Visiting National Blues Museum

About National Blues Museum

On Washington Avenue downtown, this museum traces the blues from its roots in the Deep South to its influence on rock and soul, with interactive exhibits that let you mix your own track. It reflects St. Louis's own blues history.

Tip: Check the calendar for live performances, which bring the exhibits to life.

Plan your visit

• Time needed: 1.5 hours.
• Cost: Low cost.
• Book ahead: not usually needed; buy on arrival.
• Where: Downtown, the Arch, Busch Stadium and the Washington Avenue loft district.

Best time to visit National Blues Museum

National Blues Museum is indoors, which makes it a good plan for the wettest months:

• May: 25°C (77°F) highs, about 12 rainy days, moderate crowds.
• March: 13°C (55°F) highs, about 11 rainy days, quiet crowds.
• April: 19°C (66°F) highs, about 11 rainy days, moderate crowds.

When to visit St. Louis has the full month-by-month picture.

Fit it into your trip

National Blues Museum is not on our short itineraries, so plan it as an extra once you have seen Gateway Arch and Forest Park.

• No. 18 of the 19 sights in our St. Louis things-to-do list.
• One of the picks in museums in St. Louis.
• One of the picks in st. Louis on a rainy day.
• One of the picks in historic sites in St. Louis.

Near National Blues Museum

Also in Downtown, so you can walk between them:

• Citygarden — 30–45 minutes, free
• Busch Stadium and Ballpark Village — 3 hours, mid-priced
• City Museum — 3–4 hours, mid-priced

If you like National Blues Museum

• Saint Louis Art Museum — Forest Park, 2–3 hours
• Missouri History Museum — Forest Park, 1.5–2 hours
• Saint Louis Science Center — Forest Park, 2–3 hours
• St. Louis Union Station — Downtown West, 1–3 hours

Staying near National Blues Museum

Stay in Downtown ($$$) to walk here: the Arch, Busch Stadium and the Washington Avenue loft district. All areas to stay in St. Louis.

Questions travellers ask