Scott Joplin House State Historic Site
Step into the home of Scott Joplin, the 'King of Ragtime,' and experience the era of his iconic compositions.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal tours.
Scott Joplin House State Historic Site
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal tours.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into the home of Scott Joplin, the 'King of Ragtime,' and experience the era of his iconic compositions.
"The docents and staff are SO knowledgeable about Joplin's life and legacy, and so friendly. "
🎯 Guided Tours are Key
You can't see the house without a guided tour. They start on the hour and are packed with info. :ticket:
🎶 Ask About Royce Martin
If you're lucky, the resident pianist Royce Martin might play for you! His interpretations are amazing. :musical_score:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Period Furnishings
Throughout the house
Step back in time with authentic cast iron stoves, gas lights, and furniture from Joplin's era.
Live Ragtime Performances
Communal room
Experience Joplin's music brought to life by the resident pianist, Royce Martin.
Joplin's Composing Room
Second floor communal room
See where Scott Joplin taught piano and composed iconic ragtime pieces.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tour in Advance
Embrace the Era
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Guided Tours are Key
You can't see the house without a guided tour. They start on the hour and are packed with info. :ticket:
🎶 Ask About Royce Martin
If you're lucky, the resident pianist Royce Martin might play for you! His interpretations are amazing. :musical_score:
🚶♀️ Off the Beaten Path
It's a bit out of the way, but the knowledgeable staff make it worth the trip. :round_pushpin:
🕰️ Budget 45 Minutes
Tours are approximately 45 minutes long, so plan your visit accordingly. :stopwatch:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Guided Tours are Key
You can't see the house without a guided tour. They start on the hour and are packed with info. :ticket:
🎶 Ask About Royce Martin
If you're lucky, the resident pianist Royce Martin might play for you! His interpretations are amazing. :musical_score:
🚶♀️ Off the Beaten Path
It's a bit out of the way, but the knowledgeable staff make it worth the trip. :round_pushpin:
🕰️ Budget 45 Minutes
Tours are approximately 45 minutes long, so plan your visit accordingly. :stopwatch:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Scott Joplin House for its knowledgeable and friendly guides who bring the history of ragtime and its composer to life. The opportunity to hear live piano music, especially from resident pianist Royce Martin, is a standout experience. While some note the site is small and Joplin's connection is brief, the passion of the staff makes it a highly recommended visit for a glimpse into a significant era of American music.
"I've been meaning to see the Scott Joplin House for years; thanks to my friend Emma Prince (Backlog Archivists) for getting me on the tour today! Definitely worth visiting. The young man who started us out and played some of Joplin's music on the piano for us was excellent!"
wineguy2351
"I was so lucky to have a private tour on Nov 2 when the museum was actually closed because I called ahead. I learned so much about Scott Joplin and his times from the tour guide. It was great to learn that the royalties he earned from the sales of the Maple Leaf Rag enabled him to compose and teach during the day rather than have to play at the bars. It was interesting to learn that he taught piano and composed in the communal room on the second floor. He didn't have a private practice room. I enjoyed learning to play ragtime music as a teen so it was very exciting to learn about this period of his life when he lived in the house. It was great to get an overview of his whole life as well. From his bedroom you can now see the Gateway Arch. So having been there first, it was a fun perspective to see it from Scott Joplin's his window."
Jennifer Cece
"What a cool little museum! We got a tour from Nina who really knew a lot about Scott Joplin, the era & the area. We were extra lucky that their resident musician Royce was in town and played Mapleleaf Rag for us! It’s so cool that this amazing piece of St Louis history has been preserved for everyone to experience."
Rose Cronin
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Scott Joplin House is located in St. Louis, Missouri. While specific public transport details can vary, it's generally recommended to check local transit routes or consider ride-sharing services for ease of access, as it's described as being a bit off the beaten path.
Information on dedicated parking is not widely available, but visitors often find street parking nearby. It's advisable to arrive a little early to secure a spot.
The site operates with specific hours, and tours typically begin on the hour. It's best to check the official website or call ahead for the most current hours, as they can sometimes be closed for private events or special occasions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, there is a small fee for the guided tour, which is the only way to see the interior of the house. Booking in advance is recommended to guarantee your spot.
There is a small admission fee for the guided tour. Specific pricing details should be confirmed on the official site, but it's generally considered an affordable historical experience.
No, access to the house's interior is exclusively through guided tours. You cannot explore the site independently.
The guided tours at the Scott Joplin House typically last around 45 minutes, providing a comprehensive overview of Joplin's life and the era.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Inside, you'll find period furnishings that recreate Joplin's living conditions, including furniture, kitchenware, and gas lighting. The house also features pianos, including a functioning player piano.
As a historic house, accessibility can be a challenge. It's best to contact the site directly to inquire about specific accessibility features and accommodations.
Photography policies can vary. It's advisable to ask your tour guide about restrictions on photography inside the house to ensure you comply with their guidelines.
This house was home to Scott Joplin, the 'King of Ragtime,' from 1901 to 1903, a period during which he composed famous pieces like 'The Entertainer' and 'Easy Winners.' It preserves a piece of musical history.
🎫 🎶 Music & History
Ragtime is a musical genre that enjoyed its peak popularity between 1895 and 1918. It is characterized by its syncopated or 'ragged' rhythm, and it heavily influenced jazz music.
Scott Joplin (c. 1868 – 1917) was an American composer and pianist. He is best known for his ragtime compositions, earning him the nickname 'King of Ragtime.'
Joplin composed many famous ragtime pieces, including 'Maple Leaf Rag,' 'The Entertainer,' and 'Easy Winners.'
Scott Joplin lived in St. Louis from 1901 to 1903, during which time he composed some of his most celebrated works. The Scott Joplin House State Historic Site preserves this period of his life.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider highlighting the player piano and any live music demonstrations, as these are often the most captivating elements for younger visitors. It's a great opportunity to introduce children to a significant genre of American music and a key historical figure in a setting that feels more personal than a large museum.
🎶 Music Enthusiasts
Pay close attention to the details shared by the guides about Joplin's compositional process and the musical innovations of ragtime. If you're a pianist, the experience of seeing where he composed and taught can be particularly inspiring. Don't miss the opportunity to learn about his opera, 'Treemonisha,' a lesser-known but significant part of his work.
🏛️ History Buffs
Focus on the social and cultural context of the time, including the challenges faced by African-American artists. The period furnishings provide a visual anchor to the past, allowing you to better understand the domestic environment of the era. The site's location and its connection to other historical aspects of St. Louis can also be a point of interest.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Life and Legacy of Scott Joplin
Joplin's time at the Scott Joplin House State Historic Site in St. Louis, from 1901 to 1903, was a particularly prolific period. During these years, he composed some of his most enduring works, including 'The Entertainer' and 'Easy Winners.' The royalties from his immensely popular 'Maple Leaf Rag' provided him with financial stability, allowing him to focus on composing and teaching rather than solely performing in bars.
Despite his significant contributions, Joplin faced racial discrimination and financial struggles later in life. His opera, 'Treemonisha,' which aimed to educate and entertain, was not widely recognized during his lifetime. However, his legacy endures through his iconic ragtime pieces, which continue to be celebrated and performed, offering a vibrant glimpse into a crucial era of American musical history.
Experiencing Ragtime at the House
A highlight for many visitors is the opportunity to hear Joplin's music performed live. The site often features a resident pianist, Royce Martin, who is not only a skilled musician but also a Joplin scholar. His renditions of Joplin's rags, especially on the functioning player piano, are described as fantastic interpretations that offer deep insight into the musicological and cultural significance of the genre.
Beyond the visual and auditory experiences, the guided tours provide invaluable context. Docents share detailed information about Joplin's life, his contemporaries, and the cultural landscape of St. Louis during the ragtime boom. This blend of historical preservation, live musical performance, and expert narration makes the Scott Joplin House a unique and enriching destination for music lovers and history buffs alike.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit