsyth Blvd. Reddit

Brunch with a side of art🥂🎨#thingstodokansascity #thingstodokc #kansascitytiktok #kansascitycheck #kansascity #thingstodokansas #thingstodomissouri #thingstodomo #kansas #thingstodoks #kcmo #kc #kansascitymo #kemperartmuseum #kemperart #kcmuseum #midtownkc #midtownkcmo #artkcmo #artkc #kcart #brunchkc #brunchkcmo #brunch #kcfoodie #kcfoodies #kcfood #kansas #missouri #missouricheck #museum #kcbrun...
@bbcortess
3.7K likes • 47.1K views
Museum Mondays with Maggie Adam Pendleton: To Divide By at the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum at Washington University-St. Louis. I would love to know what you think 💜 @pendleton.adam @kemperartmuseum #mildredkemper #adampendleton #blackdada #art #dance #stl #stlouis #saintlouis #stlartscene #washu #museum #museummonday #museummoment #artist #artwork #arttok #artexhibition #visualart #blac...
lifelooksbrown
32 likes • 1.1K views

🚶‍♀️ Campus Stroll

Allow extra time to explore the beautiful Washington University campus. TikTok

💬 Engage with Art

Read the background information provided for pieces; it enhances understanding. Reddit

A peek inside the @kemperartmuseum ‘s exhibition of work by Katharina Grosse. The Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum is an integral part of the Sam Fox School and is located on the East end of WashU’s campus, directly adjacent to student studio spaces. The museum is free and open to the public.    “Katharina Grosse Studio Paintings, 1988–2022: Returns, Revisions, Inventions” On view now - January 23  ...
washusamfoxschool
214 likes • 3.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Free Admission!

Entry to the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum is completely free. Instagram

🚗 Parking Made Easy

Use the underground East End Parking Garage, accessible from Forsyth Blvd. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Campus Stroll

Allow extra time to explore the beautiful Washington University campus. TikTok

💬 Engage with Art

Read the background information provided for pieces; it enhances understanding. Reddit

☕ Brunch & Art Combo

Combine your visit with brunch at the museum's restaurant for a full experience. TikTok+1

What Travellers Say

4.7
(206 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum for its free admission, impressive architecture, and thought-provoking contemporary art exhibitions. The on-site restaurant is a popular spot for brunch. Some reviews note that the focus on social justice themes might not appeal to all, and that the amount of art on display can feel limited given the building's size.

"The Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum is on the campus of Washington University in St. Louis. It’s run by students, and that explains a lot. Most exhibitions focused on social justice issues, including “Decolonize the Garden,” land acknowledgments, and the ways that “eco-exploitive capitalism” have ruined Earth or something. There is little art on display considering the size of the building, space available, and the museum’s financial resources.

The building itself is a work of art and is probably the best part of the museum experience.

Parking is in the underground East End Parking Garage, which is accessed from Forsyth BLVD and Wrighton Way."

Jonathan Hallas

"This was a nice adventure. We missed our stop on the train, so we ended up exploring the Washington University campus before finally finding the gallery. The exhibits were nice and thought provoking. They even had a little feedback form."

Rebecca Davis

"Very impressive museum. My personal favorite was the De Koonig."

James Keeler

What People Like

Free admission
Impressive architecture
Contemporary art

What People Dislike

Exhibit focus
Limited art quantity

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The museum is located on the campus of Washington University in St. Louis. You can reach it by car, parking in the East End Parking Garage, or via public transportation. Some visitors have used the train and explored the campus after missing their stop. Reddit

Yes, there is underground parking available in the East End Parking Garage, which is accessible from Forsyth Boulevard and Wrighton Way. Reddit

While specific bus routes aren't detailed, the museum is on a university campus, suggesting public transport options are likely available. Checking local St. Louis transit schedules is recommended. Reddit

As a modern museum on a university campus, it's generally expected to be accessible. However, it's always best to contact the museum directly for specific accessibility information. Reddit

The museum is located on the East end of WashU's campus, adjacent to student studio spaces. Following campus signage or using a campus map will guide you. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission to the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum is completely free for all visitors. InstagramReddit

Opening hours can vary, so it's best to check the official Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum website for the most up-to-date information on daily hours and any special holiday closures. TikTok

No, tickets are not required as admission is free. You can typically walk in during operating hours. Instagram

The museum frequently hosts special exhibitions, often focusing on contemporary artists and social themes. Check their website for current and upcoming events. Instagram+1

Yes, many visitors spend around 2 hours exploring the exhibits, making it ideal for a shorter visit or a stopover. Reddit

🎫 🖼️ Onsite Experience

The museum features a collection focused on European and American works from the 1800s to the present, with a strong emphasis on contemporary art and often socially relevant themes. TikTokInstagramReddit

Information on guided tours is not explicitly mentioned in social media or reviews, but it's worth checking the museum's official website or inquiring upon arrival. Reddit

While exhibits can be thought-provoking, the museum's contemporary focus might be more engaging for older children and adults. However, some visitors have enjoyed it with babies. Reddit

The building itself is considered a work of art and is a significant highlight of the museum experience for many visitors. Reddit

Photography policies can vary. Generally, non-flash photography for personal use is permitted, but it's always best to check for specific signage or ask museum staff. TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, the museum has a restaurant, often mentioned in conjunction with brunch. Visitors have praised its ambiance and menu. TikTok+1

The restaurant offers brunch and other dining options. One visitor specifically enjoyed the eggs Benedict popover. TikTok+1

Being on a university campus, there are likely other dining facilities within Washington University, and the surrounding St. Louis area offers numerous restaurants. TikTok

Typically, museums do not allow outside food and drinks in galleries. It's best to consume them in designated areas or before/after your visit. TikTok

The restaurant's ambiance and the combination of art and dining make it a popular choice for dates. TikTok+1

📸 📸 Photography

Generally, non-flash photography for personal use is allowed, but it's always wise to check for specific signage or ask museum staff to confirm the current policy. TikTok

The museum building itself is often described as a work of art, making its architecture a great subject. Specific exhibitions, like Katharina Grosse's vibrant paintings, also offer visually striking opportunities. InstagramReddit

Visitors often share photos of the art and the museum's architecture. Capturing the scale and color of contemporary pieces can be particularly rewarding. Instagram+1

Professional photoshoots usually require special permission and may incur fees. It's best to contact the museum's administration for their policy on this. TikTok

Visitors often highlight the striking contemporary installations and the modern architecture of the museum building itself. InstagramReddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum's contemporary focus might appeal more to older children and adults, it can still be an enjoyable outing for families. The free admission makes it an accessible option for a family day out. InstagramReddit Some visitors have found the background information provided for artworks helpful in engaging younger minds. Consider focusing on visually striking pieces or the museum's architecture to keep children interested. Reddit

For families with very young children, the museum's ambiance might be more suited for a brief visit. However, one reviewer mentioned enjoying a visit with a baby, suggesting that a relaxed approach can work. The campus itself offers space to run around if needed. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

The Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum is an absolute must-visit for budget travelers, as admission is completely free. InstagramReddit This allows you to experience significant art and impressive architecture without any cost. Combine your visit with a picnic on the beautiful Washington University campus to save further on dining expenses. TikTok

While there's a restaurant on-site, exploring nearby affordable eateries or packing your own snacks can keep costs down. The museum's location on campus also means you can easily access other free or low-cost activities in the surrounding St. Louis area. TikTok

🎨 Art Enthusiasts

For dedicated art lovers, the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum offers a rich experience with its focus on European and American art from the 1800s to the present, particularly its strong contemporary collection. Instagram+1 Explore works by renowned artists like Willem de Kooning and engage with the cutting-edge exhibitions that frequently address social and cultural issues. Reddit

Don't miss the opportunity to see works by artists like Adam Pendleton and Katharina Grosse, whose exhibitions have been featured. The student exhibitions also provide a glimpse into the future of art. Take advantage of the detailed descriptions accompanying the artworks to deepen your understanding and appreciation. InstagramReddit+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Art Collection: Contemporary Focus

The Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum boasts a diverse collection, with a significant emphasis on European and American art from the 1800s to the present day. While it houses historical pieces, many visitors and social media creators highlight its strength in contemporary art. Exhibitions frequently delve into socially relevant themes, such as those explored in 'Decolonize the Garden' or works by artists like Adam Pendleton. InstagramReddit

This focus means you can expect thought-provoking pieces that often spark discussion. Artists like Willem de Kooning are represented, offering a bridge between modern and contemporary movements. The student exhibitions also provide a fresh perspective, showcasing emerging talent and current artistic dialogues. Reddit

When planning your visit, it's beneficial to check the museum's website for current exhibitions, as the collection is dynamic and often features rotating displays that highlight specific artists or themes. This ensures you're aware of the most current and engaging art on view. TikTok

The Museum Building: An Architectural Gem

Beyond its art collection, the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum building itself is a significant attraction. Described as a 'work of art,' its modern architecture is a highlight for many visitors. Reddit The design is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional, seamlessly integrating with the surrounding Washington University campus. Instagram

Located on the East end of campus, adjacent to student studio spaces, the building's design complements its role as a teaching museum. Its clean lines and thoughtful spatial arrangements create an inviting atmosphere for viewing art. Many visitors find the architecture as compelling as the artworks displayed within. Reddit

This architectural merit makes the museum a visually interesting destination, even for those who might not be deeply immersed in art history. The interplay between the building's design and the art it houses is a key part of the overall museum experience. Reddit

Dining and Socializing at the Museum

The Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum offers more than just art; it provides a delightful culinary experience. The museum features a restaurant that has become a popular spot for brunch, often mentioned in conjunction with a museum visit. TikTok+1 Visitors have praised the restaurant's ambiance and menu, with specific mentions of dishes like the eggs Benedict popover. TikTok

This dining option adds another layer to the museum visit, making it a destination for a complete outing. It's a perfect way to combine a cultural experience with a leisurely meal, and the setting within the museum grounds offers a unique atmosphere. TikTok

For those looking to extend their visit or enjoy a meal in a sophisticated setting, the museum's restaurant is a highly recommended amenity. It caters to both art enthusiasts and food lovers, providing a well-rounded experience. TikTok+1

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