Wainwright Building
A pioneering skyscraper by Louis Sullivan, the Wainwright Building revolutionized architecture with its expressed steel frame and intricate terra cott...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best light for architecture
Wainwright Building
Best Time
Best light for architecture
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A pioneering skyscraper by Louis Sullivan, the Wainwright Building revolutionized architecture with its expressed steel frame and intricate terra cotta details.
"One of the first modern skyscrapers, its design is a testament to Louis Sullivan's genius."
Admire from the Street
As an office building, interior access is limited. Enjoy the architectural marvel from the surrounding sidewalks. :camerawithflash:
Learn its History
Research Louis Sullivan and the Wainwright Building's place in architectural history before your visit. 📚
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
3.5 · 22 reviews
Type
Local Government Office
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Louis Sullivan's Vision
Exterior
Witness the groundbreaking design by Louis Sullivan, a pioneer of modern skyscraper architecture. Its steel frame expresses its structure, a radical departure from heavy masonry.
Early Skyscraper Innovation
Exterior
Marvel at one of the first buildings to use its steel structure to express its architectural style, a key element in early skyscraper development.
Intricate Terra Cotta Details
Exterior Facade
Observe the detailed terra cotta ornamentation that adorns the building's facade, showcasing Sullivan's signature style.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
A Glimpse into Architectural History
Understanding Visitor Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
The Wainwright building downtown
I really want to see the inside of the building. Especially a then vs now set of pictures.
Admire from the Street
As an office building, interior access is limited. Enjoy the architectural marvel from the surrounding sidewalks. :camerawithflash:
Learn its History
Research Louis Sullivan and the Wainwright Building's place in architectural history before your visit. 📚
Wainwright Building. St. Louis, Missouri
There is decorative pieces that give recipes for beer on top. One is a cannabis recipe beer. Supposedly this was first skyscraper in the nation too.
One of the original skyscraper, Wainwright Building to be redeveloped
The Wainwright Building is a 10-story, 41 m (135 ft) terra cotta office building at 709 Chestnut Street in downtown St. Louis, Missouri. The Wainwright Building is considered to be one of the first aesthetically fully expressed early skyscrapers. It was designed by Dankmar Adler…
Capture the Details
Focus on the intricate terra cotta and the building's verticality for stunning architectural photos. :iphone:
Wainwright, the building not Adam, sold for $8.4m
Last month the state of misery put it on the auction block with a $5m starting bid, the winning bid was $8.25m (+fees). No name yet but apartment conversion is next.
Tips
from all over the internet
Admire from the Street
As an office building, interior access is limited. Enjoy the architectural marvel from the surrounding sidewalks. :camerawithflash:
Learn its History
Research Louis Sullivan and the Wainwright Building's place in architectural history before your visit. 📚
Capture the Details
Focus on the intricate terra cotta and the building's verticality for stunning architectural photos. :iphone:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Wainwright Building is celebrated for its immense architectural significance as an early skyscraper designed by Louis Sullivan. Visitors praise its groundbreaking design and intricate details. However, the primary drawback is the limited public access to the interior, as it functions as an office building.
"The Wainwright Building is the only building in St Louis designed by the renowned Louis H Sullivan, a Chicago architect and mentor to Frank Lloyd Wright. Some say this building is one of the first modern skyscrapers to use the lightness of the steel structure to express the structural style. He also used details from other masonry buildings that he had designed. The heavy concrete buildings with very little interior light were prominent and still being built at that time. This was such a radical departure from that design."
Victor M
"We drove by this building because we heard that it is one of the oldest buildings with this many stories. Considering the history, it does seem to be impressive, but of course in no comparison with modern skyscrapers."
Evgeniya Bozhko (KoriAndrTheCat)
"The security guards here are wildly unprofessional and the staff do nothing about it. I hope there is eventually some accountability. The only good reviews of this place are about the building and it's history."
Ian Blain
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Wainwright Building is located in downtown St. Louis. It's accessible by car, with nearby parking garages, or via public transportation. Several bus routes stop within walking distance of the building. 🚌
Yes, there are several parking garages and street parking options available in the downtown St. Louis area near the Wainwright Building. 🅿️
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Wainwright Building is primarily an office building, so public interior access is generally not permitted. Visitors typically admire its architecture from the exterior. :noentrysign:
Official public tours of the Wainwright Building's interior are rare. It's best to check with local St. Louis historical societies or architectural tour groups for any potential organized visits. :informationdeskperson:
As an active office building, there are no set 'visiting hours' for the public to enter. The exterior can be viewed at any time. :clock1:
📸 📸 Photography
For the best exterior shots, try capturing the building's full verticality from across the street. Details of the terra cotta ornamentation can be appreciated up close. :camerawithflash:
Yes, photography of the exterior of the Wainwright Building is generally allowed from public spaces. Be mindful of any private property signs if you venture too close to entrances. :iphone:
🎫 🏛️ History & Architecture
The Wainwright Building was designed by the renowned architect Louis Sullivan, a pivotal figure in the Chicago School of architecture. :architect:
It's considered one of the first skyscrapers to express its steel frame structure externally, a revolutionary concept that influenced future skyscraper design. Its intricate terra cotta details are also highly celebrated. :star2:
Construction of the Wainwright Building was completed in 1891. 📅
The Wainwright Building's construction primarily utilized steel framing, with a facade clad in brick and detailed terra cotta ornamentation. :brick:
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit