Close mobile menu
Menu
Search
Live Arch Web Cam

Events /

Old Courthouse Grand Reopening

Artboard 1

Kiener Plaza

The Old Courthouse at Gateway Arch National Park Reopens May 3, 2025

Through a longstanding partnership with the National Park Service and the generous support of Gateway Arch Park Foundation's philanthropic donors, the Old Courthouse has undergone extensive renovations to introduce brand-new exhibits, update critical structural elements, and enhance overall accessibility, ensuring this historic building will remain vibrant for future generations.

See below for more details about the reopening festivities, renovations, and exhibits!

Save the Date!

Event Details

Don't miss this unforgettable event

Celebrate the restoration of this historic landmark with a day of festivities, educational programming, unveiling of modern exhibits, and opportunities to explore the Old Courthouse.

All events take place on Saturday, May 3, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. View the full schedule of events below:

Reopening Ceremony

10 a.m. – Welcome and Opening Remarks

10:10 a.m. –  Historical Reflection

10:20 a.m. – Remarks from the National Park Service

10:27 a.m. – Ribbon Cutting

10:30 a.m. – Old Courthouse opens to the public

Festival Schedule

11 a.m. – Welcome remarks by Chelsea Haynes 

11:05 a.m. –  Remarks by Ryan McClure, Executive Director of Gateway Arch Park Foundation 

11:10 a.m. – Live music by DJ Nico Marie  

11:45 a.m. – "Fountain-side" chat with Lynne Jackson, great-great-granddaughter of Dred and Harriet Scott 

12:15 p.m. – Live music by DJ Nico Marie 

12:30 p.m. – Fountain-side chat with Cbabi Bayoc, internationally-recognized visual artist   

12:50 p.m. – Musical performance by renowned soul artist Brian Owens 

1:30 p.m. – Fountain-side chat with Jenifer Lewis, award-winning actress and St. Louis native 

2:30 p.m. – Live music by DJ Nico Marie 

Location

Old Courthouse & Kiener Plaza, 500 Chestnut St, St. Louis, MO 63101. Get directions

About the Renovations

A historic transformation

The newly completed updates, only the second significant renovation to the Old Courthouse since it was built between 1839 and 1862 (the original building was expanded during this time), are the final component of the $380-million CityArchRiver project, which has resulted in the revitalization of the Gateway Arch park grounds, Arch Visitor Center, Museum at the Gateway Arch, St. Louis Riverfront, Luther Ely Smith Square, and Kiener Plaza.

Accessibility

The renovations include the installation of an elevator for greater accessibility inside the building, in conjunction with new accessible ramps that were previously installed at both entrances to the outside of the building during phase one of the CityArchRiver renovations

Modernization

Structural updates, which will help revitalize and maintain the building’s integrity, include a new heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system; renovated ceilings and flooring; a new fire suppression system; and general restoration and improvements.

Education & History

The renovations at the Old Courthouse bring overlooked stories to life through modern, interactive exhibits that enhance the educational experience for visitors. Key moments, like the landmark Dred Scott case, are explored in greater depth, offering new insights into the Old Courthouse's pivotal role in U.S. history and the ongoing fight for civil rights.

Read below for detailed information on each new exhibit. 

About the Exhibits

Discover a completely reimagined experience inside the Old Courthouse

Featuring brand-new and updated exhibit galleries, these dynamic spaces were thoughtfully designed by Haley Sharpe Design in collaboration with Gateway Arch National Park staff.

Northeast Gallery: Dred and Harriet Scott

Focuses on the Scott family’s fight for freedom, which began in the Old Courthouse, and how the legal and political environment at the time culminated in the infamous U.S. Supreme Court Decision which ultimately led to the Civil War The exhibit gallery also reflects on the legacy and relevancy of their case today.

Northwest Gallery: Pathways to Freedom

Explores African American life in St. Louis: slavery, the tortured legacy of enslaved individuals seeking freedom, post-Civil War civil rights, and more.

Southeast Gallery: Designed for Justice

Highlights the architectural features of the Old Courthouse and the spirit of innovation of architects, designers, builders, and craftsmen.

Southwest Gallery: See You in Court

Focuses on the importance of courts in our society, our legal structure, and the daily activities in the courthouse from 1839 to 1930. Visitors will be able to experience an 1850s courtroom and re-enact mock trials that will further their understanding of how our court system allows us to settle disputes peacefully and provide a framework for how our society functions.

Festival Keynote Speaker

Jenifer Lewis

A Missouri native, Jenifer Lewis is a celebrated actress, singer, and activist with a prolific career spanning over four decades. We are thrilled to welcome Jenifer back to her hometown to give remarks during the Community Festival as we commemorate the Grand Re-Opening of The Old Courthouse.

About

Dubbed a National Treasure and a force to be reckoned with, award-winning actress/ activist, and author, Jenifer Lewis, star of the 8 seasoned hit TV show Black-ish, has appeared in over 400 episodic television shows, 68 movies, 143 animations, and 4 Broadway shows.

Most recently she starred as 'Patricia' in the Showtime series "I Love That For You." Jenifer has performed in more than 200 concerts worldwide including, sold out audiences at Lincoln Center and an electrifying standing ovation at Carnegie Hall.

Her accomplishments as an entertainer and community activist have been recognized with an honorary doctorate from her Alma Mater, Webster University and the Career Achievement Award from The American Black Film Festival. On Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday, The King Center for Non-Violent Social Change awarded Jenifer with the Yolanda D. King Higher Ground Award.

In November 2022, Jenifer published her second critically acclaimed book "Walking in my Joy: In These Streets"and was honored by the Congressional Black Caucus. Jenifer received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame July 15, 2022. She was born and raised in Kinloch, Missouri.

Support Projects Like This

Make a monumental impact that will last generations

Major projects like the Old Courthouse Renovations would not be possible without the support of people like you.

Generous contributions from our members and donors go directly towards our mission, uplifting our hometown national park and strengthening our region. Our mission, which includes conservation on the park grounds, preservation of the park’s storied history, hosting free-to-the-public community events, and funding educational programs for students from under-resourced communities, is critical to the livelyhood of St. Louis.

Join us in shaping the future. Become a member or make a donation today.

Make Your Impact

FAQs

Got questions? We have answers.

See below for frequently asked questions about the Old Courthouse Grand Reopening. If you have further questions, please message us at info@archpark.org.

Is this event free to attend?

Yes! This event is 100% free to attend.

Do I need to RSVP to this event?

RSVPs are not required to attend, but we do encourage you to save the date by visiting our Eventbrite page.

Where is the Old Courthouse?

The Old Courthouse is located in the heart of Downtown St. Louis, just west of the Gateway Arch.

Address: 11 N 4th Street, St. Louis, MO 63102

Get directions.

Where should I park?

Parking is available at the Kiener Plaza East (500 Pine St.) and West (604 Pine St.) Garages, starting at $8 for up to 12 hours. View on map. Guests who sign up for an InterPark Express account at iparkit.com/register will receive 20% off their first five uses; simply choose your day and time and scan your device to get in and out of the garage. During Cardinals baseball games or other Downtown events, event rates may apply.

Downtown metered and surface lot parking is also available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Member Parking

Did you know? Gateway Arch Park Foundation members at the Supporter level and above receive 10 free parks for Kiener East Parking Garage, and discounted parking in Kiener East thereafter, with no blackout dates!

Is this event family-friendly?

Yes, people of all ages are invited to celebrate the Old Courthouse Grand Reopening.

How can I support the Old Courthouse and Gateway Arch Park Foundation?

The best way to show your support for projects like this is by becoming a Gateway Arch Park Foundation member, which also comes with several great perks!

Learn more.