Explore the Gateway Arch’s History
A landmark of architectural innovation and Thomas Jefferson’s vision for a transcontinental nation, the Gateway Arch is the tallest monument in the United States. Designed by Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen, the Gateway Arch rises 63 stories above downtown St. Louis. Since 1965, millions of people from all over the world have traveled to St. Louis to take the Tram Ride to the Top of “The Gateway to the West.”
Today, Gateway Arch National Park encompasses the Gateway Arch, the Old Courthouse, and the national park grounds. Scenic riverboat cruises are available near the park.
A Timeline of Innovation
1935
Designated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Gateway Arch National Park was founded by the National Park Service under the name the “Jefferson National Expansion Memorial.” The park stretches from the Old Courthouse to the steps overlooking the Mississippi River.
1947
A nationwide design competition begins to decide on the design of the memorial.
1948
Architect Eero Saarinen’s inspired design of a 630-foot stainless steel arch was chosen.
1963
Construction begins on the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial — later called the Gateway Arch.
1965
Construction completed on October 28, 1965, for a total cost of $15 million.
1967
The north tram was opened to the public on July 24, 1967.
1968
The south tram was completed in 1968.
2007
Discussions begin for future renovations to redesign the Gateway Arch grounds and its surroundings to be more connected, active and accessible.
2009
The CityArchRiver 2015 Foundation was formed to sponsor and coordinate the renovations.
2010
A design created by the Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates team won the CityArchRiver International Design Competition to transform the St. Louis Riverfront and Gateway Arch grounds.
April 2013
St. Louis region voters approved Proposition P to create revenue that would fund regional parks and trails, including $90 million in funding for the CityArchRiver project.
August 2013
MoDOT begins work on the Park Over the Highway, a green space that will physically connect the Gateway Arch Grounds to downtown St. Louis over I-44. It was declared the first landbridge of its kind in Missouri.
November 2013
St. Louis Riverfront construction begins and it is the second project to break ground in 2013.
2014
The construction of the Gateway Arch grounds landscape redesign project begins.
2015
The North Gateway construction begins with the demolition of the old Gateway Arch Parking Garage.
April 2015
The groundbreaking ceremony is held for the new and expanded Visitor Center and Museum under the Gateway Arch.
October 2015
The Gateway Arch celebrates the 50th anniversary of its completion.
November 2015
The Luther Ely Smith Park and the Park Over the Highway opens to the public.
June 2016
St. Louis Riverfront construction was completed.
November 2016
The North Gateway construction was completed to connect nearby neighborhoods to the park.
July 2018
The name of the park changed from Jefferson National Expansion Memorial to Gateway Arch National Park. The park’s grand opening was on July 3, 2018 — coinciding with the return of Fair Saint Louis on July 4, 2018. The newly renovated Visitor Center and Museum under the Gateway Arch were also opened to the public.
2021
Renovations to the Old Courthouse were announced to the public.
Coming Soon in 2025
Old Courthouse renovations were completed, and included installing an elevator, new ramps, renovated courtrooms and reimagined galleries on the second floor.
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