Here’s What’s Inside the Gateway Arch in Downtown St. Louis, Missouri

What to Expect

The Gateway Arch isn’t just a shiny photo op – there’s a whole hidden world inside that 630-foot steel curve. From the retro-space-age tram pods that crawl up the legs to the observation deck’s crazy views of the Mississippi, here’s what’s actually going on inside America’s tallest monument when you venture past the surface.

This Steel Giant Started as a Contest

At 630 feet, the Arch is undoubtedly the biggest monument in America. Architect Eero Saarinen won a contest for designing this shiny steel landmark. The Arch needed over 43,000 tons of steel and celebrates how America grew westward, with St. Louis serving as the starting point for pioneers heading west.

Your Journey Starts With 1960s Cartoons

Your trip starts with fun displays showing old 1960s cartoons and cool Arch facts. Before you get into your small 5-person pod for the ride up, you’ll get about 10 minutes to check out the old cartoons and panoramas with rangers there to answer any questions.

The whole thing takes about 45-60 minutes. At the top, you walk up a small ramp to the viewing area, which is 65 feet long but only 7 feet wide.

Tiny Space Pods Take You to the Very Top

You’ll go up the Arch in a special tram system unlike any other. Each side has eight small pods that fit five people, hanging from tracks and turning like Ferris wheel cars to keep you upright. The ride takes four minutes up and three down, with trams leaving every 10 minutes.

Your ticket comes with a boarding pass showing your pod number. Both trams working together can move over 400 people every hour.

Six Rooms Tell 200 Years of American Stories

Under the Arch, walk through six detailed galleries on American history from 1764 to 1965. These exhibits tell stories about Native Americans, explorers, and pioneers, showing both good and bad parts of westward growth.

The Movie That Shows Who Built This Monster

You can see a 35-minute movie called “Monument to the Dream” showing how workers put together this massive steel structure. It plays in the theater inside the Arch building and really adds to your visit by telling the story behind this landmark.

You can add it to your tram ticket or buy it separately.

Virtual Headsets Take You Back to 1850s

Try the 10-minute virtual reality experience that puts you on the busy St. Louis riverfront from the 1850s. The 3D headsets give you a complete 360-degree view of the past.

Gift Shop Where Everyone Buys Mini Arches

Make sure to stop by the Arch Store for cool keepsakes before leaving. People often mention the good selection and fair prices. They sell everything from small Arch models and books to St. Louis themed stuff near the exit. The store closes about 15 minutes before the museum, so plan your time well.

Nearby St. Louis Spots

You can walk from the Arch to historic Laclede’s Landing, Washington Avenue, and Busch Stadium first. Quick drives include places like the St. Louis Zoo, Forest Park, and the Missouri Botanical Garden.

The Old Courthouse, part of the same national park as the Arch, hosted major civil rights cases. The fixed-up park covers 91 acres of riverfront space with walking trails connected to downtown, with signs along the paths telling you about the area’s history.

The Quick Facts You Need Before Your Trip

Gateway Arch National Park sits at 11 North 4th Street in downtown St. Louis.

The big park grounds around it stay open from 5 AM to 11 PM every day all year, giving you plenty of time to explore outside. Inside, the museum runs from 9 AM to 6 PM during the regular season and stays open until 8 PM in the summer months.

Other helpful info:

• Tram tickets cost $12 for adults and $8 for kids
• Park at the Stadium East Garage if you can
• Security works like at airports, so no weapons are allowed
• Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day

Book your tickets way ahead of time. They often sell out fast, especially during tourist season.